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96 OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS IN WRITING

Outlining

As already mentiohed, the best way to write an effective paragraph is to outline it first. Outlining is an organizational skill that will develop your ability to think in a elear and logical manner. An outline lets you work on, and see, the bare bones of a paper, without the distraction of a clutter of words and sentences. Outlining provides a quick check on whether your paper is unified. It suggests right at the start whether your paper will be adeąuately supported. And it shows you how to plan a paper that is well organized.

The following series of exercises will help develop the outlining skills that are so important to writjng an effective paper.

Activity 1

One key to effective outlining is the ability to distinguish between major ideas and the details that fit under those ideas. The exercise below will develop your ability to generalize from a list of details and to determine a major thought. In each case, write in the heading that describes accurately the list provided.

Examples Sierns oła cold_ Fueh-

Headache Runny nose Fever Chills	Wood Oil Gas Kerosene 2.
Vanilla fudge	Lincoln
Strawberry	Reagan
Chocolate	Jefferson
Butter almond	Roosevelt 4.
Birthday	Anacin
Get well	Bufferin
Anniversary	Alka-Seltzer
Graduation	Tylenol

5.---m

Robbery	Loafers
Murder	Moccasins
Assault	Sneakers
Kidnapping	Sandals 8
Russian	Washing dishes
Oil and vinegar	Taking out trash
Blue cheese	Making meals
French	Dusting
	in
Cash	Writing
Check	Speaking
Money order	Listening
Credit card	Reading

Activity 2

Major and minor ideas are mixed together in the two paragraphs outlined below. Put the ideas in logieal order by filling in the oiitlines.

fc

Topie sentence: People can be classified by how they treat their cars.

Never wash, wax, or vacuum car

Protective owners -

Clean car only if someone writes ip

dirt on the trunk

Indifferent owners

Deliberately ignore needed

maintenance

Abusive owners

Service car only when it breaks

down

Wash and polish car every week-Keep every mechanical item in top shape

m

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