You want to make sure you're getting maximum points for your coherence and cohesion, so an outline is very important.

你得确保在连贯和衔接上得最高分，所以提纲非常重要。

So, " to crane your neck" is to stretch it almost to the maximum point, and she's spying on her neighbours.

所以，“伸长脖子” 就是几乎把它伸到最大， 她在监视她的邻居。