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Introduction: How to Make a Textbook Chapter Outline

As a college student, learning from your class’ textbook is often essential. However, being a student also means that time can rarely be found. I also personally find it hard to focus while reading to the point where my mind wanders shortly after beginning to read. This is where outlines are useful. Outlines let you absorb information without reading a whole chapter. Additionally, outlines can be used later to review for an upcoming test. I personally find it easier to focus on the outline and it helps me save time where I’d otherwise be struggling to focus. Outlines are also easy to do! You’ll find your own personal style and have a better sense of what should be included in the outline within a couple of times of doing one.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Step 2: Choose Your Chapter

Step 3: Starting Your Outline

Once you choose your chapter, you can begin the outline. The first step is to write the chapter that your outline is on the top of the page. Include both the number and title of the chapter. This will make it easier to find and study from later on. I use 14pt Times New Roman font but you may use whatever you like.

Step 4: Write a Preview of the Chapter

Step 5: Labeling Each Section

Now it’s time to get into the content of the chapter. Each section of the chapter is separated by large bolded letters called a headline. This makes the chapter organized and will also make our outline organized. On your outline, use some method of formatting such as having an A, B, C, ect. for each headline. You may use roman numerals or something else if you like. I will be using letters.

Step 6: Write Definitions for the Section

Skim through the current section and look for any definitions on the side or any words in bold. Write them in your outline in an indented line below the title following your format choice (I will use lowercase roman numerals). Underline the word and follow it with the definition. If the word is followed by a paragraph instead of an obvious definition like it is here, glance at the back of the book for a glossary at the back of the book for the definition. When all else fails, skim through the paragraph and try your best to come up with a definition on your own.

Step 7: Summarize the Section

Skim through each paragraph and search for important facts and key information. The first and last sentence often include important information or give a better idea of what to look for. Write a 1-4 sentence summary on your outline below the definitions. Keep it on the same indent level as the definitions but use a different letter, number, ect. for each paragraph summary. I will use lower case letters. If the concept is particularly difficult, include provided examples as part of the summary.

Step 8: Draw Tables and Charts

When you summarize each paragraph, include helpful tables and charts. This does not just include copying charts and tables printed in the book. Sometimes information included in a paragraph is better expressed as a table or chart than as written sentences. For example, The above paragraph seems to almost have its information like a list. The paragraph briefly describes different parts of the main idea. Perfect for a table!

Step 9: Repeat Steps 4-8 for the Rest of the Chapter

Follow the mentioned steps for each section, keeping in mind what information is important. Sometimes there are entire paragraphs of examples. It is okay to skip these paragraphs if you have already grasped the concept.

Step 10: Answer the End-of-Chapter Questions

Step 11: Save Your Finished Outline and Keep It Somewhere Safe