College of the Canyons College of the Canyons

Guided Learning Activities

Outlining Your Essay

Introduction

Many of the courses you take in college require you to breakdown a reading into its components. As you read, let's say, an article or an essay, you are expected to figure out the main point, the minor points, and the supporting details of the arguments presented in it. This skill will make you a better reader, helping you understand how arguments are made in writing. It will also assist you in your writing assignments, as the same skill you need for analyzing a reading will come handy when you are asked to put together an argument in an essay.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this activity, you should be able to:
  • Accurately outline the thesis, main points, and supporting details
  • Use a fact sheet to generate a thesis and outline main points and supporting details about a specified topic

Preparation

Before you start, you'll need to make sure you that have the handouts for this activity and the Supplemental Learning Workbook. If you don't, ask a tutor to help you.

Begin the Activity

Once you have all the needed materials, you may procede to the activity by clicking on the button below.

If at any time you need help, please ask a tutor. Click here to begin.

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