Outlining things that you read will help you to study for tests. 

Outlining what you read is like undoing the writing process.  When you write a paragraph, you write a topic sentence, two or three detail sentences, and a closing sentence.  When you outline, you look for these elements in the matter you are reading.  Your outline will look like this.

I.  Main Idea

     A.  first detail

          1.  more information about the first detail

     B.  Second detail

           1.  more information about the second detail

II.  Main Idea 2

     A.  first detail

Here is an example of an outline of Psalm 23.

I. Lord as Shepherd

     A.  He takes care of my needs

          1.  I don't want for anything

          2.  makes me lie down

          3.  leads me by still waters

          4.  restores my soul

          5.  leads me into righteousness

               a.  for His name's sake

II.  God is with me

     A.  I will not fear in the face of death or evil

     B.  He comforts me

III.  I will live with God forever

     A.  He takes care of me in all situations

          1.  in the presence of my enemies

          2.  when I am injured

               a.  he anoints my head with oil

     B.  His Goodness and Mercy are with me always    

Notice that it is not necessary to write complete sentences, though you may.

Notice that the Main idea is not necessarily the first sentence in the paragraph.

Practice outlining, and it will be a valuable tool for you in your education.

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