There are two main types of outlines: Topic and Sentence outlines. Both types are hierarchical outlines but a topic outline is far more brief.

A topic outline provides a quick overview of topics to be included in an essay. You are probably already familiar with this structure. Look at a syllabus from one of your courses. It is probably the equivalent of a topic outline, with topics listed for each unit, and readings and assignments under each. After each heading in a topic outline for an essay, a maximum of several words is used to identify the topic or idea that will be discussed under the given heading.

In a sentence outline, the thesis and topic sentence of each supporting paragraph are fully written out. The sentence outline forces part of the essay to be written out in sentences before the first draft. Here are examples of sentence and topic outlines:

Sentence Outline

Topic Outline

Outline patterns for essay structure

There are multiple patterns you can use for outlines, each serving a unique purpose. Generally speaking, the following outlines represent possible structures for organizing your essay:

Compare - Contrast
Chronological
Sequential
Advantages - Disadvantages / Pros vs. Cons
Cause - Effect
Problem - Solution
Topic-specific

Read about each type of pattern, and see examples of each, in the document PATTERNS OF ORGANIZATION.pdf

Below is a list of video resources from the University of Southern California's School of Social Work virtual academic center. The videos address developing a sentence ("topic sentence") outline and how to use that to develop your essay.

The next page provides online outlining tools to help you think through the process of outlining. The first is follows a formal outline format and the second follows a compare and contrast format. Experiment with them to see whether either is helpful as a tool to begin outlining and organizing your first draft.

Writing Resource videos from the University of Southern California's social work library

The Topic Sentence Outline (20 minutes 31 seconds)
Topic Sentence Outline and Transitions (11 minutes 41 seconds)
Developing an Essay from Topic Sentences part 1 (5 minutes 19 seconds)
Developing an Essay from Topic Sentences part 2 (5 minutes 45 seconds)

Open the Writing Resources section of the USC School of Social Work online library for more resources on the topic of academic writing (http://libguides.usc.edu/sowkwriting).