Have you ever had to write something and didn't know where to start? Writing a technical article can feel like that; confusing and overwhelming. But there’s a trick to make it easier: using an outline. An outline is like a plan that helps you organize your ideas before you begin writing. It’s like drawing a map so you know where to go next.
Using an outline keeps your writing clear and organized. It helps you stay focused on what you want to say and makes sure you don’t forget anything important. For example, if I’m writing about A/B testing in Next.js and Strapi, an outline helps me explain it step by step.
Whether your topic is simple or complicated, using an outline makes writing much easier. Are you ready to learn how to create your outline?
What Is an Outline?
An outline is a simple plan for your article. It's like a map that shows what you'll write about. It helps you stay organized and write faster.
Why are outlines important?
An outline helps you keep your writing organized and know what to write next. It makes sure you cover all the important points. It also helps you write better and saves time.
Preparing to write your Outline.
Before you start writing your outline, some preparation is necessary. This involves a few key steps to set a strong foundation for your work.
Planning Your Outline.
Think about what you want to say and write down the main points you want to cover.
Decide How to Write.
Decide if you want to write your outline by hand or on a computer. Writing by hand can help you think better, you can doodle and scribble ideas. but typing is faster.
Identify Purpose.
Decide what you want to achieve with your article. Do you want to teach something or share your thoughts?
Know Your Audience.
Think about who will read your article. Are they beginners or experts? For this article, my audience is beginner developers.
The Four Main Part Framework for Building a Strong Outline.
A decent outline has four main parts:
- Title
- Intro paragraph
- Body paragraph
- Conclusion.
Title
The title is what people see first. It should tell them what your article is about.
Use this template:
- " This is the [goal or end result] for [the target audience]."
- Example: " [Implementing A/B Testing in Next.js and Strapi] for [Beginners.]
Introduction
The introduction describes your article and why readers should read it.
Include these points when writing your introduction:
- A hook to grab attention.
- 1-2 sentences about your topic.
Body
The body is the main part of your article. It clarifies your key points.
Include these tips when writing your body:
- At least two sub-points for each main idea
- Examples, quotes, or facts to support each sub-point
Conclusion.
The conclusion wraps up your article.
Include these when writing your conclusion:
- 1. A recap of your main points
- 2. A final thought or call to action
Revising Your Outline.
After writing your outline, check if it:
- Corresponds to your main idea and purpose.
- Covers all important points.
- It’s clear and easy to understand.
If something is missing or unclear, fix it. Don’t skip the outline—it's essential for writing a successful article.
Finally, you may sometimes feel like you know your topic well enough to skip the outline and just write the article. Don’t.
Whatever you do, don’t skip the outline.
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