Editing Technique: Reverse Outlining

What is reverse outlining?

Reverse Outlining is an editing technique where writers make an outline from an existing draft of their paper. Similarly to a regular outline, a reverse outline helps a writer organize their ideas and evidence in relation to their thesis or main idea.

The Key Difference: Unlike a regular outline, a reverse outline is done after a writer completes a draft. It helps evaluate how well the paragraphs are organized individually and in relation to each other and the thesis.

When should I use a reverse outline?

  • When you have a complete or almost-complete draft of your paper
  • When you are concerned about the structure or organization of your paper
  • When you are trying to see if your paper logically proves your thesis
  • When you feel your paragraphs are messy or unfocused
  • When you want to make sure each of your points is supported by evidence

Making a Reverse Outline

The Basic Method: 5 Key Steps
  1. Begin with a complete or near-complete draft.
  2. Highlight or copy your thesis statement from your introduction.
  3. For each body paragraph, write one sentence that answers the question: “What is my reader supposed to take away from this paragraph?” or “What is my main point in this paragraph?”
  4. Use your sentences to evaluate your paper as a whole and make sure your individual paragraphs are focused (see “Evaluation and Editing” below).
  5. Make any edits that you identified during your evaluation.
Optional Variations: Choose Your Style

There are many ways to make your reverse outline depending on your learning style, the paper you’re editing, and personal preference:

  • The Comment Method: Write each sentence alongside the relevant paragraph in your draft, using the “Comment” function in Microsoft Word or Google Docs (Review → New Comment). Use the “Reply” feature to answer your evaluation questions.
    • Benefit: Allows you to see your outline directly alongside your paragraphs for comparison.
  • The Clean Document Method: Open a clean document specifically for your reverse outline. Put your thesis at the top and then put your sentences in a bulleted list.
    • Benefit: Especially useful for long papers; it collects your sentences in a visually smaller area and uses scaffolded points to show sub-points.
  • The Index Card Method: Write each of your sentences on an index card and lay the cards out on a table or other surface.
    • Benefit: Allows you to easily experiment with different orders and arrangements—helpful if you are having trouble with organization.

Using a Reverse Outline: Evaluation and Editing

Evaluating & Editing: The Paper as a Whole

Evaluation Questions:

  1. Does each paragraph contribute to developing my thesis or main idea?
  2. Do my points build on each other in a logical way? (Is it clear how one idea connects to the next?)
  3. Does my reader receive any necessary background information, definitions, or introductions before discussing complex ideas?
  4. Is there any missing information?
  5. Does your paper fulfill all elements of your essay assignment?

Next Steps for Editing:

  • Use the highlight function in different colors to regroup information.
  • Open a clean document and copy/paste portions of your paper to rearrange paragraphs.
    • Consider using temporary headings to regroup information.
    • Don’t worry about making it into paragraphs yet; just move it to the right section.
  • Make a note of any missing information and jot it down where you think it needs to go.
Evaluating & Editing: Individual Paragraphs

Evaluation Questions:

  1. Does each paragraph have a topic sentence that clearly communicates your point?
  2. Does each sentence relate to the topic sentence? (Remove sentences that do not fit).
  3. If the paper requires evidence, does each paragraph have evidence that directly supports your point? Do you discuss why the evidence relates?
  4. Is there evidence that is less relevant or belongs elsewhere?

Next Steps for Editing:

  • Edit topic sentences that don’t clearly communicate your point. Use keywords from your reverse outline in the revised sentence.
  • Highlight portions that fit the topic sentence in one color, and those that don't in another.
    • Move parts that don’t fit to a better section or a "holding" section.
    • Ensure remaining evidence is introduced, discussed, and cited.
    • If a paragraph is more than one double-spaced page, consider if it's repetitive or should be split.

Sources:
University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center | UNC Writing Center

Resource created by: Laura S.