Writing Workshop - From Draft to Clarity: Reverse Outlining for DPhil Students

5 November 10:00 to 12:00

A two-part online workshop to help you see the structure of your writing — and sharpen it.

 

Struggling to see the shape of your argument?

Reverse outlining is a powerful technique to reveal the structure already hidden in your writing. Join us to learn how it works — and apply it directly to your own text.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Explain what reverse outlining is and why it supports academic writing at doctoral level.

• Apply reverse outlining to a 2,000-word sample of your own writing to diagnose structure, flow, and clarity.

• Identify gaps, redundancies, or misaligned sections in your draft.

• Use your reverse outline to make strategic decisions about revision.

• Build confidence in approaching writing as a process that can be clarified and improved.

 

Every DPhil student knows the moment when a piece of writing feels dense, confusing, or somehow "not quite landing." Reverse outlining is a deceptively simple but powerful tool that helps you see your work from the outside in. By creating a map of what your draft already says, you reveal its true structure — and discover exactly where clarity needs strengthening.

This online, two-part workshop combines learning and practice. In the first hour, you’ll be introduced to reverse outlining: what it is, why it matters, and how to do it effectively. In the second hour, you’ll apply it directly to a 2,000-word sample of your own writing in a supported co-working session. You’ll leave with sharper insight into your draft, practical strategies for revision, and a technique you can use again and again.

 

Who It’s Not For

• Students without a substantial writing sample (at least 2,000 words) to bring.

• Those seeking peer feedback or sharing of writing — this is a private process with your own text.

• Anyone looking for a general “introduction to academic writing” rather than a focused revision technique.

 

Registration opens on Friday 10th October 2025  

 

Our booking process

When your application is received, you will be emailed a link and then have 48 hours to complete a pre-workshop form requesting additional information. If you do not meet this deadline, your application will be cancelled. 

See our full Terms and Conditions below

 

If you have specific circumstances which may affect your engagement with this event, or your meeting our Terms and Conditions, please continue with your booking and contact us by email to discuss how we can support you: researcherdevelopment@socsci.ox.ac.uk

Researcher Development Terms and Conditions

In booking any training workshops, you agree that: 

 

COMMITMENT: application is not an expression of interest; it is a firm commitment. You will be available for the full duration of the course session(s); if you are not, please do not make a booking. You will not accept any subsequent meeting invitations that may fall during the given workshop times. 

PRE-WORK / HOMEWORK: if applicable, you will complete any given pre-work and/or homework as described on the workshop web listing, as it constitutes part of the workshop  

CANCELLATION: should your circumstances change, and you are not able to attend the full session(s). you will cancel giving at least 72-hours' notice, so we can offer the place to someone on the waiting list. 

ARRIVAL: you will join, or arrive at, the workshop 5 minutes before the advertised start time, to ensure a prompt start. 

LATE POLICY: you understand that the online room will be locked / workshop door will be closed 10 minutes after the event start time and late-comers will not be admitted. This is to preserve the integrity of the course for those who are present.  

ENGAGEMENT: you will give the session your undivided attention and engagement. You will not be able to do other tasks in parallel. If online, you will ensure that your environment and internet connection allow you to participate verbally and with video cameras on. These are interactive workshops, and it is not appropriate to attend from a silent or shared workspace. 

ATTENDANCE RECORD: you understand the Register will be taken in the last half-hour of the course, and anyone not present in the room at that point will be marked as non -attending (see below) 

FEEDBACK: you will contribute feedback afterwards, to help us understand how well the session met its intended aims, and facilitate our continuous improvement 

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-ATTENDANCE: you understand that any non-attendance  
a) is visible to departments and supervisors/PIs, and  
b) may result in any future bookings you’ve made within the same term being cancelled, and the place(s) offered to the waiting list.