What does the term "skeletal outline" refer to in writing?

The term "skeletal outline" refers to a brief summary of main points in writing. This type of outline serves as a framework that highlights the key ideas and structure of a piece without going into extensive detail. By focusing on the main points, a skeletal outline helps writers organize their thoughts and ensures that the essential components of their argument or narrative are presented clearly.

In contrast to a detailed chapter-by-chapter summary, which provides more elaborate explanations and descriptions, or a complete draft, which would include full sentences and developed paragraphs, the skeletal outline is much more concise. A list of vocabulary words does not align with the concept of outlining in writing, as it lacks the structural and thematic organization necessary for outlining the progression of an argument or story.