Clarity.
If you can't write a clear sentence summarizing the paragraph's
point, you certainly can't write a clear paragraph.
Flow of argument.
It is much easier to quickly judge if present order of paragraphs
(as sentences in the outline) makes the most effective argument.
Rearranging order might improve logic/flow or argument.
Omitting one or more paragraphs might make cleaner argument.
Efficiency.
Revision of the plan of paper is much easier and quicker
if you have only to delete and re-order sentences.
Doing this on the completed draft involves much more work.
Since a concept must be explained when it first appears,
interchanging paragraphs will require moving
definitions.
Paragraphs should flow smoothly into each other. Reordering
paragraphs may require extensive rewriting.
Writing to length.
From sentence outline you can easily judge manuscript's length
and modify to keep essential material within the
desired length.
Time.
All the above -- clarity, argument flow, efficiency, length
management -- can be done faster using a sentence outline.
To cite this page:
Benefits of Writing a Sentence Outline
<http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~wilkins/writing/Handouts/VGs/so_benefits.html>
[Friday, 25-May-2012 19:55:22 EDT]
Edited by: wilkins@mps.ohio-state.edu on
Wednesday, 04-Jan-2006 10:22:34 EST