Let's Get Organized!
Are you feeling a bit scrambled? Is your brain starting to fry? OK, it's time to get everything organized. Now that you have found your sources and taken good notes, you must organize your notes into a logical sequence in order to put them together in your paper. There are many different techniques to help you arganize, but the web and the outline are two of the most efficient. All of the help you need is provided below!
Inspiration Software
If you want to use technology to help you get organized, the name of the software that we use in English II is Inspiration 8 (there may be newer versions). It is a free download for thirty days and can be purchased after that. At BHS it is on the computers in the new lab and on the lap tops in the library. To use it go to the "Diagram" option when the software loads. Then, type your main topic into the center bubble. Place your cursor after the topic and go to the top left corner to select "rapid fire". This will put a little red lightning bolt after your topic title. Now, type each of the subtopics for your paper without moving the cursor, but hit "enter" after each one. They will fire off in different directions into their own bubble. Next, move the cursor to one of your new subtitle bubbles, place the cursor after the words and reselect "rapid fire". Keep the cursor there and type in the information that goes under the subtopic. Fire them off again. Every once in a while, go to the top left corner and hit "outline". You will see that your web is transformed into outline form. Hit "diagram" again and keep going. You can move your bubbles around so that you can see them clearly. The logical sequence you use to build your outline is up to you, but it needs to fit together like a puzzle. Remember, for EVERY bubble that you fire one thing off of, you must fire at least two! No bubble can stand alone.
Or...You can write up an outline yourself
Here are some explanation pages to help you sort through outlining. No need to get you fur standing on end. Outlining is easy, but important. If you don't like outlining, find an organizational tool that works for you! Go online and research other organizational tools.
make_an_outline.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
outline_steps.doc | |
File Size: | 23 kb |
File Type: | doc |