Why should I outline rather than just write?

How should I outline?

The broad structure of an outline should be:

  1. The point you are trying to make
    1. Subpoint / Supporting point (Citation)
    2. Subpoint / Supporting point (Citation)
    3. Subpoint / Supporting point (Citation)
  2. Another point you are trying to make
    1. Subpoint / Supporting point (Citation)
    2. Subpoint / Supporting point (Citation)
    3. Subpoint / Supporting point (Citation)

The main points (I & II) are usually conclusions that you have come to. Like a topic statement you write based on the supporting literature (which is in your subpoints).

The subpoints should always be ideas from the literature, with citations, that support your main point.

Some tips on writing the points

Some tips on the connections between points