Step 2: Make an Outline

Before your write or edit anything, use this checklist of plain language guidelines to plan an outline for your document.

	Introduce your document.
	Organize your ideas in logical order.
	Divide your document into short sections.
	Put the most important information first.
	Use headings and subheadings.
	Include a Table of Contents for longer documents.
If you have a good outline, you’ll spend less time writing and rewriting.