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What is the purpose of preparing an outline before writing?

  1. To break up the essay into manageable chunks

  2. To prevent the essay from wandering away from the purpose

  3. To add credibility to the argument

  4. To introduce the ideas presented in the essay

The correct answer is: To prevent the essay from wandering away from the purpose

Preparing an outline before writing is a crucial step in the essay writing process. An outline helps to organize thoughts and ideas in a systematic manner, ensuring that the essay stays focused and on track. Option A may seem tempting, but the main purpose of an outline is not just to break up the essay, but to keep it coherent and relevant to the main purpose or argument. Option C does not directly relate to the purpose of preparing an outline. Option D is also not the main purpose of an outline, as it should be used to structure the essay rather than introduce ideas. Therefore, the best answer is B - to prevent the essay from wandering away from the main purpose.