How to Prepare an Outline

Setting up the Formatting on the Document

1. Open a new Word document.
2. Check the font and font size. Don't use larger than 12 point font or the tabs may be off.
3. Check the page set-up. Margins should be at 1 inch on all sides.
4. To the left of the ruler, note the tab button;a square with L on it. This stands for left tab. Click once on it, and it becomes a center tab. Click on it again, and it becomes a right tab. Click again, and it becomes a decimal tab.
5. Begin with a decimal tab (upside-down T with a decimal). Click on the 1/2 inch mark on the ruler. This will drop a decimal tab at that mark. If the tab is out of position, drag it to the correct spot.
6. Click on the tab button until it becomes a left tab (capital L). Drop left tabs at the 3/4 inch mark, 1 inch mark, etc., every 1/4 inch, up to and including the 2 inch mark. To remove a tab, just drag it off the ruler and release.

Typing the Outline

1. Click on the center icon. Type the title of your paper. Do not use quotation marks, underline, bold, or all caps.
2. Double space. Click the align left icon. Start with your thesis statement or an introductory statement. Make sure to capitalize and punctuate properly.
3. Double space. Now, for the body of your outline.
4. Press tab. Then type I. Then tab again. Then type the first outline topic or sentence. Enter.
5. Press tab twice. The cursor should be under the first letter of the first word in the line above. Type A. Tab. Then type the appropriate topic or sentence. If you have sub-categories 1. and 2. under A., press tab to line up the numbers under the first word in A.
6. Use these labels in this sequence for the outline: I. A. 1. a. (1) (a)

Remember These Typing Procedures:

·Always press tab at the start of each line, even for the Roman numerals. By tabbing the Roman numerals into position under that initial decimal tab, the periods will line up perfectly.

·Always press tab once after typing the period after a number or letter. Don't space with the space bar. Use tab.

·Press Tab to get the headings and topics to line up properly;not the space bar.

·Single space between lines, except double-space before Roman numeral II, III, etc.

Note: If you have a sentence outline, and the sentences are long enough to wrap to a second line, you will need to force the formatting. Do this:

1. Type the sentence, allowing the normal word wrap.
2. Drop the cursor at the start of the second (wrapped) line, and press Enter. It will appear that nothing has happened. Then, press Tab until the first word of this line is aligned with the first word of the line above. Repeat for each improperly wrapped line.