Although there is a connection between the thesis outline and the catalogue, there are obvious differences between them in definition, content, function and production time. A table of contents is a part of a paper, which is used to display the titles and page numbers of chapters and sub-chapters of the paper, so that readers can quickly locate and browse the contents of the paper. The table of contents is generally generated according to the actual chapters and page numbers after writing the paper.

It can be said that the thesis outline is a planned document, which helps the author to organize ideas and arrange the structure of the thesis; Table of contents is a form of displaying chapter titles and page numbers of papers. The outline of the paper plays a guiding role in the writing process, and the table of contents is the reference index that is finally presented to readers.

Thesis outline is a planned document containing main arguments, themes and argumentation structure. It is formulated before writing a paper to help the author organize the content and structure of the article. Thesis outline usually includes the following aspects:

1. Introduction: Introduce the topic of the article and put forward research questions or arguments.

2. Literature review: Summarize the relevant research literature and introduce the relevant theoretical framework and research status.

3. Research objectives and methods: define the research objectives and methods, and explain the research scope and methods.

4. Text: According to the research purpose and argumentation structure, list the main chapters or paragraphs that need to be involved, and provide a brief overview for each chapter or paragraph.

5. Conclusion: Summarize the research results, answer the research questions, and put forward conclusions and suggestions.

6. References: list the cited documents and materials.

Differences between the outline and content of the paper

1, different definitions: A paper outline is a planned document, which is used to help the author organize and arrange the content and structure of the article, and is usually done before writing the paper; A table of contents is a part of a paper, which is used to indicate the titles and page numbers of chapters and sub-chapters of the paper, and is generally written after the paper is completed.

2. Different contents: the outline of the paper includes literature review, research purpose, text and conclusion, which is the framework and outline of the whole paper; The table of contents is the title and page number of each chapter in the paper.

3. Different functions: The outline of the thesis has the function of guiding scientific research and writing methods in the writing process, and should be formulated before writing the thesis to provide direction and reference for writing; As an objective reflection of the relationship between chapters in the text, the catalogue is convenient for readers to find the information they need.

4. Different production time: the outline of the paper is made before writing the paper, and the research content and structure of the paper are clearly planned according to the pre-set research objectives and argumentation structure; The table of contents is compiled according to the actual chapters and page numbers when the paper is finally completed, which is used to facilitate readers to quickly locate the contents of the paper.