A full sentence outline is a detailed, hierarchical outline that breaks down the main ideas and supporting details of a paper or presentation into complete sentences. It is a useful organizational tool that helps writers and speakers plan and structure their ideas in a clear and logical manner. In APA (American Psychological Association) style, a full sentence outline follows specific formatting guidelines and is typically used in research papers and other academic writing.
The main difference between a full sentence outline and a topic outline is that a full sentence outline includes complete sentences rather than just keywords or phrases. This allows for more precise and thorough planning of the content and structure of a paper or presentation. In APA style, a full sentence outline should be organized using Roman numerals for the main headings and capital letters for the subheadings, with each level of the outline indented appropriately.
The first step in creating a full sentence outline in APA style is to choose a clear and concise main topic. This should be a broad concept that encompasses the main ideas of the paper or presentation. The main topic should be followed by a series of main headings, which should be expressed as complete sentences and should clearly state the main points that will be discussed in the paper or presentation.
Under each main heading, there should be a series of subheadings that further expand upon the main points and provide supporting details and examples. These subheadings should also be expressed as complete sentences and should be indented appropriately. If necessary, sub-subheadings can be used to provide even more detail and support for the main points.
In addition to the main headings and subheadings, a full sentence outline may also include additional supporting materials such as quotes, statistics, or figures. These materials should be incorporated into the outline in a logical and coherent manner and should be properly cited in accordance with APA style guidelines.
Overall, a full sentence outline is a valuable organizational tool that helps writers and speakers plan and structure their ideas in a clear and logical manner. It allows for more precise planning and helps ensure that all the main points and supporting details of a paper or presentation are included and presented in a coherent manner. By following the specific formatting guidelines for a full sentence outline in APA style, writers and speakers can effectively communicate their ideas and persuade their audience.
