{"id":3900,"date":"2016-08-22T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-08-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/?p=3900"},"modified":"2019-03-17T07:11:14","modified_gmt":"2019-03-17T14:11:14","slug":"reverse-outline-use-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/reverse-outline-use-one\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Reverse Outline and Why Should You Use One?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There are lots of times when doing something in reverse isn\u2019t the best idea\u2014like walking backwards through town or driving in reverse down the interstate. Neither of these serve any useful purpose (and can actually be dangerous).<\/p>\n<p>So don\u2019t try these at home.<\/p>\n<p>What you definitely <i>should<\/i> try at home (or in your dorm room, in the library, or anywhere else you study) is writing a reverse outline of your paper.<\/p>\n<p>A <i>reverse outline? <\/i>Is that like starting at the end and outlining your conclusion first?<\/p>\n<p>Not exactly.<\/p>\n<p>So what <i>is <\/i>a reverse outline, and why should you use one? Let me explain.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4115\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4115\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4115\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4115\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman.jpg\" alt=\"reverse outline\" width=\"500\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman.jpg 886w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman-300x277.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman-768x710.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4115 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20462%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"reverse outline\" width=\"500\" height=\"462\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20462%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman.jpg 886w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman-300x277.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman-768x710.jpg 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-batman.jpg\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4115\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Kiddy Batman Slightly Confused&#8221; by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ssoosay\/2948173806\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Surian Soosay<\/a>, Flickr.com (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>What Is a Reverse Outline?<\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve had to write <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/write-5-paragraph-essay-outline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">outlines<\/a> many times in your academic career. And I\u2019m sure you know that an outline is a form of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/6-prewriting-strategies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prewriting<\/a> that helps you organize ideas <i>before <\/i>you begin drafting your essay.<\/p>\n<p>A reverse outline is a lot like a standard outline. The difference is that you\u2019ll write a reverse outline <i>after <\/i>you write your paper.<\/p>\n<p>To do this, simply review a completed draft of your paper and outline the key parts, such as the thesis statement, main arguments (or topic sentences), and evidence used to support each of your arguments.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Should You Use a Reverse Outline?<\/h2>\n<p>The quick answer is that a reverse outline can help you write a better paper. (And a better paper means a better grade, so it\u2019s a win-win, right?)<\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-tweet-clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-click-to-tweet\">\n<div class=\"tm-ctt-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Reverse+outline+%3D+a+better+paper+%3D+a+better+grade.+It%27s+a+win-win.&#038;via=kibin&#038;related=kibin&#038;url=https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/reverse-outline-use-one\/\" target=\"_blank\">Reverse outline = a better paper = a better grade. It&#8217;s a win-win.<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Reverse+outline+%3D+a+better+paper+%3D+a+better+grade.+It%27s+a+win-win.&#038;via=kibin&#038;related=kibin&#038;url=https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/reverse-outline-use-one\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"tm-ctt-btn\">Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-ctt-tip\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>More specifically, using a reverse outline can help you:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Decide if your paper meets <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/essay-writing-blog\/essay-assignment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">assignment guidelines<\/a><\/b>. If you\u2019re supposed to write a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-write-a-compare-and-contrast-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compare and contrast essay<\/a>, completing a reverse outline can help you see if you\u2019ve included both comparisons and contrasts, or if you\u2019ve only included comparisons and have forgotten all about contrasting ideas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Determine whether your main arguments follow your thesis<\/b>. For example, If your thesis statement informs readers that you\u2019re evaluating the <b>themes<\/b> of <i>The Scorch Trials<\/i>&nbsp;but you\u2019re outline reveals you\u2019re analyzing <b>symbolism<\/b>, you\u2019ll either need to rewrite your paper or rewrite your thesis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b><b>Identify sections of your paper that may need further evidence, analysis, or development. <\/b><\/b>A topic sentence might explain that the goal of the paragraph is to explain why raising the speed limit won\u2019t cause any more accidents, but a reverse outline might also reveal that you only have your own opinion in the paragraph. If you\u2019re supposed to write a research-based essay, this is a clear indication that this paragraph needs some major revision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b><b>Identify information in your paper that needs to be deleted (or perhaps moved to another section).<\/b> <\/b>Let\u2019s say you have two paragraphs that discuss cities with wonderful cycling paths, but one of those paragraphs is on page two and the other on page four. A reverse outline can help you see that you should move those paragraphs next to each other, combine the paragraphs into one, or perhaps delete one of the paragraphs if it\u2019s redundant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b><b>Decide if the paragraph contains too many ideas. <\/b><\/b>If one of your body paragraphs discusses point of view, symbolism, and tone in <i>To Kill a Mockingbird<\/i>, the paragraph contains too many ideas. Reverse outlining can help you see where to split ideas into individual paragraphs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b><b>Decide if all information in your paper is appropriate.<\/b> <\/b>If you\u2019re assigned to write a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-write-a-research-paper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research paper<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/third-person-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">third person<\/a>, a reverse outline can help you realize that a paragraph about your own personal experience or opinion isn\u2019t appropriate for this assignment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Do You Write a Reverse Outline?<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4114\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4114\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4114\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4114\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"reverse outline\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4114 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20332%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"reverse outline\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20332%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-confused-300x199.jpg\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4114\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;It Looks Insoluble&#8221; by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/carbonnyc\/6415460111\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">David Goehring<\/a>, Flickr.com (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Step #1 Draft your paper<\/h3>\n<p>If you don\u2019t yet have a draft (or even a partial draft), you cannot exactly move on to step 2, so if you don\u2019t have your paper written yet, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/book-writing-blog\/how-to-stop-procrastinating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">what are you waiting for<\/a>? Get writing!<\/p>\n<h3>Step #2 Identify the thesis statement of your paper<\/h3>\n<p>Look for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-write-a-thesis-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">thesis statement<\/a>&nbsp;at the end of your introductory paragraph(s). If you can\u2019t find the thesis statement, you\u2019ll definitely need to revise.<\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve identified the thesis statement, check to make sure that it\u2019s appropriate for your paper and assignment.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s say you\u2019re supposed to write a research-based <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/argumentative-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">argument essay<\/a> about bike lanes in your city, and your thesis statement looks like this:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><i><i>Bike paths are essential to commuters, and the city needs to invest more money into developing additional paths throughout the metro area.<\/i><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When you first look at this thesis, it looks fine. It explains the focus of the paper (the need for more bike paths) and explains the key argument (the city needs to invest more money in paths).<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s continue our reverse outline to see if our thesis and essay arguments match.<\/p>\n<h3>Step #3 Outline key ideas<\/h3>\n<p>To outline the key ideas of your paper, start by examining the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/anatomy-perfect-essay-paragraph-structure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">structure of each body paragraph<\/a>. Look for the topic sentence and the evidence you\u2019ve used to support that topic sentence.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4113\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4113\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4113\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"reverse outline\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4113 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20375%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"reverse outline\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20375%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverse-outline-Cyclist-189-300x225.jpg\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4113\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Cyclist-189&#8221; by <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Cyclist-189.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ProfDEH<\/a>, Wikimedia Commons (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>An outline of a body paragraph from our imagined argument essay about bike paths looks like this:<\/p>\n<p><b>Topic Sentence: <\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The metro area is lacking a sufficient number of bike paths.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Evidence to Support Argument:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The city offers one major loop through downtown, meaning that cyclists cannot get to the west side of the city on paths.<\/li>\n<li>The west side of the city also doesn\u2019t provide enough bike racks for cyclists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The topic sentence is basic, but it gets the job done.<\/p>\n<p>The evidence, on the other hand, is clearly lacking. One personal opinion about the number of bike paths isn\u2019t enough to support a research-based essay.<\/p>\n<p>The other clear problem is that the paragraph also discusses bike racks. The focus of the paper is bike paths rather than bike racks. Thus, this information isn\u2019t necessarily suited for this paper.<\/p>\n<p><b>Let\u2019s take a look at another paragraph.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Topic Sentence: <\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Current bike paths are dangerous to both cyclists and motor vehicle drivers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Evidence to Support Argument:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>In 2014, five bicycle accidents were reported at the intersection of 4th\/Cooper. (Cited from source A.)<\/li>\n<li>One cyclist fatality was reported in the metro area in 2015. (Cited from source B.)<\/li>\n<li>An interview with regular metro cyclists reveals that 72% have had a near accident in the past six months. (Cited from personal interview.)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>At first glance, this paragraph looks like it\u2019s in fine shape. It has a clear topic sentence and ample evidence from sources.<\/p>\n<p>But look again. What is it missing?<\/p>\n<p>The topic sentence states that the paragraph will discuss dangers to cyclists <i>and <\/i>motor vehicle drivers. This paragraph only discusses the dangers to cyclists. It makes no mention of motor vehicle drivers.<\/p>\n<p>This is <i>exactly<\/i> why a reverse outline is so helpful! It makes it easy to see where your paper might need more information.<\/p>\n<p><b>Finally, let\u2019s revisit our original thesis&nbsp;to&nbsp;see if it matches the content of our essay. &nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><i><i>Bike paths are essential to commuters, and the city needs to invest more money into developing additional paths throughout the metro area.<\/i><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Hmmm &#8230; this thesis statement focuses on the need for the city to invest more in bike paths, but our paragraphs don\u2019t discuss this at all. Big problem!<\/p>\n<p>A more appropriate thesis statement for this essay might look like this:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><i><i>The current number of bike lanes in the metro area is inadequate and a danger to cyclists.<\/i><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>See how a reverse outline can help you evaluate these things? Genius, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n<p>For more help with reverse outlines, check out <a href=\"http:\/\/writingcenter.unc.edu\/handouts\/reverse-outline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this short video<\/a>&nbsp;or try one of these worksheets:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/slc.berkeley.edu\/reverse-outlining-worksheet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reverse Outlining Worksheet #1<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/eng166fall2015.files.wordpress.com\/2015\/05\/reverse-outline-worksheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reverse Outlining Worksheet #2<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And if you&#8217;re tackling your reverse outlining and making revisions on actual physical paper\u2014ya know, by hand with a pen\u2014here&#8217;s a <a href=\"https:\/\/owl.english.purdue.edu\/owl\/resource\/689\/1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">good process<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>The Final Revisions<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ro.png\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4532\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ro.png\" alt=\"reverse outline\" width=\"500\" height=\"301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ro.png 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ro-300x181.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4532 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20301%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"reverse outline\" width=\"500\" height=\"301\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20301%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ro.png 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ro-300x181.png 300w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ro.png\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Notice that the previous heading says \u201cfinal revisions\u201d\u2014plural.<\/p>\n<p>This means that, even though you revise after completing your reverse outline, you\u2019ll still need to review your paper once again to make sure everything is ready to submit to your instructor.<\/p>\n<p>Check out these resources to help make your paper a literary masterpiece:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-make-an-essay-longer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Make an Essay Longer Without Writing Useless Fluff<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/academic-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">15 Ways to Improve Your Academic Writing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/essay-formatting-survival-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Essay Formatting Survival Guide (Infographic)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-editing-proofreading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kibin editors<\/a> can help also with revisions. Don\u2019t forget to send your paper our way for some helpful feedback.<\/p>\n<p>Happy outlining!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are lots of times when doing something in reverse isn\u2019t the best idea\u2014like walking backwards through town or driving in reverse down the interstate. Neither of these serve any useful purpose (and can actually be dangerous). So don\u2019t try these at home. What you definitely should try at home (or in your dorm room, &hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"blog-read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/reverse-outline-use-one\/\" class=\"more-link btn btn-primary\"><b>Read more<\/b><span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;What Is a Reverse Outline and Why Should You Use One?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":8282,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[65,158,137],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is a Reverse Outline and Why Should You Use One?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn an easy 3-step process to tackle a reverse outline the smart way, and keep your essay more focused and thesis-driven\u2014and earn a better grade.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/reverse-outline-use-one\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is a Reverse Outline and Why Should You Use One?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn an easy 3-step process to tackle a reverse outline the smart way, and keep your essay more focused and thesis-driven\u2014and earn a better grade.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/reverse-outline-use-one\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kibin Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2016-08-23T00:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2019-03-17T14:11:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/reverseoutline.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"355\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Susan M. Inez\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Susan M. 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