Writing an outline

Writing an outline means writing a summary that is focused on the key facts. In German, we say: eine Inhaltsangabe schreiben.

Definition ‚Outline’

An outline is a brief summary of a given text, focussing on

It contains the main aspects or ideas of a text, that are needed to point on, what are you trying to prove.

An outline describes something, without detail. Just in general. Just the main idea and the important supporting fact.

Thesis: statement, which you are going to prove

- main idea / topic sentence / evidence to prove your thesis
  - - important supporting fact
  - - important supporting fact

- main idea / topic sentence / evidence to prove your thesis
  - - important supporting fact
  - - important supporting fact

- Don’ts
  - - No examples (keine Beispiele)
  - - No Details (keine Details)
  - - No repetition (keine Wiederholungen)
  - - No own opinion (keine eigene Meinung)

- Text type (Textsorte)
  - - In the extract / article / paragraph / novel / story / excerpt / report, …

- Topic or thesis (Thema oder Hypothese)
  - - is about …. .
  - - It deals with ….
  - - It describes …

In the main part of the outline only important, relevant and needed information to prove your thesis in the introduction are mentioned.

Reflection of what has been said before. Brief mentioning of the topic sentence and restatement of the thesis.

Maybe a conclusion – if requested by your teacher / customer.

Example phrases:

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