For any document longer than a short e-mail, an outline can make the writing easier and ensure that all key points are covered. The outline also helps you keep your points

in a logical order and transition smoothly between them. A letter requesting a scholarship or financial aid, for instance, might be organized along the following lines:

1. Describe your educational goals and ambitions.
2. Explain why you need financial aid to attain these goals.
3. Say why you deserve to be given the aid.
4. Cite specific evidence (e.g., community service, extracurricular activities, grade
point average, honors and awards).
5. Ask for the specific amount of money you need.

Here’s the outline for a memo requesting budget approval from your supervisor
at work:

1. List what you want to buy.
2. Describe the item and its function or purpose.
3. Give the cost.
4. Explain why you need it and how the company will come out ahead (e.g., how
much time or money will it save?).
5. Do a cost/benefit analysis showing projected return on investment and paybackperiod.
6. Ask for authorization or approval.