Writing Strategy: Outline Structure

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Outline Structure is used to preview the content of the D/C section and orient the reader to noteworthy features of the text. Typically used in longer Discussion sections, this Strategy is especially helpful if writing a thesis or dissertation, enabling writers to lay out the organization of this section. As mentioned before, the D/C section typically moves from specific to general information about the research topic, but researchers may also consider keeping the same information flow across the Results, Methods, and Discussion sections. The general to specific structuring helps readers develop a rhythm as they read, and parallel information flow facilitates their comprehension. Either way, readers need to be able to follow the logic of organization. Take a look at the following excerpt, for example:

• “In this section, we first provide an overview of key findings from our study followed by a general discussion in response to previous literature. We then focus on future directions for our work and how our research can be used in broader contexts.”

Here are some other Language Use patterns you may find: