theme, there should be made some plan or outline,
which will determine what different things are to be discussed,
and what is to be the method of developing the discussion. By the
inexperienced writer, at least, a composition should never be begun
until an outline has been formed for its development. As soon as
the material for the composition is in hand, the outline should be
made. It should be an aid in the construction of the composition,
not a thing to be derived after the composition is completed. Only
by the previous making of an outline can a logical arrangement be
gained, topics properly subordinated, and a suitable proportion
secured in their discussion.

In the previous chapter on the paragraph the following different
subtopics, were discussed:

Definition of Paragraph. How to Secure Unity.
Length of Paragraph. How to Secure Coherence.
The Topic Sentence. Too Frequent Paragraphing.
Unity in the Paragraph. Paragraphing of Speech.
Coherence in the Paragraph. Paragraphing for Emphasis.
Examples of Unity. Examples showing how Unity is
Purpose of the Paragraph. Destroyed.
Emphasis in the Paragraph. The Paragraph Theme.

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.
Paragraphing of speech.
Paragraphing for emphasis.
Too frequent paragraphing.
3. Its essential qualities.
A. Unity.
Definition.
Examples showing how unity is destroyed.
How to secure unity.
The topic sentence.
Development of topic sentence.
Examples showing unity.
B. Coherence.
Definition.
How to secure coherence.
Examples showing coherence.
C. Emphasis.
Places of emphasis in the paragraph.
4. Practical construction of the paragraph.
5. The paragraph theme.

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 foll