3 Article Outline Essentials
Most writers I talk with who experience "writer's block" do not
get bogged down by the content of the article, rather they are
stopped by the outline proper. Without an outline, there can be
no article. You can write effectively by remembering three
essentials; I will share with you how your success or failure in
article writing depends on mastering these essentials.
So, what are the essentials? You already know them: your topic
sentence, the body of your article, and your conclusion. A
fourth essential, your title, can and should be derived from
your topic sentence. Thus, if you have a title it is your topic
sentence and vice versa.
The problem many writers have is really with the second
essential, the body of the article. Too often this is what holds
up the outline, and ultimately the article, from being
successfully completed. What is the answer for you? Bullets.
That's right, think of three or four generalized points and make
them the highlights of your body. For example, if you are
writing a product review on the Chrysler 300M your bullets could
be:
1. The car's unique style.
2. The car's performance.
3. Chrysler's success with the model.
4. Special price offers for the car.
Take each "bullet" and expand the thought further by naming at
least 3 related thoughts. For example, with bullet #1 you could
mention that the car is boxy, with big wheels, and possesses a
solid grill.
Bullet #2 could speak about the car's engine, speed, fuel
performance, and interior.
Bullet #3 could stress how the 300M has successfully pulled up
Chrysler's sales, you could compare it with its chief
competitors, and you might want to make mention how it compares
with its "twin," the Dodge Magnum.
Finally, bullet #4 might cover any specials Chrysler is running
on the car, financing and leasing options, and warranty
information.
Once you have the bullets in place and have identified the
related thoughts associated with each bullet, it is time for you
to write. In this sample case [the review of Chrysler's 300M]
you will probably come up with four solid paragraphs containing
an average of six sentences each.
Oh, did I mention the conclusion? Perhaps you will want to leave
the conclusion out of the article until the body is done. Yes,
this flies into the face of what your English Composition
teacher taught you in high school, but it can be a fun thing to
do. Why? As you write your body you will see that you can "move"
in a variety of ways as you make your point. Once you are
satisfied with your point, then write the conclusion [or
summation] based on the body.
Most articles of 500-600 words can be written and written well
with as little as three bullets. Longer articles require
additional bullets or, at the very least, you will need to
expound further on points that you have made.
You do not need to be held hostage by your outline, or lack
thereof. Create a simple outline that can be expanded as you
master the bullets which comprise the body of your article. In
no time you will be writing strong, persuasive, and interesting
articles and your writer's block will be nothing but a dim
memory.
(c)2005; Matthew C. Keegan, LLC