Use a simple outline (I., A., 1., a.) as a pre-writing strategy for the research report
Exercise Difficulty 4 ~12 min eng.g4.s.ex_17

Outline From Planner

MG-8 Chart
Category-boxes-and-bullets planner anchor (research-mode adaptation): one large box at top labeled RESEARCH QUESTION + R

Category-boxes-and-bullets planner anchor (research-mode adaptation): one large box at top labeled RESEARCH QUESTION + RESEARCH-THESIS, three-to-five medium boxes labeled CATEGORY 1, CATEGORY 2, CATEGORY 3, CATEGORY 4 (optional), CATEGORY 5 (optional), each with 3-5 bullet lines for evidence-with-source-tag beneath it, and one small box at bottom labeled SYNTHESIS / SO-WHAT. Worked example: RESEARCH QUESTION: 'How did Sojourner Truth use her voice to change a nation?' CATEGORY 1: Early Life (bullets: born ~1797, sold 4 times, Dutch first language, source: McKissack). CATEGORY 2: Speeches (bullets: 1851 Akron, 'Ain't I a Woman', source: Painter). CATEGORY 3: Legacy (bullets: stamp, statue in Capitol, source: National Park Service). SYNTHESIS: 'Her voice continues to influence movements for women's and Black freedom.' Print-ready 11x17.

MG-9 Chart
Simple outline template (G4-spring introduction to outlining): hierarchical structure with 4 levels. LEVEL 1 (I., II., I

Simple outline template (G4-spring introduction to outlining): hierarchical structure with 4 levels. LEVEL 1 (I., II., III., IV., V.) = section headings (intro / 3-5 body sections / conclusion). LEVEL 2 (A., B., C.) = sub-categories under each section. LEVEL 3 (1., 2., 3.) = details under each sub-category. LEVEL 4 (a., b., c.) = optional specifics under details. Worked example for Sojourner Truth report: 'I. Introduction A. Hook: opening question B. Context: 19th century enslavement and abolition C. Research-thesis: this report investigates how her voice changed a nation across early life, speeches, and legacy. II. Early Life (1797-1826) A. Birth and family 1. Born ~1797 in Swartekill, NY 2. Dutch first language (McKissack 1992) B. Forced separations 1. Sold 4 times before age 9 (McKissack 1992) 2. Mother taught her to pray (Painter 1996). III. Speeches and Activism A. 1851 Akron speech 1. "Ain't I a Woman?" attributed (Painter 1996) 2. Multiple versions exist (corroboration noted). IV. Legacy A. Cultural memorials B. Continued movements V. Conclusion: synthesis across categories.' Print-ready 11x17, dyslexic-friendly font.

Prompt

Convert your MG-8 category-boxes-and-bullets planner into a 4-level outline (I., A., 1., a.) using the MG-9 template. Section headings (I.-V.) for 5 sections; sub-categories (A./B./C.) under each; details (1./2./3.) with source-tags.

M-4-S-EX-17 Illustration
Reference image of a Grade-4 4-level outline with correct indentation and source-tags. Print-ready 8.5x11.

Reference image of a Grade-4 4-level outline with correct indentation and source-tags. Print-ready 8.5x11.

How it's presented
mode outline fill
Answer criteria
type rubric
criteria
  1. Levels I.-V. for 5 sections
  2. ≥2 sub-categories per body section
  3. ≥1 detail per sub-category with source-tag
  4. Hierarchy visible (indented correctly)
Hints
  1. I. = section. A. = sub-category. 1. = detail. a. = optional specific.
  2. Every detail line should have a source-tag in parentheses.
Misconceptions to watch
  • Flat list (no nesting).
  • Skips source-tags on details.
Used in lessons