In the context of outlining, the statement that does not describe a characteristic of a good outline is:
D. It indicates the number of paragraphs needed for each section.
Here's why:
1. A good outline supports the thesis by organizing and structuring the main points and supporting details in a coherent manner. It helps in presenting a clear argument or message to the reader.
2. A good outline establishes the order and relationship of the main points. This means it shows how each idea or argument flows logically from one to the next, creating a structured and cohesive framework for the content.
3. While an outline may indicate differences between major and minor points to emphasize their importance, it does not typically specify the exact number of paragraphs needed for each section. The focus is more on organizing ideas and content rather than prescribing a specific paragraph count.
Therefore, option D does not align with the key characteristics of a good outline, making it the correct answer in this context.