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This method simply requires you to list all words and phrases related to the topic.Don’t be in a hurry to cross out the seemingly unimportant ones as soon as you put them down on the paper.
Here is an example of the listing technique on the topic of "The Pleasure of Having a Bicycle."
1.not very costly
2.easy maintenance
3.one will never forget the skill
4.exercise the whole body
5.easy to learn
6.see the beauty of nature better
7.stop at any place
8.no pollution
9.in close contact with nature
10.reduces stress
11.saves time of commuting
12.can do the repairing job oneself
13.anyone can afford it
Now examine the list,and cross out the ones which do not fit.Next ,group the remaining ones.When all the points fall into their appropriate subgroups,your have created a simple outline,a plan for a paragraph or a short essay.
The remaining points in the above list are related to the economical aspect of owning a bicycle,the improvement of the rider’s health,his flexibility and the actual enjoyment of riding.They can be easily put into four subgroups as follows:
1. Relatively inexpensive
2.Healthy
3.Flexible
4.Personally satisfying
Now you alomsot have an outline with the main points.Of course,you need to think for a minute or two about which points you want to discuss in your writing.You don’t have to include all the ideas you have generated.
Next,pick from the list all the points related with the economical aspect of having a bicycle .
1.Relatively inexpensive to buy and to operate
Do the same for the Bicycle riding improves one’s healthy
2.Simple outlining
an outline is a plan for your writing.It helps you organize your thoughts clearly.It ensures that you won’t include irrelevant ideas and that your points are arranged in logical order.Outlining will also help to write more quickly. Once you’ve worked out a good outline,you have completed 50 percent of the work. With an outline ,the actual writing becomes easier because you don’t have to worry about what you are going to say;you already have a well-organized plan to follow.You’ll be able to concentrate on the actual writing.
An outline maybe the result of your brainstroming activities.When you prepare an outline,your primary concern is not exploring ideas,though you can still put into fresh ideas which have just occurred to you.Your task is to organize in logical order the ideas you have already discovered.
As the outline is for your own reference and will not be seen by the instructor,if can be prepared in a flexible notes type.A simple outline may take this form.
Topic:
A.First main point
1.sub-point
2.sub-point
B.Second main point
C.Third main point
Study the sample outlines below:
Sample 1.
Topic:The Pleasure of Riding a Bicycle
A.Relatively inexpensive
1.To buy
2.To operate
B.Healthy
1.A lot of exercise
2.No pollution
C. Personally satisfying
1.Enjoy the scenery
2.Become part of nature