To start your outline, think about the main points you want to include in your paper. Make a list as they occur to you.  These points will be the major heads (A,B,C,D or I,II,III,IV) in your outline.

Consider your main points.  Are they all equally important?  Decide whether you want to start with your stronger points and use the weaker ones as ancillary evidence, or whether you want to start with your weaker points and build toward your stronger ones.  The strategy you choose is a matter of personal preference—but do make sure that you arrange your main points in some logical order.

Write a phrase, or better yet a sentence, explaining each of your main points.  These will become the topic sentences in your body paragraphs.  Then, under each of your main points, list supporting ideas and evidence.  Don’t assume that each of your main points will require one paragraph.  That may be the case in a short essay, but in a longer paper you will have to devote a few paragraphs to each main point.  In this case, you will want to include sub-heads in your outline.

Once you’ve written your outline, don’t cast it aside!  You have just created a map for writing your paper.  You are now ready to write your first draft.

Based on the main points you laid out in your outline, develop a working thesis for your paper.  At this early stage, it’s best if your thesis is not etched in stone.  As you write, you will naturally clarify and refine your ideas, which will in turn affect your thesis.  You may find that you continually revise your thesis throughout the writing process.

Start writing about the first main point using the supporting ideas and evidence you’ve listed beneath it.  Then, go on to your next point.  If you can write a transition sentence, that’s great.  If not, leave it for later.  Don’t worry if what you’re writing isn’t perfect.  The important thing is to get your ideas down.  This is your first draft.

Notice how an outline helps you break the writing process down into manageable tasks.  It even allows you to skip around and write the "easy" parts first, while keeping in mind the overall organization and direction of your paper.

The Backwards Outline
Some people find it easier to write a draft of the paper first and then outline what they’ve written. To do a backwards outline, write down the main idea of each paragraph.  It may be helpful to jot down supporting ideas as well.

Consider the way in which you’ve organized your main ideas.  Does their organization effectively support and advance your argument?  If not, rearrange your ideas so that they flow naturally and continue to strengthen your argument.