A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations, 7th edition - Kate L. Turabian 2007

Create a plan that meets your readers' needs - Converting a storyboard into an outline
Planning a first draft
Part I. Research and writing: from planning to production

Some fields stipulate the plan of a report. Readers in the experimental sciences, for example, expect reports to follow some version of this:

Introduction

Methods and Materials

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

If you must follow a preset plan, ask your instructor or find a secondary source for a model. But if you must create your own, it must make sense not just to you, but visibly to your readers. To create that visible form, go back to your storyboard or outline.

6.2.1 Converting a storyboard into an outline

If you prefer to work from an outline, you can turn your storyboard into one:

Start with a sentence numbered I that states your claim.

Add complete sentences under it numbered II, III, . ., each of which states a reason supporting your claim.

Under each reason, use capital letters to list sentences summarizing your evidence; then list by numbers the evidence itself. For example (the data are invented for the illustration):

I. Introduction: Value of classroom computers is uncertain.

II. Different uses have different effects.

A. All uses increase number of words produced.

 1. Study 1: 950 vs. 780

 2. Study 2: 1,103 vs. 922

B. Labs allow students to interact.

III. Studies show limited benefit on revision.

A. Study A: writers on computers are more wordy.

 1. Average of 2.3 more words per sentence

 2. Average of 20% more words per essay

B. Study B: writers need hard copy to revise effectively.

 1. 22% fewer typos when done on hard copy vs. computer screen

 2. 26% fewer spelling errors

IV. Conclusion: Too soon to tell how much computers improve learning.

A. Few reliable empirical studies.

B. Little history because many programs are in transition.

The sketchiest outline is just phrases, with no formal layers of I, A, 1, and so on.

Introduction: benefits uncertain

Different uses/different effects

More words

More interaction

Revision studies

Study A longer sentences

Study B longer essays

Conclusion: Too soon to judge effects

When you start a project, a sketch may be the best you can do, and for a short project it may be all you need, so long as you know the point of each item. But an outline of complete sentences is usually more useful. More useful yet is a storyboard, especially for a long project.