Writing an

Outline
A potential way of organizing
ideas before drafting is to present
them in outline form. The outline
consists
of
main
points
and
subcomponents
of
your
topic
sentence. There are two main types of
outline: the topic outline, which uses
phrases and words, and the sentence
outline.
There are two ways to organize
an outline: the traditional order which
uses
Roman
numerals,
Arabic
numerals, letters, and the decimal
system which uses pure numbers and
decimals.
Traditional Order
I.

II.

III.

Introduction
A. _________
B. _________
C. _________
Main Point 1
A. _________
B. _________
B. 1._______
B. 2._______
Conclusion
A.________
B.________

Decimal System
1.0

Introduction
1.1_________
1.2_________
2.0
Main Point 1
2.1________
2.2________
2.2.1.________
2.2.2.________
3.0 Conclusion
A.________
B.________
Drafting: The Body Paragraphs

Strategies to Combat the

Writers Block
Writers Block is the situation
face by writers when when
they want to write
something but are not able
to do so or their minds are
filled with ideas but could
not find words to express
them.
1.) Write in a conducive place.
2.) Do mental relaxation for 3-5
minutes
3.) Write a letter to a friend about
what you are writing
4.) Try to motivate yourself
5.) Begin writing the body and do
the introduction and conclusion
later
6.) Remind yourself that you are
just writing a draft and not the
final paper in one setting.
Developing the Body Paragraphs
1.) Aim to come up with a complete
draft in one setting. Be guided
by the outline and thesis
statement while incorporating
new ideas that may not have
been included in both.
2.) Consider the writing of each
paragraph
as
a
minicomposition
with
a
topic
sentence in each needing to be
expanded
by
supporting
sentences.
3.) Tap your knowledge of English,
but put aside concerns for
grammar,
punctuation,
and
spelling after the revising stage.
4.) If language problems occur, try
to think
and/or write in the

vernacular first then translate it

to English.
5.) If you need to reqrite the draft
again and again, be amazed by
the fact that you made new
ideas that did not exist earlier.
Arranging supporting details
You supporting details can be
arranged in any of the following
systematic and progressive orders:

1. Spatial Order. This order is

used in physical descriptions of
objects, persons or places with
the main purpose of getting a
visual impression of what is
being described.
2. Chronological
Order.
The
order presents a sequence of
events in order they occurred,
and is appropriate in narration
or in explaining processes and
procedures.
3. Climatic Order. One kind of
climactic order moves from
material of less importance to
that of more importance or from
known to unknown. This is
especially used in enumeration,
classification
and
exemplification.
4. General-to-Particular Order.
Present a general statement
then move to the specifics.
5. Particular-to-General Order.
Present the specifics then move
to the general statement.

Drafting: The
Conclusion

Introduction

and

The Introduction
1.) Introduce the topic
2.) Indicate generally how the topic
is to be developed
3.) State the thesis statement/topic
sentence
4.) Include only relevant materials
5.) Make the introduction short
compared to the rest of the
paper/composition.
Strategies
for
Introduction

Writing

the

1.) Give an overview of your paper

2.) Explain the importance of the
topic
3.) Give
a
broad
background
information
4.) Open with a statement or
statements contrary to your
actual thesis statement/topic
sentence
5.) Narrate a short story
6.) Find some common ground with
your reader
7.) Give a vivid and interesting
description
8.) Begin with a relevant quotation
9.) Give a startling statement or
information
10.)
Ask a rhetorical question
of series of question
Strategies
Conclusion

for

Writing

the

1.) Restate
your
thesis
and
summarize the main points
2.) Point out the significance of
your topic
3.) Emphasize points you want your
reader to remember
4.) Give a warning
5.) Connect/Relate
with
the
introduction
6.) Call for action

7.) End with a quotation, a brief

story, an anecdote