If the topics had been taken up in the above irregular order, a sorry result would have been obtained. Compare the above list of topics with the following arrangement of the same topics in a logical outline.

THE PARAGRAPH

  1. Its definition and purpose.
  2. Its length.
  3. Paragraphing of speech.
  4. Paragraphing for emphasis.
  5. Too frequent paragraphing.
  6. Its essential qualities.
    A. Unity.
  7. Definition.
  8. Examples showing how unity is destroyed.
  9. How to secure unity.
  10. The topic sentence.
  11. Development of topic sentence.
  12. Examples showing unity.
  13. B. Coherence.
  14. Definition.
  15. How to secure coherence.
  16. Examples showing coherence.
  17. C. Emphasis.
  18. Places of emphasis in the paragraph.
  19. Practical construction of the paragraph.
  20. The paragraph theme.
Paragraphing of speech.
Paragraphing for emphasis.
Too frequent paragraphing.
Definition.
Examples showing how unity is destroyed.
How to secure unity.
The topic sentence.
Development of topic sentence.
Examples showing unity.
Definition.
How to secure coherence.
Examples showing coherence.
Places of emphasis in the paragraph.

180. Use and Qualities of the Outline. The use of the outline is not restricted to an expository composition, as above, but is also necessary in narration and description. Usually, in a narration, the order of time in which events occurred, is the best order in which to present them, though other arrangements may frequently be followed with very good reason.

In a description different methods may be followed. Often a general description is given, and then followed by a statement of various details. Thus, in describing a building, one might first describe in a general way its size, its general style of architecture, and the impression it makes on the observer. Then more particular description might be made of its details of arrangement and peculiarities of architecture and ornamentation.

The whole object of the outline is to secure clearness of statement and to avoid confusion and repetition. To secure this end the outline should present a few main topics to which all others either lead up or upon which they depend. These topics or subtopics should all bear some apparent and logical relation to one another. The relation may be that of chronology; that of general statement followed by details; that of cause and effect; or any other relation, so long as it is a logical and natural one.