Lesson 3

Writing a Topic
Outline
 Distinguish between
Learning and among techniques
Competency 1 in selecting and
organizing information
(topic outline)
(EN11/12RWS-IIIa-2.3).
 Objectives

● define what a topic outline is;

● write a topic outline following the suggested steps;
and
● write an essay using the generated topic outline.
 Essential Question

How can creating a topic outline help you improve your

essay?
 Warm Up!

Think about the following questions. Discuss your answers with

a partner:
a. Have you ever done any other prewriting process before
apart from brainstorming?
b. Have you written an outline before? Was it easy?
c. How did it help you in writing your essay?
d. List down five things that you think must be considered in
creating an outline.
 Review

What are the different kinds of graphic

organizers and when should you use them?
 Learn about It!

Topic Outline

- a list of ideas arranged in a specific order, and it shows how

information is presented in writing.
- it is divided into two levels: the headings and the
subheadings.
 Learn about It!

The headings represent the main ideas and are indicated by

Roman numerals, while the subheadings represent the
supporting ideas and are indicated by capital letters.

Sub-subheadings are the specific details or concrete

examples of the supporting ideas.
 Learn about It!

Steps in Writing a Topic Outline

1. Identify your topic, thesis statement, and purpose for

writing.
2. Figure out the main points.
3. Arrange the main points in a logical order.
4. Identify and write down the supporting ideas for each main
point.
5. Evaluate your outline.
 Learn about It!

Topic: Study Habits

Thesis statement: It is important to develop good study habits in order to
achieve one’s academic goals.
Writer’s specific purpose: To inform readers about the importance of
developing study habits and provide suggestions to develop healthy study
habits

I. Benefits of Developing Good Study Habits

A. Personal testimony of the positive effects of developing good study habits
B. Findings of research showing the positive effects of having good study
habits
Learn about It!

II. Suggestions to Develop Healthy Study Habits

A. Identify one’s learning style
1. Visual
2. Audio
3. Tactile
4. Kinesthetic
5. Combination
A. Identify one’s learning preference
1. Time of the day
2. Type of music
3. Place of study
 Drills

Construct a topic outline using the picture below. Start by

choosing a topic, thesis statement, and purpose for
writing. Then, continue with the other parts of the topic
outline.
Drills
 Drills

Topic: ______________________________________________________________
Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________
Purpose: ___________________________________________________________

I. __________________________________________________
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________

II.__________________________________________________
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
 Drills

Using the provided topic, write down a topic outline

following the steps you learned in the lesson.

Topic: Technology in the Classroom

Thesis Statement: ____________________________________________
Purpose: ______________________________________________________
Drills

I. __________________________________________________
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________

II.__________________________________________________
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
 Drills

Criteria Score

Content
(The outline made use of all the information from the picture.) 5 pts

Organization
(There is a logical progression of details/events presented in the
outline.) 3 pts
Language
(There are fewer than 3 errors in spelling, mechanics, grammar, and
word choice.) 2 pts

Score: /10
 Values Integration

What are other applications of writing a topic outline?

How will your knowledge of writing a topic outline be
beneficial in these contexts?
 Synthesis

1. Write down an essay that meets the purpose of the

outline using the topic outline you created in the
Evaluation activity.
2. After writing, look for a partner who will evaluate your
output using the given rubric.
3. Brainstorm with your partner on how you can improve
your essays.
4. Revise your outputs based on your partner’s comments.
5. Submit your evaluation, first draft, and final draft.
 Synthesis

After the activity, answer this question:

● How did your topic outline help you write an effective
essay?
 Synthesis

Criteria Score
Content
(The paragraph made use of all the information from the topic
outline.) 5 pts
Organization
(There is a logical progression of details/events; clear transitions
between ideas.) 3 pts
Language
(There are fewer than 3 errors in spelling, mechanics, grammar,
and word choice.) 2 pts
Score: /10
 Assignment

1. Read an online article on any national issue.

2. Choose your stand on the issue.
3. Write a topic outline based on the article you have
read.
4. Using the generated outline, write a compelling
essay to present your stand on the issue.
5. Submit both your topic outline and your essay.
Criteria Score

Content
(The essay is well organized and all claims are supported. It has a
solid introduction, body paragraphs that contain clear topic
sentences, and ends with an effective conclusion.) 2 pts
Organization
(Logical progression of details/events; clear transitions between
ideas.) 2 pts
Language
(spelling, mechanics, grammar, and word choice) 1 pt
Score: /5