24 Developing the rough outline
In the early stages of developing a formal, detailed outline, create a working outline before you begin gathering information. The rough outline shows you which specific topics to gather information on and which ones to ignore. Think of the outline as a series of questions:
| Rough outline for a report on light water nuclear reactors | Questions generated by the outline |
|
What are the main differences? What are the main components? What are the materials? Design? Dimensions? How many are in operation? Where Who designed them? |
|
How do they differ from PWRs? What are the main components? What are the materials? Design? Dimensions? Designers? Where used? How many? |
|
What are the chief dangers? What are the dangers and safety measures associated with PWRs? What are the dangers and safety measures associated with BWRs? How does the NRC regulate nuclear power plants? What standards does it enforce? How? |
|
What are the construction, operation, maintenance, and fuel costs? What about the availability of fuel? How do these costs compare to output? How do the PWR and the BWR compare in terms of costs and output? How much electricity can a LWR generate at full capacity? |
Figure 1. Viewing an outline as a series of questions
Keep in mind that this rough outline is in its early stage. The formal outline you will ultimately create and submit will be much more developed, containing specific details and information from your anticipated sections of your report.
