An outline is a general plan of information, that is presented in your academic paper or speech. As a rule, outline is required for most of the big projects. So, if you are going to write a research paper, dissertation, or any other college assignment that requires an outline, then you probably need some writing help and tips concerning outline writing.
An outline breaks the whole plot of your paper into small headings with a one thought each. It also shows the relationship between parts of your paper and the order of your expressed ideas. In order to write an outline, you need to get some information by making a research. While making a research, you can make some notes, containing interesting facts and statements that would go into your outline. You should end up with the main points and basic thesis for supporting them.
All parts of the outline should be constructed and organized to support your main theme, that is why you have to figure out your theme first, and only then try to pick up an appropriate thesis. You should also consider your target audience and the purpose of your writing, so you will know what you need to include and what you can leave out in your outline and later in your paper writing.
It is very important to define our outline structure. Here you have several options: you can write your outline using short phrases, or whole sentences. It is up to you to decide what structure you will choose, but once you have decided, you need to follow either way till the end. While writing an outline, don't forget to put your phrases or sentences in the order you want them in your paper. This order may be thematically, or chronologically built, but it should make sense. A thematic order shows the order of the information that appears in the text. A chronologic order shows the events that happened starting from the earliest date. Define these orders and don't mix them up.
Here are some more tips for outline writing. Most of the time an introduction will be the first main category and the conclusion will be the last.

Let's say, that you are writing a research paper on George Washington, you can use this outline as an example.
I. Childhood and youth.
A. Biographical info.
1. Date of birth.
2. Place of birth.
3. His Family.
B. Forming as a personality.
1. Studying.
2. Hobbies and interests.
II. Adult life.
A. Family.
B. Work experience.
III. Gaining the popularity.
A. Career maker.
1. Headed posts.
2. Military leader.
3. Major actions.
C. Presidency.
1. Impact and contribution.
2. Popularity.
3. Death.
In this outline you see that main categories have Roman numerals, the subcategories have letters, and the thesis have numbers. This is a typical structure of an outline. Every category and subcategory should have at least two constituents. Usually there three categories, they correspond the paper's structure (introduction, body, conclusion). Keep in mind that Word processing makes writing outlines easier because you can edit them as much as you need.
Don't be disappointed if your first outline came out bad. Remember that practice makes perfect!