Outlining a Reading: Example

Generally, there are 2 different reasons people write outlines.

One reason: They are planning their own writing. They want to create a "road map" of main ideas before they begin to write sentences.

Another reason: They have a long or difficult reading. They need to break the reading down into a simpler form, so they can focus on ideas and not get stuck on sentences, vocabulary, or writing style. They write an outline summarizing the reading. Then, they use their outline to study from.

This weekend's homework is to write the second type of outline, based on one chapter of Fast Food Nation.

Here is a nice example of an outline of a longer reading. You don't have to actually read these websites, but take a look at how they are different. This will guide you in your own homework.

1: Long Reading titled "Critical Reading"
2: A Summary Outline of the Reading

Please note that you MUST follow outline format - use Roman numerals and the correct margins (less important details are always furter to the right).

You can summarize the writing and use one Roman numeral for one main idea (one main idea may have several paragraphs about it). Or, if you feel unsure, you can be conservative and write one Roman numeral for every paragraph. Both are OK.

Handwriting is OK for this assignment.