Alphanumeric Outlines
Alphanumeric Outlines
Common Core Language Standard 2
When we take notes from a lecture or a textbook, we create summaries of key information. To understand the relationship of facts, we order them in a hierarchy. In note-taking a hierarchy ranks the facts into main ideas, major ideas which “talk about” the main ideas, and minor ideas which “talk about” the major ideas. Usually we use symbols to create an order which makes sense of the facts, but we can also use sections of our notebook paper, as with Cornell Notes, to show these relationship.
Today’s mechanics lesson is on using periods in alphanumeric outlines to indicate levels of ideas.
Now let’s read the mechanics lesson and study the examples.
Alphanumeric Outlines use numbers, letters, and periods to organize information. The first letter of the word, group of words, or sentence that follows each symbol is capitalized.
- Main ideas are listed as Roman numerals on the left margin and are followed by periods.Examples: I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X.
- Major details are listed as Arabic numerals and are indented on the lines below the main ideas. Major details modify the main ideas. Modify means to describe, change, or limit. The Arabic numerals are capitalized and are followed by periods. Examples: A., B., C.
- The first minor detail modifies the major detail and is double indented on the next line. It begins with the Arabic numeral 1 followed by a period.
- The second minor detail is double indented on the next line and listed as 2.
Now let’s read the mechanics lesson and study the examples.
Use periods to abbreviate the Latin expressions we use to indicate before noon and after noon. Antemeridian is the time from midnight until noon and is abbreviated as “a.m.” Postmeridian is the time from noon until midnight and is abbreviated as “p.m.” Examples: 7:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
Now circle or highlight what is right and revise what is wrong according to mechanics lesson.
Practice: The sixth main idea is IV; the fourth major detail is d; and the third minor detail is 3.
Let’s check the Practice Answers.
Mechanics Practice Answers: The sixth main idea is VI; the fourth major detail is D; and the third minor detail is 3.
Now let’s apply what we’ve learned.
Writing Application: Write your own alphanumeric outline to describe your ideal birthday dinner.
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