Mind Mapping: 

1. Create a central idea that the rest of the map will revolve around.

2. Add main branches to your map and write a keyword on each one. The keyword should relate to the central idea.

3. Add sub-branches that stem from the main branches. These are used to further expand on ideas and concepts. 

4. Color code your branches so you can easily identify the different main branches and sub-branches. 

5. Add images if you would like more visual representations of concepts. 

Listing: 

• List possible topics and then sublists of things you could say about each topic. 

• Write down as many things as possible.

• Use single words or phrases; not sentences. 

• For each idea, write a question that you would like your paper to answer.

• Ex: Main topic is "Why I Want to Become a Nurse." Then there are a lot of words/phrases that are related to the main topic. These words/phrases can be used as the focus points for the body paragraphs. 

How to Use Credo:

1. Go to the Fresno State Library main page.

2. Select 'A-Z List' under "Databases.'

3. Locate and select "Credo Reference.'

4. Type in concise phrases relevant to your topic of interest into the search bar.

What is an Outline? 

Many students are familiar with outlines from any speeches they may have made in their communication classes, but many don't realize that outlining can be just as helpful (if not more so) when they write their papers! There are four main components to an effective outline: 

1. Parallelism: This just means preserving parallel structure from heading to heading. Ideally, if your first word is a verb in heading 1, so should be your first word in heading 2.

Example: 

• 1. CHOOSE DESIRED COLLEGES

  2. PREPARE APPLICATION

2. Coordination: Each heading should hold equal weight. So, all of your major headings should hold information of equal significance as each other. Similarly, all of your subheadings should hold equal weight as well (which should be less than your major headings).

Example: 

• 1. VISIT AND EVALUATE COLLEGE CAMPUSES

  2. VISIT AND EVALUATE COLLEGE WEBSITES

     1. Note important statistics

     2. Look for interesting classes

3. Subordination: Your major headings should contain more general information, while your subheadings should contain more specific information.

Example:

• 1. DESCRIBE AN INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE

     1. Favorite high school teacher

     2. Grandparent

4. Division: Each major heading should be subdivided into at least two parts (denoted by the use of subheadings)

COMPILE RÉSUMÉ

• 1. List relevant coursework

  2. List work experience

  3. List volunteer experience

(This heading is divided into three different parts)

WHY and HOW Should I Outline?