Select the main topics of the chapter and use these as section headings in your chapter outline. Write the headings in a list format, labeled "1," "2," "3" and so on. Leave 2 inches under each heading, where you will write main ideas for each section heading.
Add the first main point under the first section heading. The main points should be indented to 1/2 inch and labeled "A," "B," "C" and so on. For example, beneath a section heading of "1. Nursing Process," the first main point could be "A. Steps." Elyssa Tardiff and Allen Brizee, contributors for Purdue OWL, recommend that each section heading be divided into at least two main points. Leave 1/2 inch to 1 inch space under each main point.
Add specific, bulleted information under each main point. The information should be indented to 1 inch and labeled, "i," "ii," "iii" and so on. Information should be listed in a logical format. Michael Lazaroff of Westport Public Schools suggests listing information by three distinct headings: Definition, Example and Connection. This model encourages students to use higher-order thinking skills rather than regurgitation from the textbook.