CBSE Class 8 English Outlining Worksheet

During prewriting you generate ideas. Outlining gives you a way to organize those ideas before you begin drafting. One way to make an outline is to write pieces of information from your prewriting material on index cards. You can then arrange the cards by main topic and supporting details. When writing an outline, use roman numerals for the main topics. Use capital letters for subtopics. Under each topic, list details using regular numerals. If you include details for a topic or subtopic, always give at least two items. An outline for an account of a rafting trip might look like this:

I. Beginning
A. Floating calmly
B. Sights along river
1. Birds fishing
2. Fish jumping

II. Middle
A. Shooting the rapids
1. Quick reactions of guide
2. Excitement of passengers
B. Stopping for picnic lunch

Exercise 1 Organize the following subtopics and details into an outline for a paragraph about a trip in a hot air balloon. The main topics are provided.

Ended near Calgary, Canada          Flight lasted four days
Length of trip                                    Balloonist endured zero temperatures
More than 6,000 miles                     Started in Seoul, South Korea
Two heaters failed                            Route of trip

I. First solo balloon flight across Pacific Ocean

A. Route of trip
1. Started in Seoul, South Korea
2. Ended near Calgary, Canada

B. Length of trip
1. More than 6,000 miles
2. Flight lasted four days

II. Hardships of trip
A. Two heaters failed
B. Balloonist endured zero temperatures

Exercise 2 Use the outline below to write a paragraph about types of feathers on birds.

I. Body feathers
A. Used for insulation
B. Used for display
1. Bright colors
2. Distinct markings

II. Tail feathers
A. Important for steering in flying
B. Used for balance on ground

III. Flight feathers
A. Used for flight
B. Side of feather toward wing is usually narrower
C. Broader side bends easily to let air move through wing