Outlines for written work can be topic or sentence-based, using alphanumeric or decimal systems to organize information. Topic outlines use brief information while sentence outlines use complete sentences. Both can be organized in alphanumeric or decimal notation.
Most outlines for written work are classified according to how the information is presented within them, including what is stated and how it is organized. A topic outline, for example, uses only short sentences or single words to present the general topic that will be explored in each section. In contrast, a sentence scheme uses complete sentences to describe each topic, providing a large amount of information. Both of these types of outlines can be organized in alphanumeric ways, where letters and numbers are used to indicate different sections, or decimal systems that use numbers to differentiate each subject.
Topic outlines are some of the most common formats and use brief pieces of information to allow a writer to outline the general structure of a written work. The basic format of such an outline is quite simple, consisting of an entry for each main point of the work, often representing a paragraph or two. Within this are several sub-topics that are created to provide information that supports the main point, and this is repeated for each section of the work. Argument outlines use just a word or short phrase to provide information about each point, which the author then expands upon in writing.
In contrast, sentence outlines use complete sentences to provide the framework and information about a piece of writing. They are typically organized in much the same way, with topics and sub-topics, but sentences are used instead of sentences. Such outlines can be quite convenient for work between multiple writers, as it allows them to better understand what each topic covers in more detail. Teachers who request a one-sheet outline may also prefer the sentence type, as it allows them to better understand the topic the writer intended to cover in each section.
Both arguments and sentence outlines are often structured in an alphanumeric method, meaning they commonly use both letters and numbers. The first topic might be labeled “1” with sub-topics labeled “A”, “B” and “C”. Subjects within these might use Roman numerals, such as “i” and “ii” or lowercase letters such as “a” and “b”. The next main argument would be “2”, then “3” and so on.
Outlines can also be arranged in decimal notation, which uses only numbers and no letters. The first argument may be labeled as “1.00”, with the subargument as “1.10”, then “1.20”. The lower arguments within this structure can then be “1.11”, 1.12″, 1.13″ and so on. This type of organization works well for people who are naturally mathematically inclined, even if some people are confused by decimal notation.
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