Although it’s clear that the outline format is superior to putting every item on the same level, outlines are not a good match for every situation. Here’s when using an outline does make sense:
Anytime you are given an outline as a starting point, e.g.:
A lecturer or instructor passes out a printed outline or writes an outline up on the board
A meeting agenda in outline form is passed out to all participants
When reading a book chapter or article that has headings and subheadings:
Main headings become the “Main Topics” of the outline format shown above
Secondary headings become the “Subtopics” of the outline
Smaller headings and other important information become the supporting and minor details of the outline