3 Article Outline Essentials

Most writers I talk with who experience "writer'scompare it with its chief competitors, and you
block" do not get bogged down by the content ofmight want to make mention how it compares
the article, rather they are stopped by the outlinewith its "twin," the Dodge Magnum.
proper. Without an outline, there can be no article.Finally, bullet #4 might cover any specials Chrysler
You can write effectively by remembering threeis running on the car, financing and leasing options,
essentials; I will share with you how your successand warranty information.
or failure in article writing depends on masteringOnce you have the bullets in place and have
these essentials.identified the related thoughts associated with
So, what are the essentials? You already knoweach bullet, it is time for you to write. In this
them: your topic sentence, the body of yoursample case [the review of Chrysler's 300M] you
article, and your conclusion. A fourth essential,will probably come up with four solid paragraphs
your title, can and should be derived from yourcontaining an average of six sentences each.
topic sentence. Thus, if you have a title it is yourOh, did I mention the conclusion? Perhaps you will
topic sentence and vice versa.want to leave the conclusion out of the article
The problem many writers have is really with theuntil the body is done. Yes, this flies into the face
second essential, the body of the article. Tooof what your English Composition teacher taught
often this is what holds up the outline, andyou in high school, but it can be a fun thing to do.
ultimately the article, from being successfullyWhy? As you write your body you will see that
completed. What is the answer for you? Bullets.you can "move" in a variety of ways as you
That's right, think of three or four generalizedmake your point. Once you are satisfied with
points and make them the highlights of your body.your point, then write the conclusion [or
For example, if you are writing a product reviewsummation] based on the body.
on the Chrysler 300M your bullets could be:Most articles of 500-600 words can be written
1. The car's unique style.and written well with as little as three bullets.
2. The car's performance.Longer articles require additional bullets or, at the
3. Chrysler's success with the model.very least, you will need to expound further on
4. Special price offers for the car.points that you have made.
Take each "bullet" and expand the thought furtherYou do not need to be held hostage by your
by naming at least 3 related thoughts. Foroutline, or lack thereof. Create a simple outline
example, with bullet #1 you could mention thatthat can be expanded as you master the bullets
the car is boxy, with big wheels, and possesses awhich comprise the body of your article. In no
solid grill.time you will be writing strong, persuasive, and
Bullet #2 could speak about the car's engine,interesting articles and your writer's block will be
speed, fuel performance, and interior.nothing but a dim memory.
Bullet #3 could stress how the 300M has(c)2005; Matthew C.
successfully pulled up Chrysler's sales, you could