# Article Outline Builder

Turn a defined audience need, research questions, evidence, examples, and boundaries into a coherent article structure with a distinct purpose.

## Usage note

Build the outline after the reader question and evidence are known. Headings should organize a useful answer, not reproduce the section order of search results or force every related keyword into one page.

## How to use this template

1. Define one reader situation, primary question, outcome, scope, and original contribution.
2. Inventory the evidence, examples, definitions, limitations, and unanswered research needs.
3. Assign every section a distinct reader job and the sources needed to complete it.
4. Arrange sections in the order readers need, then test the headings as a standalone argument.
5. Draft, create a reverse outline, and revise structure before detailed copyediting.

## Blank template

### Article foundation

- **Working title:** [Enter]
- **Intended reader and situation:** [Describe]
- **Primary question:** [Write one]
- **Useful outcome:** [What changes for the reader?]
- **Original contribution:** [Evidence, experience, tool, example]
- **Scope:** [Include]
- **Out of scope:** [Exclude or link elsewhere]
- **Existing page not to duplicate:** [URL or None]

### Evidence inventory

- **Material claims:** [List]
- **Primary sources:** [List with owner]
- **Expert contribution:** [Question and person]
- **Required example:** [Describe]
- **Definitions or prerequisites:** [List]
- **Limitations and counterevidence:** [List]
- **Research gaps:** [Question, owner, due date]

### Section card

Duplicate for every section.

- **Proposed heading:** [Write]
- **Reader question:** [What is answered here?]
- **Section job:** [Answer / Explain / Prove / Demonstrate / Compare / Warn / Direct]
- **New contribution:** [One sentence]
- **Evidence and example:** [References]
- **Necessary limitation:** [Enter or None]
- **Transition from previous section:** [Explain]
- **Approximate emphasis:** [Short / Medium / Major]

### Outline review

- [ ] The opening provides relevant context and an appropriate direct answer.
- [ ] Definitions and prerequisites appear before dependent sections.
- [ ] Recommendations follow reasons and evidence.
- [ ] No two sections perform the same job.
- [ ] The heading-only outline makes sense.
- [ ] The conclusion offers a next action supported by the article.
- **Reviewer and decision:** [Name / Approve / Revise]
- **Reverse-outline date:** [YYYY-MM-DD]