outline an essay example

Essay Writing Guide

Essay Outline

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

A Complete Essay Outline - Guidelines and Format

By: Nova A.

13 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Jan 15, 2019

To write an effective essay, you need to create a clear and well-organized essay outline. An essay outline will shape the essay’s entire content and determine how successful the essay will be.

In this blog post, we'll be going over the basics of essay outlines and provide a template for you to follow. We will also include a few examples so that you can get an idea about how these outlines look when they are put into practice.

Essay writing is not easy, but it becomes much easier with time, practice, and a detailed essay writing guide. Once you have developed your outline, everything else will come together more smoothly.

The key to success in any area is preparation - take the time now to develop a solid outline and then write your essays!

So, let’s get started!

On this Page

What is an Essay Outline?

An essay outline is your essay plan and a roadmap to essay writing. It is the structure of an essay you are about to write. It includes all the main points you have to discuss in each section along with the thesis statement.

Like every house has a map before it is constructed, the same is the importance of an essay outline. You can write an essay without crafting an outline, but you may miss essential information, and it is more time-consuming.

Once the outline is created, there is no chance of missing any important information. Also, it will help you to:

• Organize your thoughts and ideas.
• Understand the information flow.
• Never miss any crucial information or reference.
• Finish your work faster.

These are the reasons if someone asks you why an essay outline is needed. Now there are some points that must be kept in mind before proceeding to craft an essay outline.

Easily Outline Your Essays In Seconds!

Prewriting Process of Essay Outline

Your teacher may ask you to submit your essay outline before your essay. Therefore, you must know the preliminary guidelines that are necessary before writing an essay outline.

Here are the guidelines:

• You must go through your assignments’ guidelines carefully.
• Understand the purpose of your assignment.
• Know your audience.
• Mark the important point while researching your topic data.
• Select the structure of your essay outline; whether you are going to use a decimal point bullet or a simple one.

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How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Steps

Creating an essay outline is a crucial step in crafting a well-structured and organized piece of writing. Follow these four simple steps to create an effective outline:

Step 1: Understand the Topic

To begin, thoroughly grasp the essence of your essay topic. 

Break it down into its key components and identify the main ideas you want to convey. This step ensures you have a clear direction and focus for your essay.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Gather Ideas

Let your creativity flow and brainstorm ideas related to your topic. 

Jot down key pieces of information, arguments, and supporting evidence that will strengthen your essay's overall message. Consider different perspectives and potential counterarguments to make your essay well-rounded.

Step 3: Organize Your Thoughts

Now it's time to give structure to your ideas. 

Arrange your main points in a logical order, starting with an attention-grabbing introduction, followed by body paragraphs that present your arguments. 

Finally, tie everything together with a compelling conclusion. Remember to use transitional phrases to create smooth transitions between sections.

Step 4: Add Depth with Subpoints

To add depth and clarity to your essay, incorporate subpoints under each main point. 

These subpoints provide more specific details, evidence, or examples that support your main ideas. They help to further strengthen your arguments and make your essay more convincing.

By following these four steps - you'll be well on your way to creating a clear and compelling essay outline.

Essay Outline Format

It is an easy way for you to write your thoughts in an organized manner. It may seem unnecessary and unimportant, but it is not.

It is one of the most crucial steps for essay writing as it shapes your entire essay and aids the writing process.

An essay outline consists of three main parts:

1. Introduction

The introduction body of your essay should be attention-grabbing. It should be written in such a manner that it attracts the reader’s interest. It should also provide background information about the topic for the readers.

You can use a dramatic tone to grab readers’ attention, but it should connect the audience to your thesis statement.

Here are some points without which your introduction paragraph is incomplete.

To attract the reader with the first few opening lines, we use a hook statement. It helps engage the reader and motivates them to read further. There are different types of hook sentences ranging from quotes, rhetorical questions to anecdotes and statistics, and much more.

Are you struggling to come up with an interesting hook? View these hook examples to get inspired!

A thesis statement is stated at the end of your introduction. It is the most important statement of your entire essay. It summarizes the purpose of the essay in one sentence.

The thesis statement tells the readers about the main theme of the essay, and it must be strong and clear. It holds the entire crux of your essay.

Need help creating a strong thesis statement? Check out this guide on thesis statements and learn to write a statement that perfectly captures your main argument!

2. Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an essay are where all the details and evidence come into play. This is where you dive deep into the argument, providing explanations and supporting your ideas with solid evidence. 

If you're writing a persuasive essay, these paragraphs will be the powerhouse that convinces your readers. Similarly, in an argumentative essay, your body paragraphs will work their magic to sway your audience to your side.

Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and no more than one idea. A topic sentence is the crux of the contents of your paragraph. It is essential to keep your reader interested in the essay.

The topic sentence is followed by the supporting points and opinions, which are then justified with strong evidence.

3. Conclusion

When it comes to wrapping up your essay, never underestimate the power of a strong conclusion. Just like the introduction and body paragraphs, the conclusion plays a vital role in providing a sense of closure to your topic. 

To craft an impactful conclusion, it's crucial to summarize the key points discussed in the introduction and body paragraphs. You want to remind your readers of the important information you shared earlier. But keep it concise and to the point. Short, powerful sentences will leave a lasting impression.

Remember, your conclusion shouldn't drag on. Instead, restate your thesis statement and the supporting points you mentioned earlier. And here's a pro tip: go the extra mile and suggest a course of action. It leaves your readers with something to ponder or reflect on.

5 Paragraph Essay Outline Structure

An outline is an essential part of the writing as it helps the writer stay focused. A typical 5 paragraph essay outline example is shown here. This includes:

• State the topic
• Thesis statement
• Introduction
• Explanation
• A conclusion that ties to the thesis
• Summary of the essay
• Restate the thesis statement

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Essay Outline Template

The outline of the essay is the skeleton that you will fill out with the content. Both outline and relevant content are important for a good essay. The content you will add to flesh out the outline should be credible, relevant, and interesting.

The outline structure for the essay is not complex or difficult. No matter which type of essay you write, you either use an alphanumeric structure or a decimal structure for the outline.

Below is an outline sample that you can easily follow for your essay.

Essay Outline Sample

Essay Outline Examples

An essay outline template should follow when you start writing the essay. Every writer should learn how to write an outline for every type of essay and research paper.

Essay outline 4th grade

Essay outline 5th grade

Essay outline high school

Essay outline college

Given below are essay outline examples for different types of essay writing.

Argumentative Essay Outline

An  argumentative essay  is a type of essay that shows both sides of the topic that you are exploring. The argument that presents the basis of the essay should be created by providing evidence and supporting details.

Persuasive Essay Outline

A  persuasive essay  is similar to an argumentative essay. Your job is to provide facts and details to create the argument. In a persuasive essay, you convince your readers of your point of view.

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

A  compare and contrast essay  explains the similarities and differences between two things. While comparing, you should focus on the differences between two seemingly similar objects. While contrasting, you should focus on the similarities between two different objects.

Narrative Essay Outline

A narrative essay is written to share a story. Normally, a narrative essay is written from a personal point of view in an essay. The basic purpose of the narrative essay is to describe something creatively.

Expository Essay Outline

An  expository essay  is a type of essay that explains, analyzes, and illustrates something for the readers. An expository essay should be unbiased and entirely based on facts. Be sure to use academic resources for your research and cite your sources.

Analytical Essay Outline

An  analytical essay  is written to analyze the topic from a critical point of view. An analytical essay breaks down the content into different parts and explains the topic bit by bit.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

A rhetorical essay is written to examine the writer or artist’s work and develop a great essay. It also includes the discussion.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

A  cause and effect essay  describes why something happens and examines the consequences of an occurrence or phenomenon. It is also a type of expository essay.

Informative Essay Outline

An  informative essay  is written to inform the audience about different objects, concepts, people, issues, etc.

The main purpose is to respond to the question with a detailed explanation and inform the target audience about the topic.

Synthesis Essay Outline

A  synthesis essay  requires the writer to describe a certain unique viewpoint about the issue or topic. Create a claim about the topic and use different sources and information to prove it.

Literary Analysis Essay Outline

A  literary analysis essay  is written to analyze and examine a novel, book, play, or any other piece of literature. The writer analyzes the different devices such as the ideas, characters, plot, theme, tone, etc., to deliver his message.

Definition Essay Outline

A  definition essay  requires students to pick a particular concept, term, or idea and define it in their own words and according to their understanding.

Descriptive Essay Outline

A  descriptive essay  is a type of essay written to describe a person, place, object, or event. The writer must describe the topic so that the reader can visualize it using their five senses.

Evaluation Essay Outline

Problem Solution Essay Outline

In a problem-solution essay, you are given a problem as a topic and you have to suggest multiple solutions on it.

Scholarship Essay Outline

A  scholarship essay  is required at the time of admission when you are applying for a scholarship. Scholarship essays must be written in a way that should stand alone to help you get a scholarship.

Reflective Essay Outline

A reflective essay  is written to express your own thoughts and point of view regarding a specific topic.

Getting started on your essay? Give this comprehensive essay writing guide a read to make sure you write an effective essay!

With this complete guide, now you understand how to create an outline for your essay successfully. However, if you still can’t write an effective essay, then the best option is to consult a professional academic writing service.

Essay writing is a dull and boring task for some people. So why not get some help instead of wasting your time and effort?  5StarEssays.com is here to help you. All your  do my essay for me  requests are managed by professional essay writers.

Place your order now, and our team of expert academic writers will help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three types of outlines.

Here are the three types of essay outline;

• Working outline
• Speaking outline
• Full-sentence outline

All three types are different from each other and are used for different purposes.

What does a full-sentence outline look like?

A full sentence outline contains full sentences at each level of the essay’s outline. It is similar to an alphanumeric outline and it is a commonly used essay outline.

What is a traditional outline format?

A traditional essay outline begins with writing down all the important points in one place and listing them down and adding sub-topics to them. Besides, it will also include evidence and proof that you will use to back your arguments.

What is the benefit of using a traditional outline format and an informal outline format?

A traditional outline format helps the students in listing down all the important details in one palace while an informal outline will help you coming up with new ideas and highlighting important points

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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How to Write an Essay Outline + Essay Outline Examples

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How to Write an Essay Outline + Essay Outline Examples 

Writing an essay can seem like a daunting task, but one of the best ways to tackle this challenge is to organize your ideas into a well-structured essay outline. This guide will walk you through the process of creating an essay outline, complete with essay outline examples, to ensure your next essay is a masterpiece.

We’ve compiled a variety of essay outline examples to help you understand how to structure your own essay. We'll cover persuasive essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, expository essays, and even provide a sample research paper outline. Each example will provide you with an idea of how to lay out the structure and details for each type of essay.

Looking for a printable list of essay outline examples? Our printable PDF features essay outline examples and templates that your students can use as examples when writing research papers, or as a supplement for an essay-writing unit

Why write an essay outline? 

An outline serves as the skeleton of your essay, giving you a clear and organized path to articulate your thoughts. Not only does it make writing an essay significantly easier, but it also allows you to present your arguments coherently and effectively.

An essay outline will help you organize your main ideas and determine the order in which you are going to write about them.

Types of essay outlines

Several types of essay outlines can be used when writing an essay. The two most common types are the alphanumeric outline and the decimal outline.

An alphanumeric outline typically uses Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters, in that order. Each level provides a different level of specificity. This structure is a very effective way to think through how you will organize and present the information in your essay. It also helps you develop a strong argumentative essay.

Alternatively, a decimal outline uses only numbers, and each subsection is a decimal subdivision of the main section. This type of outline is often used in scientific papers.

Persuasive essay outline example 

In the following section, we'll explore a persuasive essay outline example on competitive swimming. The purpose of a persuasive essay is to convince the reader of a particular point of view or idea, using compelling arguments and evidence.

In this case, the argument is that competitive swimming is an ideal sport for kids. The essay will present a series of arguments to support this view, demonstrating the various benefits of competitive swimming for children.

Competitive Swimming, an Ideal Sport for Kids

Introduction

Start your argumentative essay outline by stating your point of view and/or presenting your persuasive argument.

Thesis: Competitive swimming is a great alternative to other youth sports.

Body Paragraph 1

Introduce your primary persuasive argument and provide supporting details in your argumentative essay outline.

Topic Sentence:   Competitive swimming provides the same benefits as other sports.

• Detail Sentence 1:   It is good exercise and builds muscular strength.
• Detail Sentence 2:   It promotes cooperation among team members, especially in relays.

Body Paragraph 2

Introduce a secondary argument and provide supporting details.

Topic Sentence:   Competitive swimming provides some unique additional benefits.

• Detail Sentence 1:   Swimming is an important skill that can be used forever.
• Detail Sentence 2:  Swimming poses a reduced risk of injury.
• Detail Sentence 3:   Each swimmer can easily chart his or her own progress.

Conclude your essay writing with a summary of the thesis and persuasive arguments. Brainstorming details that support your point-of-view is a great way to start before creating your outline and first draft.

Concluding Sentence:   There are many reasons why competitive swimming is a great alternative to other youth sports, including...

Narrative essay outline example

In the following section, we will examine a narrative essay outline example titled "How Losing a Swim Meet Made Me a Better Swimmer." Narrative essays aim to tell a story, often about a personal experience, to engage the reader and convey a particular point or lesson.

In this case, the narrative revolves around the author's personal journey of improvement and self-discovery through swimming. The essay will illustrate how an initial setback served as a catalyst for significant improvement and personal growth.

How Losing a Swim Meet Made Me a Better Swimmer

Introduce the subject of your narrative essay using a thesis statement and a plan of development (POD).

Thesis: The first time I participated in a competitive swim meet, I finished in last place. With more focused training and coaching, I was able to finish 2nd in the State Championship meet.

Plan of development:   I was very disappointed in my results from the first meet, so I improved my training and fitness. This helped me swim better and faster, which helped me to greatly improve my results.

Set the scene and provide supporting details. Again, start by brainstorming different ways to begin; then go ahead and craft an outline and a first draft.

Topic Sentence:   I was embarrassed at finishing last in my first competitive swim meet, so I began working on ways to improve my performance.

• Detail Sentence 1:   I spent extra time with my coach and the team captains learning how to improve my technique.
• Detail Sentence 2:   I started running and lifting weights to increase my overall fitness level.

Provide additional supporting details, descriptions, and experiences to develop your general idea in your essay writing.

Topic Sentence:   Over time, my results began to improve and I was able to qualify for the state championship meet.

• Detail Sentence 1:   My technique and fitness level made me faster and able to swim longer distances.
• Detail Sentence 2:  I steadily got better, and I began winning or placing in the top 3 at most of my meets.
• Detail Sentence 3:  My results improved to the point that I was able to qualify for the state championship meet.

Body Paragraph 3

The next step in the writing process is to provide additional supporting details, descriptions, and experiences. You can then divide them up under different headings.

Topic Sentence:   With my new confidence, techniques, and fitness level, I was able to finish 2nd at the state championship meet.

• Detail Sentence 1:   I was able to swim well against a higher level of competition due to my training and technique.
• Detail Sentence 2:  I was no longer embarrassed about my last-place finish, and was able to use it as motivation!

Conclude the narrative essay with a recap of the events described or a reflection on the lesson learned in the story. Briefly summarize the details you included under each heading.

Concluding Sentence:   I used my last-place finish in my first competitive swim meet as motivation to improve my performance.

Descriptive essay outline example

We will now delve into a descriptive essay outline example. Descriptive essays aim to create a vivid and detailed description of a person, place, object, or event to paint a picture for the reader. The intention is to immerse the reader in the subject matter fully.

In this case, the essay provides an in-depth description of a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The essay will use sensory and descriptive details to create a vivid and memorable experience for the reader.

Visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame

Introduce the subject of your descriptive essay with a thesis statement covering the person, place, object, etc. you are writing about.

Thesis: The Hockey Hall of Fame is full of sights, sounds, and experiences that will delight hockey fans of all ages.

Set the scene and provide factual details.

Topic Sentence:   The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Canada and features exhibits from amateur and professional hockey.

• Detail Sentence 1:   The Hall is located in downtown Toronto and is visited by 1 million people every year.
• Detail Sentence 2:   You can see exhibits ranging from the early beginnings of the sport to the modern NHL and Olympics.

Provide additional sensory details, descriptions, and experiences.

Topic Sentence:   There are many types of exhibits and shows, including activities you can participate in.

• Detail Sentence 1:  Player statues, plaques, and jerseys decorate the walls in every room of the Hall.
• Detail Sentence 2:  Many of the exhibits have movies and multimedia activities that make you feel like you're part of the game.
• Detail Sentence 3:  You can even practice shooting pucks on virtual versions of some of the game's greatest goalies!

Conclude the essay with a paragraph that restates the thesis and recaps the descriptive and sensory details.

Concluding Sentence:   The Hockey Hall of Fame is an experience that combines the best sights, sounds and history of the game in Toronto.

Expository essay outline example

In the following section, we will explore an example of an expository essay. An expository essay aims to explain or describe a topic using logic. It presents a balanced analysis of a topic based on facts—with no references to the writer’s opinions or emotions.

For this example, the topic is "Why The School Year Should be Shorter". This essay will use logic and reason to demonstrate that a shorter school year could provide various benefits for students, teachers, and school districts.

Why The School Year Should be Shorter

Introduce the primary argument or main point of an expository essay, or other types of academic writing, using a thesis statement and context.

Thesis: The school year is too long, and should be shortened to benefit students and teachers, save districts money, and improve test scores and academic results. Other countries have shorter school years, and achieve better results.

Describe the primary argument and provide supporting details and evidence.

Topic Sentence:   A shorter school year would benefit students and teachers by giving them more time off.

• Detail Sentence 1:   Students and teachers would be able to spend more time with their families.
• Detail Sentence 2:  Teachers would be refreshed and rejuvenated and able to teach more effectively.

Provide additional supporting details and evidence, as in this essay outline example.

Topic Sentence:  A shorter school year would save school districts millions of dollars per year.

• Detail Sentence 1:   Districts could save money on energy costs by keeping schools closed longer.
• Detail Sentence 2:  A shorter school year means much lower supply and transportation costs.
• Detail Sentence 3:  Well-rested and happy students would help improve test scores.

Provide additional or supplemental supporting details, evidence, and analysis, as in the essay outline example.

Topic Sentence:   Shortening the school year would also provide many benefits for parents and caregivers.

• Detail Sentence 1:   A shorter school year would mean less stress and running around for parents.
• Detail Sentence 2:  Caregivers would have more balance in their lives with fewer days in the school year.

Conclude the essay with an overview of the main argument, and highlight the importance of your evidence and conclusion.

Concluding Sentence:   Shortening the school year would be a great way to improve the quality of life for students, teachers, and parents while saving money for districts and improving academic results.

Sample research paper outline

Now let’s dive into a research paper outline. Unlike a typical essay, a research paper presents a thorough and detailed study on a specific topic. However, it shares the same foundation with an essay in terms of structuring the ideas logically and coherently. The outline for a research paper includes an introduction, a series of topic points that cover various aspects of the main topic, and a conclusion.

This research paper will explore the background of Mt. Everest, the major explorers who attempted its summit, and the impact of these expeditions on Mt. Everest and the local community.

The Conquest of Mt. Everest

• Location of Mt. Everest
• Geography of the Surrounding Area
• Height of the mountain
• Jomolungma (Tibetan name)
• Sagarmatha (Nepalese name)
• The number of people who have climbed Everest to date
• First to reach the summit (1953)
• Led a team of experienced mountain climbers who worked together
• Norgay was an experienced climber and guide who accompanied Hillary
• Sherpas still used to guide expeditions
• Leader of the failed 1996 expedition
• Led group of (mainly) tourists with little mountain climbing experience
• Loss of trees due to high demand for wood for cooking and heating for tourists.
• Piles of trash left by climbing expeditions
• Expedition fees provide income for the country
• Expeditions provide work for the Sherpas, contributing to the local economy.
• Introduction of motor vehicles
• Introduction of electricity

The Everest essay outline template is based on a research paper submitted by Alexandra Ferber, 9th grade.

Happy writing!

Writing an essay outline is a crucial step in crafting a well-structured and coherent essay. Regardless of the type of essay - be it persuasive, narrative, descriptive, expository, or a research paper - an outline serves as a roadmap that organizes your thoughts and guides your writing process. The various essay outline examples provided above serve as a guide to help you structure your own essay. Remember, the key to a great essay lies not just in the content but in its organization and flow. Happy writing!

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Creating a clear and organized essay is not easy, but making an outline can help. By arranging your ideas in a logical and coherent way, an essay outline can guide you in effectively structuring your essay. 

Whether you’re working on a school or college assignment, take the time to create an outline. It can help you overcome the challenges of organizing your thoughts while writing. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to create an essay outline with the help of some useful examples and a downloadable template.

What is an essay outline?

An outline acts as a blueprint for your essay, presenting the structure and content of each paragraph and showing how they connect. By creating an outline, you can streamline the writing process and minimize the need for revisions. It can also help you develop strong points to support your thesis statement .

Typically, an outline is created after establishing a working thesis statement and gathering relevant information. The collected information is then organized into a logical flow that can be expanded into a structured essay.

Why is it important to create an essay outline?

An essay outline not only gives structure to your essay but also helps effectively link its parts. It helps create a logical flow for your essay and also helps identify its primary components. Let’s take a look at this in detail.

1. Sets a logical order

To create a well-structured and impactful essay, the arrangement of information is key. Creating an essay outline makes it easier to organize bits of information from general to specific. 

Start off by creating a broad thesis statement or central idea. Then move on to providing examples or pieces of information that support this statement or elaborate on it. This method also provides a comprehensive overview of your essay and helps identify any missing bits of information.

2. Generates greater impact

The primary goal of your essay is to effectively present information that supports your thesis statement. If your essay is haphazardly structured, the message of the thesis statement can get lost.

In order to present a coherent message, determine the important bits of information that best support your thesis statement and organize them logically. Then elaborate on these bits to create a flow. This not only creates a greater impact but also makes your final essay more convincing.

3. Leads to smoother transitions

Transitions are the bridges that connect your ideas and ensure that your argument flows smoothly. However, creating smooth transitions from one point to another can be quite challenging.

A college essay outline helps you identify where you need to include transitions and what type of transition you should use to connect your ideas effectively. Creating smooth, logical, and cohesive transitions is crucial in ensuring that readers can easily follow your train of thought and grasp your argument. 

How to write an essay outline

After conducting all the necessary research, it is time to narrow down the central idea of your essay. Make sure that the scope of your idea is neither too broad nor too narrow. 

Select the main bits of information that elaborate on this central idea and organize them in a logical manner. Then provide specific examples to back them up. Let’s take a detailed look at these steps. 

1. Figure out the central message or the thesis statement of your essay.

Picking out a central idea or generic point for your essay can help create a base you can elaborate upon. 

You can start with a broad idea or stance and then research the specific bits of information that support this idea and provide more information on it. 

2. Identify the main points or arguments.

After collecting the necessary information to elaborate on your central idea, identify the broad points that give it substance. 

These points will form the headings of the essay. They should be broad enough to cover major themes, but specific enough to provide a clear focus for each section.

3. Organize your headings.

Decide the logical flow of your essay and arrange your headings in an organized manner.

It is crucial to have obvious starting and ending points, but the body can be organized in a way you consider to be the most impactful. Depending on the type of essay, your headings can be arranged chronologically, on the basis of importance, or from general to specific.

4. Provide examples and evidence to support the headings.

Once the headings are created and organized, provide statistics, anecdotes, and examples to back them up. These specific pieces of information can be elaborated upon while writing your first draft.

You can use this general essay outline format to create your own 

Essay outline template

To help you write a logical, well-structured, impactful essay, we have developed this fool-proof, comprehensive essay outline template. It will help you categorize all your essential information into well-structured, organized headings and subheadings.

The template includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, an optional paragraph for a counter-argument, and a conclusion. Under each of these headings, there are relevant subheadings that are applicable to all types of essays.  

The template uses an alphanumeric format, with Roman numerals for the headings and capital letters for the subheadings.

Download Free Outline Essay Template

Essay outline examples   .

Essays are highly versatile pieces of writing. They include various types, such as persuasive essays, compare and contrast essays, analytical essays, and cause-and-effect essays. 

But most of these essay types are a combination or a derivation of these four main types of essays. They include narrative, descriptive, argumentative, and expository essays. 

Each of these essays serves a different purpose and is structured differently. Let’s understand the purpose of each of these essay types with the help of relevant essay outline examples:

1. Narrative essay outline

A narrative essay outline is a highly personalized outline that reflects your unique experiences, feelings, and observations. 

The goal of this outline is to tell an impactful story with the help of vivid descriptions and sensory details that engage the reader’s attention.

Narrative essay outline example

Let us better understand the narrative essay outline with the help of an example. The following example is a personal narrative about growing up as an immigrant child.

I. Introduction

A. A vivid description of the moment I found out I was moving to a new country.

B. Brief explanation of my background and reasons for immigrating.

C. Thesis statement: The challenges and opportunities I faced as an immigrant in a new country.

A. Struggles in adjusting to a new culture.

1. Language barriers I faced in school and everyday life.

2. Differences in cultural norms and expectations.

B. Navigating a new education system

1. Differences in teaching styles and expectations.

2. Adjusting to a new curriculum and grading system.

C. Finding a sense of belonging

1. Challenges in making friends and building relationships.

2. Coping with homesickness and missing family and friends.

III. Conclusion

A. Reflection on my journey as an immigrant

1. Lessons learned and personal growth.

2. Significance of the experience.

B. Acknowledgment of my resilience and determination.

1. Overcoming challenges and achieving success.

2. Encouragement for others facing similar challenges.

C. Memorable closing statement related to my journey.

2. Argumentative essay outline

An argumentative essay outline requires you to take a clear stance on a topic and provide strong evidence to support it. 

The goal of this outline is to convince the reader to see your point of view on a controversial topic.

Argumentative essay outline example

The following example shows us how the internet is beneficial to the mental development of school children. It establishes the internet to be a valuable resource for children.

A. A surprising statistic or fact about children and their use of the internet.

B. Brief explanation of the prevalence of the internet in modern society and its impact on children.

C. Thesis statement: Despite concerns about safety and privacy, the internet is a valuable resource for children due to its educational opportunities, communication tools, and access to diverse perspectives.

A. Education opportunities.

 1. Access to information and resources that may not be available in traditional classroom settings.

2. Interactive tools and games that can reinforce learning and engage children in new ways.

B. Communication tools

1. Social media and messaging platforms that allow children to connect with peers and mentors.

2. Online forums and discussion groups that foster collaboration and problem-solving skills.

C. Exposure to diverse perspectives

1. Access to a variety of viewpoints and perspectives from around the world.

2. Exposure to different cultures and ways of thinking can foster empathy and understanding.

III. Counterarguments and Rebuttal

A. Potential safety concerns and risks associated with internet use

1. Explanation of safety measures and precautions that can mitigate these risks.

2. Rebuttal of the idea that the risks outweigh the benefits.

B. Potential negative effects on cognitive and social development

1. Explanation of the positive effects of internet use on cognitive development and social skills.

2. Rebuttal of the idea that the internet is inherently harmful to children.

IV. Conclusion

A. Restatement of thesis statement and main points of the argument.

B. Reflection on the importance of the internet as a valuable resource for children.

C. Final thoughts and call to action for readers to embrace the benefits of internet use for children.

3. Expository essay outline

An expository essay outline requires you to provide a detailed overview of a subject from all angles. It is used to test your knowledge of a particular subject.

The purpose of this essay outline is to inform, explain, or describe a topic or idea, rather than to persuade the reader or share personal opinions. 

This type of essay is often used in academic settings, such as in writing assignments, research papers, or even textbooks.

Expository essay outline example

The following example provides us with information on SONAR technology, its uses, its impact on the environment, as well as its benefits. 

A. A brief explanation of the significance of SONAR and its impact on underwater navigation and detection.

B. A definition of SONAR and its origins, and the history of its development and uses.

C. Thesis statement: This essay will provide a detailed overview of the use of SONAR technology, its applications, and its impact on various fields.

A. Explanation of SONAR technology

• Basic principles of SONAR.
• Types of SONAR and how they work.

B. Applications of SONAR technology

1. Military applications, including submarine detection and mine detection.

2. Commercial applications, including underwater mapping and exploration, and marine life observation.

C. Advantages and disadvantages of SONAR technology

1. Advantages, such as accuracy and range.

2. Disadvantages, such as interference and environmental impact.

A. Safety and environmental concerns

1. Explanation of the measures taken to minimize the environmental impact of SONAR technology.

2. Rebuttal of the idea that the benefits of SONAR technology are outweighed by its environmental impact.

B. Potential misuse or abuse of SONAR technology

1. Explanation of regulations and laws governing the use of SONAR technology.

2. Rebuttal of the idea that the potential misuse of SONAR technology justifies limiting its applications.

B. Reflection on the significance of SONAR technology and its impact on various fields.

C. Final thoughts and call to action for readers to learn more about SONAR technology and its applications.

4. Descriptive essay outline

A descriptive essay outline requires you to create a detailed and sensory-rich description of a person, place, object, event, or experience. 

The goal is to provide the reader with a visceral experience that engages their senses and imagination.

Descriptive essay outline example

The following example provides a highly immersive experience and uses multiple sensory descriptors to describe the summers spent by the writer at their grandmother’s farm.

A. Description of a typical summer day at grandma’s farm.

B. Brief overview of the location and purpose of the farm.

C. Thesis statement: Summers spent at grandma’s farm were some of the most memorable and enjoyable times of my childhood, thanks to the idyllic setting and the rich sensory experiences it provided.

II. Body Paragraph 1: The Scenery

A. Topic sentence: The farm was located in a picturesque rural area surrounded by rolling hills and green pastures.

B. Sensory details:

1. Visual: Describe the lush greenery, the colorful flowers, and the endless expanse of blue sky.

2. Auditory: Mention the sound of the chirping birds, the rustling leaves, and the occasional mooing of cows.

3. Olfactory: Describe the fragrant smell of fresh hay and the earthy aroma of the soil.

4. Tactile: Describe the feeling of the warm sun on the skin and the softness of the grass underfoot.

III. Body Paragraph 2: The Activities

A. Topic sentence: The farm provided numerous activities and tasks that kept me busy and engaged throughout the day.

1. Visual: Describe the sight of the cows grazing, the chickens clucking, and the horses trotting.

2. Auditory: Mention the sound of the milking machine, the creaking of the barn doors, and the whinnying of the horses.

3. Olfactory: Describe the smell of the freshly baked pies, the wood smoke from the bonfire, and the scent of the freshly cut grass.

4. Tactile: Describe the feeling of the cow’s rough tongue licking my hand, the warmth of the freshly laid eggs, and the rough texture of the hay bales.

IV. Body Paragraph 3: The People

A. Topic sentence: The farm was a family affair, and spending time with my grandmother and other relatives was a highlight of the summer.

1. Visual: Describe the sight of my grandmother cooking in the kitchen, my cousins running through the fields, and my uncles fixing machinery.

2. Auditory: Mention the sound of laughter and conversation around the dinner table, the chatter of family members working together, and the clinking of dishes.

3. Olfactory: Describe the smell of home-cooked meals, the familiar scents of family members, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

4. Tactile: Describe the feeling of hugs from family members, the rough texture of my grandfather’s hand, and the warmth of a family embrace.

V. Conclusion

A. Restate thesis: Summers spent at grandma’s farm were truly unforgettable, filled with vivid sensory experiences and cherished memories.

B. Summarize main points: Recap the main sensory details and experiences shared in the essay.

C. Final thoughts: Reflect on the impact of the farm on the writer’s life and express gratitude for the memories made there.

Here are some related articles that you might find interesting:

• How to Write an Essay in 8 Simple Steps

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Home ➔ Essay Outline

How to Write an Essay Outline (Examples and Template)

Essays are used to express ideas or opinions about a particular subject matter. It’s among the first tasks introduced to students at the primary levels of education. It’s also one of the widely accepted forms of assessing students that cut across most academic disciplines, especially in college. Schools and even places of employment might also require an essay from an applicant before considering them.

The silver lining is that many students have a working knowledge of how to write an essay and its structure composition, which usually includes an introduction, body, and a concluding paragraph. Still, the average student spends more than the necessary number of hours on a single task because they run out of ideas or lose their train of thought. Even the overall content of the paper suffers. That can be avoided by penning down a solid outline before writing the first draft. Did you know even seasoned bestseller writers do this? So, what’s an outline? How does it improve your essays, and how do you write it? We are answering all these questions in our guide.

Essay Outline Format and Definition

An essay outline acts like a map or blueprint, guiding writers in organizing their work. It’s similar to a table of contents in research papers and dissertations. Many students actually make outlines without realizing it, which is why learning to write one is straightforward. Typically, students brainstorm and research ideas before starting to write. However, they often don’t organize these ideas properly. This step is crucial to transform their initial thoughts into a structured essay outline.

If writing an effective outline isn’t a task that you must submit for a grade, then it’s up to you how you format it. However, you should follow four main principles  when creating a plan for your academic writing:

• Ranking — as you go from your main headings to subheadings, you move from general to more specific.
• Parallelism — every heading on the same hierarchy level should start with the same word type (verb, adjective, noun, etc.).
• Parity — all headings of the same hierarchy should be equally important and less important than the ones higher in rank.
• Fragmentation — each main heading should be divided into at least two subheadings.

The image below illustrates all four principles of outlining:

The most common format is a standard alphanumeric outline template. Headlines are labeled in the following order (from the first to the most nested one):

• (a) Lowercase letters in round brackets

For what you write in each point, you can use brief phrases or full sentences to summarize the idea.

The decimal outline structure is another format you can apply, and it looks like this:

When organizing an essay, there are two primary types of outlines: topic outlines and sentence outlines .

A topic outline lists your essay’s main points and subpoints in short phrases or single words. As a result, it provides a clear, concise structure and helps you visualize the flow of the essay without getting into detailed sentences. This type of outline is mainly useful for shorter essays or when you have a strong comprehension of the subject and do not need to go into every point during this initial planning stage.

In contrast, a sentence outline has complete sentences for each main point and subpoint. This outlining approach offers a more detailed framework, allowing you to flesh out your ideas and ensure that each part of the essay is developed well. Sentence outlines are good for longer or more complex papers, where you need to clarify your thoughts and arguments in advance. By using full sentences, this outline type helps identify any gaps in logic or areas that need further analysis, making the actual writing process smoother and more efficient in the end.

Why is Outlining Important?

Reasons vary, but we usually use it to logically order all the data you collected during the brainstorming and researching stages. A good outline helps a lot in writing research papers, as you can easily keep track of all the relevant information. Even for oral presentations, it’s a great way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their speech and make it more effective. To sum up, an outline’s core functions are:

• Guiding you during the writing phrase
• Helping you organize your thoughts and ideas
• Presenting material in a logical order
• Showing how your ideas link to one another
• Serving as an abstract for your paper

Outlines enhance thinking flow

Consider planning every next day before going to bed. You will realize that you undertake your daily activities without overthinking or second-guessing yourself because you know what to do every time. That is one of the proven life principles for most successful people. The same applies to paper writing. Your essays will feel like a walk in the park if you outline every major point beforehand.

Outlines save time

Time is a commodity that none of us have in abundance, especially considering the responsibilities students have to undertake daily. So why spend hours on essays when you have mounting academic work? You’d rather waste less time and still get good grades. That’s what essay outlines are for: saving time and improving your performance. Once you’ve planned out your essay, it takes less time to develop each idea.

Outlines improve grades

From students’ perspective, the whole point of sweating over an essay is to get the best grades, and an outline can help you do that. If you take time to brainstorm and jot down every major point you can raise in your essay, you will make fewer errors. If you arrange your ideas in an order that makes sense, your tutor will notice it and evaluate the paper accordingly.

How to Outline an Essay

Building an outline is an excellent way to ensure that every paragraph in your essay has a purpose. While outlining, you can see if a paragraph is essential or can be dropped without harm to your paper. It also checks how your argument or main idea is advancing, which will help you speed up the proofreading stage. Now that you learned how significant outlining is, let’s see how you can create one.

Before writing an outline, you should:

• Define the goal of your essay.
• Determine the target audience.
• Create the thesis statement.

Step 1: Research

The quality of your research determines the quality of your outline and your essay at large. That includes finding quotes from reputable sources or indicating the main supporting points to bolster your argument. Depending on your educational background, you might have to use different sources to expedite your research.

Any websites found on Google are unsuitable sources for papers written at a college or university level. Since the Internet is full of unverified information, it’s vital to ascertain your source’s credibility before referring to it. Examples of trusted sites include Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic, Science.gov, Refseek, and Oxford Academic.

Step 2: Organize

After choosing a topic and researching, it’s time to write the outline using all the gathered information. It should match the layout of the essay: an introduction, a body section, and a conclusion. Have you ever written down something but couldn’t read from your handwriting later on? This usually happens if you have bad handwriting or the information is too clustered to read. You don’t want to rely on such an outline, especially when pressed for time. So, you must organize your plan to match the essay structure .

Introduction

Some ways to start your introduction paragraph are anecdotes, proverbs or idioms, definitions, statistics, quotes, or facts. You can begin your essay outline by jotting down the main ideas for the introduction, which should also include a thesis statement. The point is to equip yourself with a road map, so short sentences should suffice.

Body paragraphs

Each body paragraph provides one idea that supports your thesis statement and is backed by facts, details, and examples. There will be more or fewer paragraphs here, depending on the essay volume. But, when writing a standard essay, you would usually need three body paragraphs, each of which should be in your outline. Remember that every paragraph must start with a topic sentence supported by two or three independent ideas with a link (transition) sentence at the end.

This paragraph summarizes every major point in the essay with some broader context. For a short paper, three to five sentences should be used for the concluding section of your paper.

Below is a template of a standard five-paragraph essay outline structure template that you can download by clicking on the button under the image.

Once you’re done, remember to proofread and edit to ensure you haven’t missed something important.

Essay outline examples

Now that you know how to write an outline, analyze the samples below to better understand how to apply this theory in practice. Each sample essay outline was hand-picked to ensure it corresponds to all key principles of creating one.

CLICK OR TAP ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD IT IN PDF

Argumentative essay outline example

Similar to persuasive essays, argumentative essays are designed to persuade the reader to accept a specific point of view. They require the writer to use relevant evidence and reasoning to support their arguments while addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints.

For example, an argumentative essay outline on the topic “The Necessity of Renewable Energy” could be structured as follows:

• A. Start with a striking statistic about current global energy consumption.
• B. Provide background on the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
• C. Thesis: “In the face of escalating environmental crises and depleting non-renewable resources, transitioning to renewable energy sources emerges as an indispensable solution, not only to mitigate ecological damage but also to ensure long-term sustainability and economic viability for future generations.”
• 1. Detail the ecological damage caused by fossil fuels.
• 2. Highlight the contribution of non-renewable energy to global warming.
• 1. Describe the long-term environmental benefits of renewable sources.
• 2. Discuss technological advancements in renewable energy.
• 1. Address concerns about the high cost and practicality.
• 2. Provide evidence of decreasing costs and increasing efficiency.
• A. Reiterate the thesis in light of the arguments presented.
• B. Summarize the environmental and economic benefits.
• C. Concluding statement: Call to action for policy changes and individual responsibility​​.

Narrative essay outline example

Narrative essays tell a story, focusing on personal experiences and emotions. For instance, a narrative essay titled “My Journey to Becoming a Volunteer” could have the following example outline:

• A. Open with a personal anecdote about the desire to help others.
• B. Set the scene for the volunteer journey.
• C. Thesis: “My journey to becoming a volunteer was a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of community and self, teaching me invaluable lessons in empathy, resilience, and the profound impact of selfless service on both personal growth and the well-being of others.”
• 1. Describe the initial motivation and decision-making process.
• 2. Mention key influences or events leading to the decision.
• 1. Narrate specific experiences and interactions during volunteering.
• 2. Reflect on challenges faced and how they were overcome.
• 1. Discuss the skills and insights acquired.
• 2. Illustrate how the experience changed perspectives on community and self.
• A. Summarize the journey and its impact.
• B. Reflect on the personal changes and growth experienced.
• C. Closing thoughts: The ongoing importance of volunteer work​​​.

Compare and contrast essay outline example

Compare and contrast essays examine the similarities and differences between two subjects, offering a balanced view. For example, a compare and contrast essay on “Online Learning vs. Traditional Classroom” might follow this outline:

• A. Discuss the rise of online learning platforms.
• B. Contrast online and traditional classroom settings.
• C. Thesis Statement: “While both online learning and traditional classroom education aim to deliver quality education, they differ significantly in terms of their learning environments and teacher-student interactions, each offering unique advantages and challenges that cater to diverse learning needs and preferences.”
• 1. Compare the curriculum and teaching materials used in both settings.
• 2. Illustrate with examples of course content in both formats.
• 1. Detail the virtual setting of online learning vs. physical classrooms.
• 2. Discuss the impact of these environments on student engagement.
• 1. Compare the nature of interactions in online and traditional settings.
• 2. Examine the impact on student learning and participation.
• A. Recap the key similarities and differences.
• B. Reflect on the effectiveness of each mode of learning.
• C. Final thoughts: Future trends in education​​​.

Bottom line

Here are three key tips for students creating essay outlines:

• Review Your Assignment: Start by thoroughly reading your assignment instructions. This helps you understand your essay type and any word count limits.
• Keep Your Title and Thesis Handy: At the top of your outline, write down your essay’s title and the full thesis statement. This keeps your main idea in clear view as you work.
• Take Notes During Research: As you research, jot down key points. These notes will be valuable when you’re building your essay outline.

Remember, essays vary widely, from argumentative and narrative to comparative and persuasive, each with its own goals and structure. Mastering the art of outlining is crucial for improving your writing skills and achieving higher grades. If you often struggle with organizing your thoughts or experience writer’s block, planning your essay before you start writing can be immensely helpful. With practice, you’ll be able to complete your assignments more quickly while maintaining high quality.

The earlier, the better. If you start researching without note-taking and creating an outline, you might do all that research in vain. You need to read a bit, find reputable sources that you will use, and analyze the evidence before planning. But, as soon as your argument starts shaping, you should start putting your thoughts on paper.

Planning is a bit individual. Some people benefit from it more than others. If you can generate ideas easily but struggle with the writing process, preparing a thorough outline will help. Conversely, if you’re having a hard time coming up with ideas, you might benefit more from writing right away. Overplanning can also be harmful when it doesn’t leave enough time to complete the paper.

• Walden University — Outlining
• Bow Valley College — Writing Support
• Purdue University — Types of Outlines

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Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Parts of a Paper / How to Write an Essay Outline

How to Write an Essay Outline

It’s 11 p.m., your paper is due tomorrow, and you’re only about halfway done. You’re typing along and when you realize that, wait…you’re actually not a huge fan of your argument or the supporting examples you’re using. Your options are to haphazardly keep writing or to backtrack and rehash what you’ve already done. Ugh. Unsurprisingly, both options aren’t great.

This scenario is scary, but totally avoidable! Though it’s tempting to just start writing, one of the best steps you can take before you type a single word is to create an outline for your paper. By taking the time to write a paper outline, you can prevent the scenario above and make your writing process a cinch!

Guide Overview

What is a paper outline, why it’s worth writing an outline.

• Step 1: gather your relevant materials
• Step 2: create your thesis
• Step 3: find examples
• Step 4: analyze your examples
• Step 5: arrange your examples

A paper outline is a skeletal version of your paper. Another way to think about an outline is to view it as a roadmap. An outline helps you organize and streamline your thoughts ahead of time. By front loading this work, you allow the eventual writing process to be much easier: instead of having to backtrack and see if your paper makes sense, you can refer to your outline and be rest assured that you’re on the right track.

It’s understandable if you think it’s not worth the time to write an outline. After all, writing a paper in itself is a lot of work – why add an extra step?

Here’s the secret: creating an outline and then writing your paper takes about the same amount of time as jumping straight into writing your paper. Why? By immediately writing, you run the risk of having to go back and see if the flow of your paper makes sense. Backtracking takes up a lot of time: having to go back and revise your paper because you missed a point can be a pain.

Taking the time to outline your paper gives you the space to see what arguments work, which examples to include, and more. Doing this prep work ahead of time prevents you from having to do it while in the middle of your paper. Your completed outline serves as a solid reference as you write your assignment. In an ideal world, your outline should be so thorough that the writing process is essentially just you converting your bullet points into sentences that flow together!

How to outline a paper

Step 1: gather your relevant materials.

The first step to take when outlining a paper is to gather all your relevant materials. If you’re writing a paper about a book you’re reading in class, start thinking about which passages from the book are relevant to your prompt. If you’re writing a paper about a broader topic, identify what sources you’ll need to construct your argument.

Pro tip: Avoid plagiarism and keep track of the sources you’re using at EasyBib.com! Easily create an APA or MLA format citation , try out our Chicago citation generator , and find help for other citation styles.

Step 2: Create your thesis

After you’ve compiled your materials, start thinking about your thesis statement. Revisit your assignment prompt, peruse your materials, and determine what your viewpoint is regarding the prompt.

Step 3: Find examples

Once you have your thesis, come up with ways to support it. Identify the quotes you need or the arguments you want to utilize in order to bolster your thesis.

Step 4: Analyze Your Examples

Write 3-4 bullet points connecting your examples to your thesis. The analysis part of your paper is the meat of your paper, so feel free to take as much time as you want during this step.

Step 5: Arrange Your Examples

Now that you have your examples and analysis, arrange them in a logical way that helps you develop and support your thesis. This is the step in which you can start copying and pasting your notes into an outline that mimics the flow of your paper. By the end of this step, you should have a solid outline!

Here’s a template for a five paragraph essay you can use for your papers moving forward:

Before you jump into writing your paper, it might pay to take a quick look at our EasyBib grammar guides . Discover what an abstract noun is, read a determiner definition , see the difference between regular and irregular verbs , and get familiar with other parts of speech.

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• Academic Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• College Admissions Essay
• Expository Essay
• Persuasive Essay
• Research Paper
• Thesis Statement
• Writing a Conclusion
• Writing an Introduction
• Writing an Outline
• Writing a Summary

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How To Write An Essay Outline: Tips And Examples

• What Is An Outline?
• Why Are Outlines Helpful?
• Parts Of An Outline

To outline or not to outline: that is the age-old question. For a lot of people, outlines are a way to organize thoughts and gather information before they start writing, which can often save valuable time later on. But some writers prefer to craft essays more loosely, adding material and shaping their supporting paragraphs as they go.

Whether you’re new to outlines (or writing, period) or you’re just looking to hone your skills at crafting the perfect essay outline, there are some important things to know about the process. Follow along as we break down the why and the how of writing an effective outline and provide a step-by-step guide that will make writing your next essay a total cinch.

What is an outline?

An outline is “a general sketch, account, or report, indicating only the main features, as of a book, subject, or project.” In other words, it’s like a brief summary of the topics you plan to cover in a longer piece of writing.

In writing an outline, you create the skeleton of your essay, which provides a supportive structure on which you can arrange and organize each of your paragraphs. This helps you clarify the points you intend to make in your writing and also gives you an opportunity to tailor your research, which can make the writing process much easier later on.

Why are outlines helpful?

If you aren’t typically an outline writer, you might be wondering if you really need to put in the extra work to create one. Ultimately, everyone has a different writing style, and only you know what’s going to work for you, but here are four major reasons why many people find the outlining process helpful:

1. Outlines are brief and concise.

Remember: an outline is not the same thing as a rough draft. In an outline, each section contains only a sentence or two, and each topic is distilled to a single main idea.

2. Outlines help you write more efficiently.

You don’t have to worry about rambling or repeating the same statistic several times. You decide exactly where information belongs before you start writing.

3. Outlines are easy to edit.

You can move facts, details, and even entire sentences around easily without needing to rewrite whole paragraphs.

4. Outlines ensure supporting details connect to the thesis.

Once you see all of your work laid out, you might realize that certain paragraphs can be combined or that your conclusion doesn’t actually tie back to your thesis. Isn’t it nice to notice these potential errors before you’ve finished a draft?

Writer’s block? It’s part of the process. Here are some tips to overcome it and get your words flowing again.

The parts of a standard essay outline

Now that you understand the “why” behind writing an essay outline, let’s talk about how to do it. Here are the main parts to include in any essay outline:

Introduction

In an outline, your introduction consists of your thesis statement . This is a single sentence that states the subject, main idea, or main purpose of your essay.

When you write your essay, you will add a few sentences before and after your thesis statement to grab your reader’s interest and preview your essay’s main points. For the outline, you only need to narrow your point of view to a single, effective thesis that will inform the rest of the outline.

Body paragraphs

Body paragraphs are the parts of the essay in which you present information to back up your thesis. First, you’ll need to decide if you’re writing a three-paragraph essay or a five-paragraph essay . You may have anywhere from one to three body paragraphs, depending on what type you choose.

Each body paragraph in your outline should have:

• A main idea that aligns with your thesis.
• A topic sentence stating the main idea.
• A bulleted list of relevant research, quotes, anecdotes, and/or statistics.

Much like the introduction, your outline’s conclusion is all about your thesis statement. Here, you should:

• Restate your thesis
• Summarize the main points that support your thesis.
• Leave your reader with an impactful final thought or call to action.

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Example of a standard essay outline

Now that you know the parts of an essay outline, it might help to see them in action. Here’s an outline format you can use to plan your own essays, filled in with examples of a thesis statement, topic sentences for your body paragraphs, and the main parts of a strong conclusion.

• Thesis statement: There’s a lot of debate about which food category hot dogs fit into, but it’s clear from the evidence that a hot dog is a type of sandwich.

Body paragraph #1

• Topic sentence: To begin, hot dogs fit the dictionary definition of the word sandwich.
• Supporting detail: Sandwich is defined as “two or more slices of bread with a layer of meat, fish, cheese, and whatever other filling you’d like between them.”
• Supporting detail: A hot dog is a grilled or steamed sausage, usually made of pork or beef, which qualifies as a layer of meat.
• Supporting detail: Hot dog buns are split rolls, similar to the ones used for deli sandwiches.

Body paragraph #2

• Topic sentence: Secondly, hot dogs meet the legal definition of sandwiches in many places.
• Supporting detail: Mark Wheeler, a food safety specialist with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), says the organization defines a sandwich as “a meat or poultry filling between two slices of bread, a bun, or a biscuit.”
• Supporting detail: In New York state, tax law lists “hot dogs and sausages on buns” as types of sandwiches.
• Supporting detail: Additionally, tax law in California clearly includes “hot dog and hamburger sandwiches” served from “sandwich stands or booths.”

Body paragraph #3

• Topic sentence: Finally, most Americans agree that hot dogs are sandwiches.
• Supporting detail: In a poll of 1,000 people conducted by RTA Outdoor Living, 56.8% of respondents agreed a hot dog is a sandwich.
• Supporting detail: Many fast food chains that serve primarily burgers and sandwiches, like Five Guys burgers and Shake Shack, also sell hot dogs.
• Supporting detail: Lexicographers at Dictionary.com have also declared that hot dogs officially meet the criteria to be included in the sandwich category. (Curious? Read the article here for this and other great food debates explained .)
• Restatement of thesis: Hot dogs are a unique kind of food, but the evidence makes it clear that they are indeed a type of sandwich.

Now, get to planning that perfect essay! (But if you’re hungry for a snack first, we don’t blame you.)

Plan and write a five-paragraph essay that will earn your instructor's own five—high five, that is!

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How to Write an Essay Outline?

28 August, 2020

8 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

Now that the school year has begun, you will start to receive many essay assignments. One way to organize your thoughts before writing is to create an essay outline. What is an essay outline? It's a tool that helps you organize your ideas and write a better essay. In this article, we will discuss why writing an outline for your essay is helpful, how it will improve your writing, and how to go about creating one.

What is an Essay Outline?

An outline is a tool that you can use for organizing your ideas and structuring your essay in a proper manner. It should summarize your essay and help you organize your content in a logical order. An outline can guide you throughout the writing process and remind you of what you should be writing about. Most commonly, an essay is written following a 5-paragraph structure, addressing the key points that you have laid out in the outline. Below, you will find more about the proper structure of your essay outline and what these 5 paragraphs should include.

Why Do You Need It?

Sitting down to write an essay can be overwhelming. Writing an outline helps alleviate some of that frustration. Furthermore, it will help you organize thoughts, present ideas logically and with a natural flow, as well as clarify your thesis and conclusion.

Find out the basic essay information with this article: What is an Essay?

Overall, an outline will help you communicate your point in a clear and organized format. The structure of your essay will rely on the outline you compose.

Preparing Your Outline

Before you begin writing an outline for the essay, make sure you understand the assignment. Namely, what exactly is the instructor looking for? Our  essay writer  recommends you to follow these simple steps:

1. Develop a Topic

The first step in your outline is to identify your topic. Once you have a clear understanding of the instructor’s expectations, begin brainstorming topics that fit within the assignment. Make a list of ideas and pick the ones that are of your interest. If you are stuck between a few ideas, begin free writing. Give yourself 5 minutes for each idea and just write everything that first comes to mind without editing or stopping. The idea that inspires you the most may just be the perfect essay topic for this assignment. In fact, essays are easier to write and read if the author is passionate about what he/she is writing.

Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Compare&Contrast essay topics

2. Identify the purpose, audience, and argument/ideas

Once you have developed a topic, you will need to define the purpose (or the reason) for writing this essay as well as who you are writing for. By having a clear understanding of the purpose, the audience, and the necessary arguments/ideas that need to be addressed, you will be better prepared to write an influential essay.

Take a second to look back over the instructions for the assignment and ask yourself the following questions.

• What are the objectives of the assignment?
• Are there keywords that stand out in the instructions?
• Are you being asked to persuade, entertain, enlighten, or educate your audience?
• Who is your audience? Is it the teacher, the other students, or someone else?
• What arguments or counter ideas might the audience have for your topic/idea?
• What emotions might these ideas bring up and how can you counterbalance them with facts?

3. Develop a thesis statement

Now that you know your topic, purpose, audience and have developed your main arguments/ideas – it is time to write your thesis statement . A thesis is only one to two sentences long and highlights the question your essay will be answering. It does not state your opinion or list facts though, but rather identifies what you will be arguing for or against within the body of your essay. Keep in mind that thesis statements must be accurate, clear, and relevant to the topic.

Structuring Your Outline

Now that you have read the above information, the question is:  how to write an essay outline?

First, decide on what structure to use. There are two main essay outline formats to choose from:   alphanumeric and decimal .

The alphanumeric format uses Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, etc), capital letters (A, B, C, D, etc.), Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), and lowercase letters (a, b, c, d, etc.).  This one is more common than the other.

On the contrary, the decimal format only uses numbers. It begins with 1.0. Subsections add a decimal. The most important points under 1.0 would be 1.1, 1.2, etc. The subsections beneath 1.1 would be 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, etc. For a visual example of an essay outline scroll to the bottom of this article.

For the visual examples of the stated outline formats, scroll down to the bottom of this article.

Apply sub-section structure. The more detailed content of your essay will be found within the sub-sections, while the main sections are your fundamental ideas and arguments. Therefore, the sub-sections are the facts that support main sections. Think of the section title as the topic sentence for your paragraph and the sub-section as the tiny details that explain the idea of the topic. Notably, your sub-sections need to flow naturally from one to another.

Integrate paragraphs into your outline. Start fleshing out your section and subsection notes. Your introduction will need to include your topic and thesis statement. For a short essay, this only needs to be one paragraph long. Then, refer to your assignment instructions to clarify the length. Next is the body part – a ‘skeleton’ on which the entire essay is based. This section will consist of several paragraphs, each playing a supportive role in the filling of your thesis. The final section of your outline is the conclusion. This is a summary of everything you have stated in your essay. In this part, paraphrase your thesis statement and highlight the arguments made within the essay to support it. Remember that presenting new ideas and concepts in the concluding sentences is a big academic mistake. Rather, your final words should only emphasize the points you’ve indicated earlier and focus on the already-highlighted ideas.

Essay Outline Examples

Now, it’s time to showcase the most common essay outline types. For you to get the right idea of what an outline actually is, we have transformed the content of the article you are currently reading into an outline.

Alphanumeric format essay outline sample:

Decimal format essay outline sample:

Drawing the Line

Now that you know how to use an essay outline, you are well on your way to writing clear, persuasive essays. This tool will help you improve your writing and earn a higher grade for your essay. Now it’s time for you to get started and make use of this tool.

In case you have any questions, you are free to skim through our essay writing guide where you can find helpful information on how to plan, structure and write different types of essays.

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How to Write an Essay Outline

Have you ever tried writing an essay without an outline? If you have, chances are your ideas went all over the place even though you started out with a specific goal in mind. So when your professor reads the paper, they won’t know what points you’re trying to make or how those points support your thesis statement. If they can’t understand what they’re reading, there’s no way they’ll grade it an A+.

That’s why you should have an essay outline to organize your research or opinions in a way that makes sense for readers. An essay outline helps you structure your writing in a logical flow to get your ideas across more effectively, which also improves your overall writing quality . As such, it also ensures that you don’t accidentally leave out the most critical points you want to convey.

If you’re reading this, you probably don’t know how to write an outline for an essay (yet) or you want to get better at it. That’s exactly what this guide will help you with. You’ll discover what goes into an essay outline and how you can write one for your next paper. Let’s get started.

What is an outline?

An outline is an organization tool that helps authors plan their writing before they start. In other words, it’s a roadmap or a blueprint of your paper. It acts as the foundation of your piece, listing out the main ideas in a logical structure that flows well. Having a topical outline in place also makes it easier to remember all the points you need to form a strong argument or support your opinions.

Although an essay outline isn’t mandatory, it helps you get the job done faster and more easily. When you start writing without a proper plan in mind, however, there could be a lot of restructuring and rewriting. This not only takes time but can be mentally taxing, and you can’t afford that especially when you have other classes to catch up with.

Writing an essay outline involves a few steps – preparation, structuring, and organization. Since this can be a lot of work, it’s best to learn from a writing tutor who will guide you through the entire process and give you hands-on training. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to learn it on your own, and this guide will give you all the basic ideas you need to cover when creating an outline.

Key elements of an essay outline

Regardless of what type of essay you’re writing, a formal essay outline typically has three essential elements – the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components:

The introduction

This is the section where you’ll introduce readers to your topic and describe why you’re writing about it. It needs to be relevant and attention-grabbing. When writing a college research paper outline, be sure to mention the topic and the thesis statement in your introduction.

Starting your outline with a thesis statement will give you a better sense of how to support the ideas and arguments you present in the body.

This is the section that will contain the most information and it’s where you’ll present ideas and arguments to support your thesis. It should have a minimum of three paragraphs and your outline should touch on each of them.

For each paragraph, note the topic or idea you’ll be discussing. Don’t forget to include the supporting evidence such as data, examples, expert opinions, and facts you plan to use for each paragraph.

The conclusion

This is the section where you wrap up the essay and remind readers about the points you were trying to make. Start by paraphrasing your thesis statement and summarize the purpose of your paper.

Outline formatting

In general, most formal essay outlines use a linear formatting style. This involves ranking your points or arguments in order of importance. So for example, you’ll start by discussing the most important point at the top of your essay body and then gradually move downward.

Considering all these elements, your essay outline will typically look like this:

3 Questions to ask before creating an outline

Before you’re ready to create your essay outline, ask yourself the following questions so you can start with a strong direction. Having all this information in place will make it easier to put together your outline:

1: What’s your goal?

What’s the purpose of writing this paper? Perhaps you want to inform your readers about a specific topic or maybe you want to persuade them to accept your argument. Identifying your goal will help you form a strong thesis statement as well.

2: Who will read it?

For whom are you writing your essay? Yes, you’ll consider writing for a professor when preparing a college research paper outline, but they aren’t your only target audience. Perhaps you’re writing for your classmates and peers, or you’re writing for experts in your field.

If you’re writing a college application essay, for instance, your target audience will be the members of the admissions committee. This means you should be writing for students, staff, and professors alike.

Identifying your target audience will help you understand how to form convincing arguments while considering their knowledge and points of view.

3: What’s your thesis statement?

Now based on the goal of your essay, come up with a strong thesis statement that details your argument and draws in the readers.

Structuring your outline

Once you have a goal and a thesis statement ready, it’s time to structure your essay outline. You can either use an alphanumeric outline structure like we’ve done in the above example, or you can also go for a decimal structure depending on what’s clearer to you.

Alphanumeric format:

Decimal format:

Remember, this isn’t your full essay yet so feel free to briefly outline your ideas in fragmented sentences. However, a college research paper outline will most likely need complete sentences if your professor is going to review it. This will help them understand the ideas and arguments you plan on presenting in your essay.

Putting this all together

Now let’s get to the main event – organizing your essay outline. Follow the topical outline structure of your choice and begin by outlining the introduction. In a sentence, describe the topic you’re writing about. Then follow up with your thesis statement.

You might also want to include an essay hook to make your paper even more enticing for readers. An essay hook is the opening sentence of your introduction, which instantly draws in readers and makes them want to read the entire piece. It could be anything from a relevant quote or a common misconception to an anecdote or a personal story.

Next, outline the body of your essay by noting down the topic or argument for each paragraph. Include the supporting evidence you plan on using such as stats , facts, examples, and expert opinions. Don’t forget to mention how the evidence ties in with the topic and thesis statement.

It will help to include a transition sentence in each paragraph so you can quickly structure your arguments in a logical flow. When you add more details to your essay outline, you’ll find it much easier to organize all the info as you write.

Finally, end it with an outline of your essay conclusion. Make sure you restate your thesis statement to remind your readers of your argument. Then follow up with a concluding statement to validate your thesis and propose any solution or plan to address the issue discussed in your essay.

Outline examples for different types of essays

While it’s helpful to read articles that tell you what to do and how to do it, working with a personal English tutor can give you a much more practical experience in writing essay outlines. Another excellent solution is to learn from example . So we’ve put together outline examples for the most popular types of essays:

Argumentative essay outline example

An argumentative essay, also known as a persuasive essay, involves using logical arguments to support your opinion and persuade readers. This type of persuasive writing will require solid evidence to back up your theory or argument such as facts, research, and examples.

Narrative essay outline example

A narrative essay is a form of descriptive writing where you narrate a story based on your personal experience or point of view. This is the easiest type of essay because it doesn’t require any research or supporting evidence. However, the most challenging part is providing specific and sensory details that would help readers understand your point of view.

Research essay outline example

A research essay is a form of academic writing which involves analyzing the works of other people on a certain topic and build on them using your own opinions or ideas. This is the most common type of essay you’ll have to write as a grad or post-grad student. It can be challenging as it requires plenty of research, coupled with original ideas and critical thinking.

Get ready to write sensational essays

All the tips and examples we’ve provided above will help you understand how and where to begin your essay writing process . It all starts with a good essay outline to organize your thoughts and structure your writing flow. Otherwise, you’ll end up losing your train of thought while you’re in the middle of writing. So make the most of our guide to develop your essay and outline writing skills.

Jacqueline Zote is a copywriter with a passion for all things relating to the English language. Her interests range from pop culture and mythology to social activism. Her short fiction has appeared in anthologies published by HarperCollins Publishers and Zubaan Books.

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How to Write an Essay Outline

Imagine that an essay outline is like building a blueprint for a house: it lays the foundation and framework for your ideas. An outline helps you organize your thoughts, ensuring that each section of your essay supports your main argument. 

By mapping out your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion in advance, you can see the big picture and make sure all your points are connected. Let’s see why an essay outline is an important part of the writing process, as well as discover better ways to perform this task.

What Is an Outline?

An essay outline is a structured plan that organizes an essay's main ideas and supporting points before the writing process begins. It serves as a framework, breaking down the essay into key sections: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. 

Each section includes brief notes or bullet points detailing what will be covered, helping to ensure a logical flow of ideas and coherence in the final piece. By providing a clear overview of the essay's structure, essay outlines make the writing process more efficient and help maintain focus on the central argument or thesis.

Don’t Even Have an Outline Yet?

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Parts of an Essay to Include in the Outline

An essay structure typically includes three main parts: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use a coursework writing service if you’re tasked with a longer paper than a short composition.

Introduction

The introduction of an essay sets the stage for the entire piece, providing a first impression that engages the reader. It typically begins with a hook, a compelling statement or a question designed to capture the reader's interest. Following the hook, background information is provided to give context and help the reader understand the topic at hand. 

This section culminates in a thesis statement, a clear and concise summary of the main argument or purpose of the essay. The introduction not only introduces the topic but also lays out the roadmap for what will be discussed, setting the tone for the rest of the essay.

Tips for the Introduction:

• Start with a strong hook to grab attention.
• Provide just enough background information to set the context.
• Craft a clear and specific thesis statement.
• Avoid overly broad or general statements.

Body Paragraphs

The essay's body is where the main ideas and arguments are developed. Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that clearly states the paragraph's main point. This is followed by supporting details, such as evidence, examples, and analysis, which reinforce the topic sentence.

Effective transitions between paragraphs are crucial, as they ensure the essay flows logically from one idea to the next. The body paragraphs collectively build the case for the thesis, providing depth and detail that strengthen the overall argument.

Tips for Body Paragraphs:

• Begin each paragraph with a strong topic sentence.
• Use specific evidence and examples to support your points.
• Analyze the evidence to show how it supports your argument.
• Use transition words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly.

The conclusion of an essay brings closure to the argument and reinforces the thesis. It typically begins by restating the thesis in light of the evidence presented in the body paragraphs. This is followed by a brief summary of the main points discussed in the essay, highlighting the key arguments made. 

The conclusion should end with a closing thought or call to action, leaving the reader with something to ponder or a sense of resolution. The goal is to leave a lasting impression that underscores the significance of the essay’s findings.

Tips for the Conclusion:

• Restate the thesis in a new way to reflect the discussion.
• Summarize the main points succinctly.
• End with a thought-provoking final sentence or call to action.
• Avoid introducing new information or arguments.

Are you a fan of literature? Recommended for reading: The Divine Comedy summary .

How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Simple Steps

An essay outline can simplify and enhance the writing process by organizing your ideas and ensuring a logical flow. Here’s how to write an essay outline in four steps:

1. Identify Your Thesis and Main Points

Begin by determining the thesis of your essay—the central argument or point you intend to make. Once you have a clear thesis, identify the main points that will support this argument. 

These points will form the backbone of your essay and should be distinct, relevant, and directly related to your thesis. Write down your thesis statement and list your main supporting points, which will serve as the core sections of your outline.

• Make sure your thesis is specific and debatable.
• Limit your main points to three or four to maintain focus.
• Ensure each main point clearly supports your thesis.

2. Organize Main Points into Sections

Writing an essay outline is divided into three main sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. Allocate each main point to a body paragraph, and decide the order in which you will present them. 

Consider the logical progression of your argument, ensuring each point builds upon the previous one. This step helps you see the overall structure of your essay and ensures a coherent flow of ideas.

• Use a logical order, such as chronological, thematic, or order of importance.
• Ensure each section transitions smoothly to the next.
• Make sure each body paragraph addresses a single main point.

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3. Develop Supporting Details for Each Main Point

For each main point in the essay outline, jot down the supporting details you’ll use to explain and back up your argument. These can include facts, quotes, examples, and analysis.

Organize these details under each main point, creating subpoints that will form the content of each body paragraph. This step ensures that each paragraph has enough substance to support your argument and keeps your writing focused and detailed.

• Use a mix of evidence types to strengthen your argument.
• Make sure each supporting detail is relevant and directly backs up your main point.
• Balance your paragraphs: ensure they are similar in length and depth.

4. Create a Draft Outline

Combine your thesis, main points, and supporting details into a draft outline. Start with the introduction, including your hook, background information, and thesis statement. Next, outline each body paragraph, starting with a topic sentence and followed by your supporting details. 

Finally, outline your conclusion, restating the thesis, summarizing the main points, and ending with a closing thought. Review your outline to ensure it’s logically structured and covers all necessary points.

• Keep your outline clear and concise.
• Use bullet points or numbering to organize your sections.
• Review and revise your outline for coherence and completeness.

Essay Outline Example

An essay outline example can help a student by providing a clear template that demonstrates how to organize their thoughts and structure their essay effectively. If you’ve got little time left until submission, click on the pay someone to write my paper link, and our specialists will sort your problem out quickly.

Persuasive Essay Outline

Literary analysis essay outline, argumentative essay outline.

An essay outline provides structure and organization, ensuring clarity and coherence in the writing process. It helps writers focus on their main arguments and prevents them from straying off-topic. Additionally, having an outline saves time by streamlining the writing process and making it easier to fill in the details.

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Should I Use Full Sentences in My Essay Outline?

How to create an outline for an essay, what is an outline for an essay.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Updated writing tips.
• Updated examples.
• https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Outline%20Template.pdf
• https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/excel-at-writing/how-to-write/essay/example-essay-outlines
• Structure of an Essay: Outline - Resources for Writing Different Types of Essays | Gallaudet University. (2022, November 16). Gallaudet University. https://gallaudet.edu/student-success/tutorial-center/english-center/writing/resources-for-writing-different-types-of-essays/structure-of-an-essay-outline/

• TemplateLab

Essay Outline Templates

37 outstanding essay outline templates (argumentative, narrative, persuasive).

Writing an essay can seem like an overwhelming task, and planning beforehand is essential to success. An essay outline will help you to structure and organize your essay so that it flows coherently. Essay outlines work for all kinds of essays and will save you time and stress.

There are various different ways to structure an essay, and using an essay outline template allows you to decide on the best structure for your essay. Whether you want a balanced argument, or if you’re trying to persuade someone of your idea, then there will be an essay outline that works for you.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay Outline Templates
• 2 What is an Essay Outline Template?
• 3 Essay Outline Examples
• 4 What Different Types of Essay Outline Templates Are Available?
• 5 Why are Essay Outlines important?
• 6 How Do You Structure an Outline for an Essay?
• 7 Essay Outline Samples
• 8 What is the Format of a Five-Paragraph Essay Outline? 
• 9 How to Write an Effective Essay Outline
• 10 Free Essay Outlines
• 11 Create an Effective Outline Using an Essay Outline Template

You can download and print one of our free essay outline templates to help you plan the perfect essay.

What is an Essay Outline Template?

An essay outline template is essentially the essay plan. It provides students with a clear structure before they write their essay, including all of the main points that are necessary for their writing.

Planning an essay outline beforehand makes the process of essay writing a lot less daunting, providing students with a guideline to follow whilst writing their essays in detail. In the world of academic writing , an essay outline serves as a tool to organize and structure thoughts before delving into the actual writing process. Many students underestimate the significance of creating an essay outline, often resulting in disorganized and incomprehensible essays.

Essay Outline Examples

What Different Types of Essay Outline Templates Are Available?

Essay outlines can be used for any college essay, research papers, a contrast essay, speech writing, or an expository essay. There are a range of essay outline templates to use, and they vary depending on the style of essay you are writing. These include:

• Argumentative essay outline
• Narrative essay outline
• Contrast essay outline
• Literary analysis essay outline
• Persuasive essay outline
• Expository essay outline
• College essay outline
• Descriptive essay outline
• Reflective essay outline

Depending on the purpose of your essay, there will be a different structure to suit your writing and your writing process. For example, an argumentative essay outline may follow a more traditional five-paragraph essay outline, while a literary analysis essay may follow a more detailed essay outline template.

Why are Essay Outlines important?

Of course, you can write an essay without planning. However, it will likely read as unstructured and lacking in coherence. Essays that follow an essay outline template present as more well-researched, clearer, and with a thoughtful structure throughout.

• Planning makes perfect If you are writing to argue a point or explore a range of viewpoints, essay outlines are crucial to prepare before you begin writing in detail. Writing should not be an immediate, quick process; the best essays are drafted, re-drafted, edited, and finalized. If you use an essay outline, this will be reflected in the quality of your work. As a teacher, it is clear to me when students have not taken the time to plan their work. Their writing seems messy and rushed. Essay outlines provide structure and balance to any long piece of writing.
• Save time during the writing process Planning is the hard part of essay writing. During the planning process, you will be brainstorming your ideas and cultivating your overall viewpoint or argument. This means that when you come to write the essay, those ideas are already there. All you need to do is formulate them into sentences and paragraphs. An essay outline makes the process of writing the essay itself so much simpler. With the essay outline template, you will have the bulk of your ideas and the structure of your essay there to follow. It will save you time when it comes to writing the essay out in full.

How Do You Structure an Outline for an Essay?

Depending on the assignment, essays can follow a range of structures, and there are many different ways to structure an essay outline.

Before you begin to structure your essay outline, there are a few things to consider:

• Check your assignment guidelines . Your teacher or professor may have specified a certain number of words or pages for the essay, which can affect how you structure it.
• Consider the purpose of the essay. Is it to argue, is it a persuasive essay, or is it to reflect upon something? This will greatly help you to form and structure your essay, as you may need to compare and contrast ideas throughout your writing.
• Who is your audience? If this essay is purely for academic purposes, then your essay may follow a more traditional structure. However, if your essay is for a speech or a college application, then the structure may be more unconventional and include more of your own thoughts and experiences.

While there may be variations in essay outline structures depending on the specific requirements of the assignment, some general guidelines can be followed. You should edit and adjust your essay structure depending on the tone, audience, and purpose of your essay.

Typically, an effective essay outline comprises three primary sections: the introduction, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. Each of these sections serves a unique purpose and contributes to the overall coherence of the essay.

• Introduction The introduction section of an essay outline introduces the topic and provides relevant background information to engage the reader. It also includes the thesis statement, which presents the main argument or claim of the essay. To structure the introduction in the outline effectively, writers can utilize a hook to grab the reader’s attention, provide context, and end with a strong thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs The body paragraphs section of the essay outline supports the thesis statement with relevant evidence and arguments. The number of body paragraphs may vary depending on the required length of the essay. However, it is common to have three body paragraphs, each focused on a specific supporting point. In the outline, writers can include subpoints, evidence, and examples for each body paragraph to ensure a coherent and logical flow of ideas.
• Conclusion The conclusion section of the essay outline summarises the main points discussed in the body paragraphs and restates the thesis statement. The conclusion should not be an afterthought in the essay writing process. This part of the essay helps to tie all of your ideas together and is reflective of a well-structured essay. It is crucial to end the essay on a strong note, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. To structure the conclusion in the outline, writers can briefly restate the thesis, review the main points, and provide a final thought or call to action.

Essay Outline Samples

What is the Format of a Five-Paragraph Essay Outline? 

A five-paragraph essay outline is a common essay structure used for academic essays. It is particularly useful for shorter essays or beginners who are just starting to develop their writing skills. Many high school students or first-year college students benefit from following this structure.

The format consists of five paragraphs, as the name suggests – an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

• Introduction In the introduction of a five-paragraph essay outline, writers should begin with an attention-grabbing hook to capture the reader’s interest. This can be achieved through a relevant anecdote, a rhetorical question, or a shocking statistic. This helps to immediately capture the reader’s attention and begin the essay strong. Next, provide some background information on the topic and end the introduction with a clear thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument of the essay.
• Body Paragraphs The three body paragraphs of a five-paragraph essay outline each focus on a specific supporting point, which aids in the development of the thesis statement. Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Following the topic sentence, writers should provide evidence, examples, or arguments to support the main point. It is essential to ensure a logical flow between paragraphs and maintain coherence throughout the essay. This can be done through the use of connectives at the start of each body paragraph, such as ‘Firstly,’ ‘Secondly,’ and ‘Furthermore.’
• Conclusion The conclusion of a five-paragraph essay outline restates the thesis statement and summarizes the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. However, it is vital to avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. Instead, writers should provide a thought-provoking final statement or reinforce the significance of the essay topic.

How to Write an Effective Essay Outline

Each writer will have their own unique approach to essay writing, but preparing an essay outline does not require you to reinvent the wheel. You can follow these simple steps to craft an effective, useful, solid outline.

• Read and Understand the Assignment Before beginning the outline, thoroughly read and understand the essay assignment, including any specific guidelines or requirements from the instructor. This will help in determining the length, topic, and structure of the essay. Understanding the assignment in detail also enables you to plan how you will carry out your preliminary research for the essay. Adaquete reading and preparation also helps you to establish the purpose of your essay, which will determine which essay outline template will work best for you.
• Brainstorm and Organize Ideas Start with brainstorming ideas related to the topic. Here, you should establish the key points of the essay based on your research. Once ideas are generated, you can organize them into meaningful categories or subtopics. In an argumentative essay outline, for example, you will need to compare and contrast ideas. By placing all the main points into categories in an organized manner, you can create a logical flow within the essay, making it more engaging for the reader.
• Choose an Appropriate Outline Format Decide on the outline format that best suits the specific essay requirements. Depending on the complexity of the topic, your essay may be formatted differently. An expository essay will differ from a research paper, for example, so be clear on which outline will work for you. It is also essential to decide on the number of main points to be included based on the required length of the essay. Sometimes it is best to discuss fewer points in greater detail, particularly for a literary analysis or narrative essay.
• Develop Thesis Statement and Main Arguments Craft a strong and clear thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument or claim of the essay. Then, determine the main arguments or supporting points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Organize Supporting Points and Supporting Evidence Arrange the main arguments in a logical order, keeping in mind the flow of ideas. Ensure that each supporting point is backed up by sufficient evidence or reasoning to strengthen the overall argument. This will also help you to write a strong conclusion to complete your essay.
• Review and Revise After creating the initial essay outline, review and revise it to ensure coherence, logical flow, and adherence to the assignment requirements. Make necessary adjustments and rearrange the outline if needed. Then, you can start writing your essay by following the outline.

Free Essay Outlines

Create an Effective Outline Using an Essay Outline Template

Creating an essay outline is a crucial step in the writing process that should not be overlooked. Whether it’s an argumentative essay outline, a literary analysis essay outline, or a persuasive essay outline, an essay outline template can help you to structure and organize your points in a thoughtful and clear way.

By structuring an essay outline effectively, using the appropriate format for a five-paragraph essay, and following the steps to write an essay outline, writers can ensure a well-organized, coherent, and compelling essay. Utilizing an essay outline template not only enhances the writing quality but also saves time and effort in the long run.

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Why create an outline? There are many reasons, but in general, it may be helpful to create an outline when you want to show the hierarchical relationship or logical ordering of information. For research papers, an outline may help you keep track of large amounts of information. For creative writing, an outline may help organize the various plot threads and help keep track of character traits. Many people find that organizing an oral report or presentation in outline form helps them speak more effectively in front of a crowd. Below are the primary reasons for creating an outline.

• Aids in the process of writing
• Helps you organize your ideas
• Presents your material in a logical form
• Shows the relationships among ideas in your writing
• Constructs an ordered overview of your writing
• Defines boundaries and groups

How do I create an outline?

• Determine the purpose of your paper.
• Determine the audience you are writing for.
• Develop the thesis of your paper.
• Brainstorm : List all the ideas that you want to include in your paper.
• Organize : Group related ideas together.
• Order : Arrange material in subsections from general to specific or from abstract to concrete.
• Label : Create main and sub headings.

Remember: creating an outline before writing your paper will make organizing your thoughts a lot easier. Whether you follow the suggested guidelines is up to you, but making any kind of outline (even just some jotting down some main ideas) will be beneficial to your writing process.

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• Research paper

How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline | Example

Published on August 7, 2022 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on August 15, 2023.

A research paper outline is a useful tool to aid in the writing process , providing a structure to follow with all information to be included in the paper clearly organized.

A quality outline can make writing your research paper more efficient by helping to:

• Organize your thoughts
• Understand the flow of information and how ideas are related
• Ensure nothing is forgotten

A research paper outline can also give your teacher an early idea of the final product.

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Table of contents

Research paper outline example, how to write a research paper outline, formatting your research paper outline, language in research paper outlines.

• Definition of measles
• Rise in cases in recent years in places the disease was previously eliminated or had very low rates of infection
• Figures: Number of cases per year on average, number in recent years. Relate to immunization
• Symptoms and timeframes of disease
• Risk of fatality, including statistics
• How measles is spread
• Immunization procedures in different regions
• Different regions, focusing on the arguments from those against immunization
• Immunization figures in affected regions
• High number of cases in non-immunizing regions
• Illnesses that can result from measles virus
• Fatal cases of other illnesses after patient contracted measles
• Summary of arguments of different groups
• Summary of figures and relationship with recent immunization debate
• Which side of the argument appears to be correct?

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Follow these steps to start your research paper outline:

• Decide on the subject of the paper
• Write down all the ideas you want to include or discuss
• Organize related ideas into sub-groups
• Arrange your ideas into a hierarchy: What should the reader learn first? What is most important? Which idea will help end your paper most effectively?
• Create headings and subheadings that are effective
• Format the outline in either alphanumeric, full-sentence or decimal format

There are three different kinds of research paper outline: alphanumeric, full-sentence and decimal outlines. The differences relate to formatting and style of writing.

• Alphanumeric
• Full-sentence

An alphanumeric outline is most commonly used. It uses Roman numerals, capitalized letters, arabic numerals, lowercase letters to organize the flow of information. Text is written with short notes rather than full sentences.

• Sub-point of sub-point 1

Essentially the same as the alphanumeric outline, but with the text written in full sentences rather than short points.

• Additional sub-point to conclude discussion of point of evidence introduced in point A

A decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric outline, but with a different numbering system: 1, 1.1, 1.2, etc. Text is written as short notes rather than full sentences.

• 1.1.1 Sub-point of first point
• 1.1.2 Sub-point of first point
• 1.2 Second point

To write an effective research paper outline, it is important to pay attention to language. This is especially important if it is one you will show to your teacher or be assessed on.

There are four main considerations: parallelism, coordination, subordination and division.

Parallelism: Be consistent with grammatical form

Parallel structure or parallelism is the repetition of a particular grammatical form within a sentence, or in this case, between points and sub-points. This simply means that if the first point is a verb , the sub-point should also be a verb.

Example of parallelism:

• Include different regions, focusing on the different arguments from those against immunization

Coordination: Be aware of each point’s weight

Your chosen subheadings should hold the same significance as each other, as should all first sub-points, secondary sub-points, and so on.

Example of coordination:

• Include immunization figures in affected regions
• Illnesses that can result from the measles virus

Subordination: Work from general to specific

Subordination refers to the separation of general points from specific. Your main headings should be quite general, and each level of sub-point should become more specific.

Example of subordination:

Division: break information into sub-points.

Your headings should be divided into two or more subsections. There is no limit to how many subsections you can include under each heading, but keep in mind that the information will be structured into a paragraph during the writing stage, so you should not go overboard with the number of sub-points.

Ready to start writing or looking for guidance on a different step in the process? Read our step-by-step guide on how to write a research paper .

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WTO / Education / How to Write an Essay Outline (21 Examples – Templates)

How to Write an Essay Outline (21 Examples – Templates)

An essay outline can be described as a guide or roadmap for an essay.

It highlights the content that should be addressed and in the order in which this information should follow. The main idea to be discussed dictates what is to be included in the outline.

When writing a research paper/essay, capturing all the relevant information and relaying it in a logical sequence is something that every writer wishes to achieve. It is this factor that necessitates an essay outline. An outline can be used in argumentative, cogent, persuasive, research, and expository essays.

Free Templates

Benefits of Writing the Outline

Essays can be written as part of the coursework, scholarship, or competition. Now that we have established what an outline is, we shall discuss the essence of having an outline and how it helps its quality, regardless of its purpose.

Here are the benefits you can expect:

Organized research

Research is usually the first step in coming up with an essay. A well-researched essay improves its quality and quantity. How does an outline organize your research? It primarily helps gather all the relevant points of your research from different sources in a commonplace. Once the points are consolidated, you can be able to sort out where each point will be perfectly placed. Depending on the information you have been able to collect, you can test the strength of your thesis statement. Essays whose outline you have been able to include a lot of points or information means you are conversant with their thesis statement and vice versa.

Provides logical flow

In an outline, the points are outlined in an alphanumeric format. This helps you to take note of the key points and sub-points. When the points are arranged in such a manner, as you write your essay, you can now have a guide for a clear flow of thoughts. The various alphanumeric formats include Roman numerals, bullets, capital, and lowercase numbers, etc.

Helps to form a structure 

Since the points are arranged in such a way that the topic being discussed will be tackled, you can use the outline to develop the structure you want to adopt. This is in terms of the introduction, description, body, and summary. You can even decide to categorize your points in sections such as the beginning, body, and end.

Aids in not missing anything

If you record the key points while noting them down in your outline as you research, you are able to avoid missing any relevant information that would have otherwise been forgotten if kept to memory. This way, you have the freedom to do as much research as you wish.

Provides flexibility 

In an outline, you are allowed to use full sentences or shorthand notes. Whichever way you choose to write your outline is totally dependent on you. This flexibility allows you to rearrange points, insert or exclude points as you see convenient.

From that information, you can see that the benefits are limitless and why an outline could be just what you need to excellently draft your essay.

Outline Format

The customary format is the linear style which involves the ranking of arguments in order of importance, starting with the major to the minor ones. That should be the general outlook of the outline; however, when it comes to documenting the arguments or points, you can write them down in whichever way is most suitable and comprehensive for you. The points should be visually clear to help in identifying cases of repetition/redundancy.

It is also good to write the outline from the perspective that there are readers who are not familiar with your subject matter. As much as the outline should be brief, it should be a representation of complete thoughts and ideas. Writing your points in a logical order would go a long way in achieving this-making it reader-friendly.

Outline Templates (by Types)

What to Include

Despite the fact that there are many types of essays, they all have the same elements that should appear in a standard outline. Now let us get into details about what you will include in your outline:

Introduction

The introduction will be the first item you tackle in your outline. The topic is introduced by mentioning it, usually your title, and giving a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a sentence given in an academic paper (outline in this case) that elucidates the main point of the text.

Therefore an introduction can be done in the following steps:

• Introduce the topic
• Explain the thesis

Once this has been done, any reader would be able to know what will be discussed in the outline and the essay eventually. This can be your point of reference during research to ensure you stay on topic.

Body paragraphs

Main body typically has three paragraphs. Each paragraph has its own should have its own argument that relates to the topic at hand and must contain data, facts, examples, and any other evidence that can be used in support of the topic sentence/argument of the specific paragraph.

To put this into perspective, here is how you can go about it:

• The first item to be included should be the first argument/topic sentence. This is then followed by data that supports the claim. Data should be factual, and one can cite examples that are in favor of the argument. To wind up the paragraph, the author should provide an explanation that relates the argument to the thesis.
• The procedure for paragraph two is the same as the one used in paragraph one. The difference being that a second argument is raised, and supporting evidence, data and examples accompanied by a relationship between the argument and the thesis are given.
• Follow the same procedure used in paragraph one but use a different argument in this case. Include this argument’s supporting evidence, data, facts, examples, and explain how it relates to the thesis.

Conclusion 

This is the last part of your outline, and it is used to sum up what was discussed or pointed out earlier in the outline. Now how to sum up; you can do so by doing the following:

• Conclude everything- this is where you make your final thoughts and highlight the key points of imminent importance to the topic.
• Restate your thesis
• Add a call of action ( if you want to) – this is a statement that points out what you would like your readers to do after reading your essay.

Once all these sections have been covered, you should have a complete outline.

How to Write an Outline

We have already discussed what and how to format an outline, but now the question still remains, what procedure or process is there to follow? From pre-writing to finalizing the outline. Sometimes professors can request to have your outline so they can go through and check the strength of your arguments before you proceed to write, hence, the need to understand the process of crafting an informative outline .

Here are the tasks you carry out throughout the whole process:

Pre-writing checklist

The first thing that you want to do is have a clear understanding of what is required from your assignment in terms of the type of essay, the number of arguments expected, and your essay’s length. In short, understand the guidelines provided.

Once you are familiar with the instructions guiding you, get to know the purpose . Do you want it to inform, persuade or entertain your readers? Determining the purpose helps you distinguish the thesis and the writing technique to use. It also defines the extent of your research.

Another pre-writing task is to identify your audience. The audience could range from teachers, students, strangers, etc. By knowing your audience, you can determine what arguments to include and how to relay them.

Now that you are familiar with the thesis, topic, and the guidelines you have been given to follow, it is time to decide how you want the various parts of your outline to combine to produce a full outline. Choose what alphanumeric format you wish to use to outline your arguments or points. Note that you can also use a decimal structure . You can use shorthand points or complete sentences when noting down your points. However, outlines to be submitted to professors should be of complete sentences-more comprehensive to someone else other than you.

Organizing the outline

Of all the sections of an outline, it goes without saying that you should always start with the introduction. Make it as engaging and captivating as possible. You do not want to bore the reader before they get to the main points. When it comes to the body, ensure that each paragraph has its own topic sentence and supporting evidence. Collect as much information as possible; this makes it easier to create flow. Include a transitioning sentence after every paragraph. Finally, conclude by stating the relevance of your thesis, and if you have propositions you would wish to make, write them down.

Outline Examples

Just as there are different categories of essays, so do essay outlines. Outlines can be classified depending on the type of essay to be written.

Some of the examples include:

Persuasive outline

A persuasive essay is one where the author aims to use logic and arguments in an effort to convince his or her reader(s) of the validity of their point of view. Factual evidence should be given together with solid evidence, examples, research, and any other proof.

Outline example

Topic: Why music has the power to heal

Introduction Thesis: music is a universal language.

Body paragraph 1

Topic sentence: Music uplifts people’s moods and purpose to live. Detail: Listening to music calms people’s nerves Detail 2 : People see a reflection of themselves in musicians.

Body paragraph 2

Topic sentence: Music is considered food for the soul. Detail: Music is used during meditation Detail 2: Music is incorporated in workout routines.

Body paragraph 3

Topic sentence: There is music for almost every scenario. Detail: There are songs for happy and sad moments. Detail 2: Music is a reassuring tool.

Conclusion Music can be a good morale booster which is important when dealing with mental health-related problems such as depression.

Narrative outline

A narrative paper is one that tells a story by basing or revolving all the incidents, experiences, and characters around a single character, in this case, you. It is based on your personal experience or told from your point of view and gives intrinsic details whose aim is to make the reader(s) understand your point.

Topic: How campus improved my social skills and network

Introduction Thesis: Other than equipping me with education, the campus was an opportunity for me to socialize.

Topic sentence: I was a member of various clubs in the school Detail: Interacted with like-minded people, which improved me as a person. Detail 2: Opened scholarship opportunities through athletics.

Topic sentence: campus gave me connections within and without my career. Detail: Made friends from different departments. Detail 2: Interactions equipped me with communication skills that made it easier for me to express myself.

Topic sentence: Attended social events. Detail: It made my time in school more exciting. Detail 2: Excelled in academics as school felt worth being there.

Conclusion The campus is a place to expand your social network as you continue your studies.

Expository outline

It is an academic essay that requires the author to investigate a topic or idea by evaluating available evidence and expounding on that topic so that they can relay their findings/argument to the reader.

Topic: Why practice makes perfect in art and sport

Introduction Thesis: Abilities and talents require hard work.

Topic sentence: Excelling in art and sports do not come overnight. Detail: The path to Christiano Ronaldo’s success. Detail 2: Examine the career of Beyonce.

Topic sentence: Quality of art improves or delivering in art improves with time. Detail: Analyze the variations in price value of art pieces. Detail 2: Analyze the statistics of Lebron James as a rookie and in his prime.

Conclusion To excel in your art or sport, you have to put in many hours, but it is rewarding.

Research outline

It is an academic essay that requires the author to study and analyze the works of others and then synthesize what they learned from them with their own ideas. It gives the author’s perception of the topic discussed.

Topic: Nelson Mandela

Background Thesis: Nelson Mandela was influential in giving South Africa independence, a role model, and a president.

Topic sentence: Mandela’s childhood. Detail: Family Detail 2: Characteristics

Topic sentence: Mandela in college and his political career. Detail: Mandela’s participation in politics while in college. Detail 2: Mandela arrested.

Topic sentence: Mandela activism and legacy. Detail: Programs he was involved in. Detail 2: Mandela immortalized.

Conclusion Summary of his achievements, such as the Nobel Peace Prize.

Frequently Asked Questions

An outline should be no more than a few pages; this will, however, depend on the information you choose to include.

The APA format is the most common as it is easy and convenient for a wide range of essays.

Final Words

An outline is important before you write an essay. It keeps you on track as a guide to the content and format you should follow. An outline will ordinarily have the following sections; introduction, body, and conclusion. Always try to cover all of these sections. In an outline you can choose to use complete sentences or bullet points in listing the information you deem relevant to your topic. Remember, the first step of writing an outline is understanding your topic and assignment. This you know where to start and the format best to adopt. Incorporate as much information as possible while keeping it concise—all the best in your essay.

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Essay Outline: How to Write It & Templates for Different Types

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An essay outline is a plan  that helps you organize your thoughts and ideas before you begin writing your essay. A well-constructed outline can help you ensure that your essay is structured logically and includes all of the necessary information.

Today, we will learn everything about essay outlines. Academic writing is challenging enough. So we would really want to ease the overall process and ensure that you’re prepared to write the best essay possible. Are you confused about how to structure your paper? Do you not understand the difference between different types of articles? The answers to all of those questions and even more points will be covered here. So stick around and get all the information you can possibly need!

What Is an Outline for an Essay?

What is an essay outline? It is a good question, and we are excited to answer it. In simple terms, it is how your essay will be structured and what things it might feature. You can include the following items in your structure:

• Your general topic
• Thesis statement
• A number of paragraphs
• Topic and concluding sentences for each paragraph
• Resources or evidence used in your body paragraphs.

Trust us, following this list and ideas will save you a lot of time and help you in crafting a very good article.

Why Do You Need an Outline of an Essay?

Outline for an essay is crucial for several reasons. So here’s a quick list of why you’re writing and why research requires a good  essay structure example . It helps you:  

• Develop a logical and well-thought-out piece.
• Convince your readers that you’re making a valid point.
• Save some time.
• Don’t get lost in all the evidence and ideas you have for your paper.
• Consider purchasing a college essay for sale in case this is too difficult.

Basic Outline for an Essay: Template

For starters, we wanted to give you an essay outline template. It is an effective way to make sure you have all the required points of a good article. By keeping everything organized, you will get our highest mark and develop a believable  argument . But, of course, here is the template and enumeration of all the sections you need:  

• First piece of evidence
• Second piece of evidence
• Summary or so-called synthesis
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement

How to Write an Essay Outline

How to write an outline for an essay? That's a $1 million question that we will answer today. You should understand from the very beginning that writing or mapping out your structure will take some time. But don't let this fact discourage you because it will be worth it in the end. However, we have also prepared several tips for you in order to ease the process even more:

• Research a topic before you actually start writing.
• Consider a type of article you're writing and pick an appropriate structure.
• Start outlining from the very beginning.
• Write down your thesis and make sure it is bulletproof.
• Provide some evidence you will use to support your argument.

Essay Outline Template

Our outline for the essay template will differ depending on the type of essay you will be writing. Interestingly enough, there are many types of academic essays you can consider. You can write an argumentative, persuasive one or a common narrative, or even an expository essay. As a result, choosing a relevant outline and structure will help you to distinguish our mentioned types and nail the one you’ve picked. Professional essay writers at StudyCrumb might help you with that.  

Persuasive Essay Outline

We will start with how to write a  persuasive essay outline  and the similar one is an  argumentative essay outline . You can find the structure itself down below. But we wanted to remind you of several things. Students often forget to cite their sources. So it is rather a good idea to include not only the evidence but citations and sources when outlining.  

• Catchy hook to engage your reader
• Background information  on your topic
• Thesis statement (mention all points that will be discussed in body paragraphs)
• Paragraph 1 with supporting evidence proving your point (+Topic Sentence)
• Paragraph 2 with evidence proving your point (+Topic Sentence)
• Paragraph 3 with evidence proving your point (+Topic Sentence)
• Rephrase a thesis statement
• Conclude all points leaving a final impression

Narrative Essay Outline

We also know how to write a narrative essay outline . This type of article tries to tell a story, and that is why it is called narrative. Our best stories will have a rising action, climax, and a falling action. But to time everything perfectly and make sure your readers are at the address of the receipt, outlining is your best friend. Besides, not to forget the information you wanted to include, our structure below will help you write a very good narrative article.

• Scene setting
• Mentioning your purpose of writing
• Rising action
• Climax (some epic event)
• Falling action (conflict resolution)
• Moral of your story or possible lessons

Expository Essay Outline

An expository essay outline is very close to our previous options. It includes the same points. So you also start with an introduction, follow with three body paragraphs and finalize everything with a conclusion. Trust us: the process of writing will be much easier with such structure. Hence, our key for a good essay is right here:  

• Topic background
• Topic sentence
• Supporting explanation
• Supporting example that backs up your topic sentence and explanation
• Summarizing or concluding statement
• Rephrase your thesis
• Summarize and connect your key points
• Leave a final impression with recommendations

Informative Essay Outline

Outline for an informative essay follows an already well-known structure. Don’t forget that your body paragraphs should have lots of details and relevant information. Each claim must be supported. Therefore, every article has a specific order that cannot be broken. If you don’t follow the structure, your argument may not be as strong as the ones following the given order.

• Topic background (general information)
• Supporting pieces of evidence
• Transition and concluding statement
• Leave a final impression with recommendations or future developments

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Compare and contrast essay outline  will definitely be useful. A lot of colleges and schools like this type of essay because this is a good practice of analytical skills. It is natural because you have a lot of information and evidence. Besides, you're comparing different items, and tracking them might be a challenge for everyone. Out of all essays, this one, above all, needs a good structure. So make sure you understand the difference between your subjects, include evidence, and focus on your thesis statement:  

• Topic sentence 1
• Subject 1: Detail 1
• Subject 2: Detail 1

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

Your rhetorical analysis essay outline is our last one, so we hope you’re happy. Just like you always do, include evidence to support your argument and do research before the actual writing. In our rhetorical analysis, you have to highlight the strategies and approaches the author used in their text. Therefore, the good idea is to use quotations from the text.

• General information
• Used rhetorical strategies
• How well the strategy works in this example? Provide quotes from the text
• Reasons behind picking these approaches and not any other

Outline Example for Essay

So far, we have told you about the stages you should follow to make up a plan for your future essay. It is more convenient to have an outline essay example in front. This will help to create an effective plan and then compile a really good writing piece based on it. The main thing is to include as much information as possible into your plan; our outline template for essay will help you with this task. Don't forget to  buy essay now if you're still not sure whether you'll be doing this task. 

Final Thoughts on Writing an Essay Outline

Awesome job because now you know  how to quickly write an essay outline. A quick reminder before we wrap this up. You create an outline or write down the structure to keep track of all the information. Don’t forget that different types of academic papers and articles require their respective structures. So save this guide in order not to lose them.  

You can always rely on our essay writing service. Backed by unrivalled experience, our writer will be happy to provide you with the fantastic result in a timely manner.  

FAQ About Outline for Essay

1. what is the topic outline.

An essay topic outline is a process of arranging your ideas. This structure can show you the higher key or gradation of your main points. Therefore, you have your main point or argument and several sub-points. It is up to you to arrange them in order of importance and highlight the most crucial ones.

2. How long is an outline for an essay?

An outline for the essay doesn’t really have a fixed length. In many cases, you’ll be the only one who sees the structure. But if your research paper is around 15 or 20 pages, then your structure should be no longer than several pages. Normally, one or two pages are quite enough to include everything you need.

3. What are the disadvantages of outlining methods?

Outlining method for essays definitely has some disadvantages. So here’s a quick list for you to remember:

• It takes time to write down and organize your structure.
• It requires more thought and accuracy than common outlining.
• It is challenging to find a format that will show all your details, including the relationships between your variables and points.

4. How do you capitalize an outline?

An essay outline also has its own format. In case you’re using a topic outline, you should capitalize only the first letter of the word that opens your heading. Of course, proper nouns are also capitalized. Finally, we don’t use complete sentences, so end punctuation is unnecessary.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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How to Outline an Essay

How to an essay generator.

The Purpose of Writing an Essay

An essay writing has 4 main purposes, these are:

• To inform  – An essay provides information to the readers.
• To persuade  – An essay makes the reader to take actions.
• To explain  – An essay helps the readers to understand a process.
• To entertain  – An essay also provides an emotional experience to the readers.

What Does It Mean to Outline an Essay?

It simply means that an essay must have or follows an outline to properly arrange the ideas and or topics of an essay. Outlining an essay also guides the writer logically to create a clear, well-structured and well-written essay.

Creating the Outline of the Essay

There are different outlines of essays, but most analytical, interpretive, or persuasive writing follow the same outline. Use the outline below to create your own.

• Introduction – Part 1: Write an attention-grabbing sentence.
• Introduction – Part 2: Give your thesis statement. The thesis statement is the main idea of your essay.
• Supporting evidence for the first idea.
• Additional supporting evidence for the first idea.
• Another supporting evidence for the first idea.
• Supporting evidence for the second idea.
• Additional supporting evidence for the second idea.
• Another supporting evidence for the second idea.
• Supporting evidence for the third idea.
• Additional supporting evidence for the third idea.
• Another supporting evidence for the third idea.

Tip: Provide only at least three main ideas or topic in your essay to avoid overwhelming your readers with too much information.

• Conclusion – Part 1: Repeat your thesis statement with a different approach.
• Conclusion – Part 2: Summarize your whole essay and provide an insightful message to close your essay.

The Guidelines for an Essay Outline

The following are the basic guidelines of outlining an essay.

• Introduction – The first part of the essay.
• Body – The main context of an essay.
• Conclusion – The summary writing of overall ideas or topics.
• The body or the main part of the essay should have a heading and a subheading to highlight important ideas or topics.
• The main ideas or topics of the essay must have a supporting details or evidence to support the ideas or topics of the essay.
• The thesis statement must always be present in the introduction and must be repeated in the essay conclusion part.

Does an Essay Outline Needs a Conclusion?

While the answer to this question is pretty obvious, it is still important to highlight this question. Since most of the people still have doubts as to whether they include the conclusion of an essay in the outline or not.

The short answer is yes.

As a matter of fact, the conclusion, as well as the other main part of an essay —the introduction and the body is very important to include in the outline. These main parts complete the whole essay and thus necessary to be included in the outline of the essay.

If you still have a hard time on how to write a conclusion for an essay, click the link provided.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write How to an Essay on constructing a compelling thesis statement.

Discuss the steps to research effectively for an academic essay in How to an Essay.

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30 Topic Sentence Examples

June 24, 2024

What is an essay without a topic sentence? Well, confusion. In your writing, the topic sentence introduces what the paragraph will be about. It should cover the topic of the paragraph and the prime focus of what you want to discuss in the next several lines. And it can assist in smoothly transitioning into the next paragraph, the next point you’re about to make. Depending on the complexity of your argument, the topic sentence can also weave together several paragraphs. So when the topic sentence is missing, it’s easy to lose track of what your specific message is. Below, you find 30 topic sentence examples.

Think of the topic sentence as a tool in your writing kit. It’s there to help you signpost and structure the argument of your essay. Having it, while making sure the topic is interesting and clear, is essential to help your reader truly understand your thesis.

How do you write a topic sentence?

When you’re about to write an essay, you won’t find yourself immediately thinking of every topic sentence example at once. Figuring out what your thesis is going to be, the very purpose and argument of your essay, will be a necessary first step . Then you might want to create an outline . The outline can draft out what you want to cover in each paragraph or how your argument will be supported.

This is where the topic sentence comes in. For every paragraph, you can begin to think of topic sentence examples that best sum up the rest of your idea. The more interesting you can make the topic sentence, the better it will be, so long as you can support it. Remember, the topic sentence will introduce what you are going to discuss and expand on in the rest of the paragraph.

Examples (Continued)

Let’s take a look at these six topic sentence examples below that introduce a paragraph:

1) Studies over the last ten years have shown that the use of social media has a significant role in teenage mental health.

2) Kate Jackson and her family, who have all been San Francisco residents for 30 years, noted that this was the hottest summer yet.

3) Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief.

4) During COVID-19, people rushed to adopt pets, but after the pandemic ended many of those pets were surrendered to shelters.

5) It is undeniable what impact the meat industry has had on our environment.

6) In the 19th century in France, the creation of the Braille system was a significant turning point for those with disabilities.

How do you imagine the rest of the paragraph will turn out? How can you best support your topic sentence to strengthen your overall essay?

Support your paragraph with evidence

The topic sentence of your paragraph will not hold well if it is not backed up with the right evidence. After writing a topic sentence like the topic sentence examples above, the rest of your paragraph should include strong examples of evidence to support your argument. Doing so will only help validate your topic sentence and allow your reader to have more insight into your thesis.

Considering each topic sentence examples above, try to think of what types of evidence you would expect in that same paragraph. There could be reports on statistics, interviews, and other forms of evidence provided. How will yours be?

Where should the topic sentence go?

Now you know that your topic sentence should be followed by the right evidence. So it’s safe to assume that the topic sentence belongs at the very beginning of the paragraph.

Yet depending on the paragraph you’re working on, you can also place your “main” topic sentence after an “intro” topic sentence. Let’s take a look at the two examples below:

7) Due to rising temperatures around the world, people have had to flee their homes and relocate to areas less prone to fires or floods. (Intro topic sentence)

8) However, many have found that even these “safer” locations are still susceptible to eventual natural disasters. (Main topic sentence)

When we combine the two sentences, we get:

Due to rising temperatures around the world, people have had to flee their homes and relocate to areas less prone to fires or floods. However, many have found that even these “safer” locations are still susceptible to eventual natural disasters.

The first (intro) topic sentence example is more generic and introductory, functioning like a summary of an observation. The second (main) topic sentence example then presents another contradictory argument to that first point. Depending on the tone or argument you want to make in your paragraph, you can format your topic sentences in such a way to further sharpen your thesis. Whenever you have doubt though, you can always place one topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.

Sometimes less is more in writing the topic sentence

The topic sentence introduces the key concept of that paragraph, along with evidence and research findings. It can even be written as more than one sentence or perspective, as noted directly above. However, you also don’t want to say too much. Why?

You don’t want to give all of your information away at once. While it is imperative to write a clear, specific, and even complex topic sentence, it’s just as important to avoid being too general or too informative. Striking the right balance is going to help you structure the rest of your essay. After all, you have the rest of the paragraph and the rest of your essay to do that, which leads us to our next point.

Topic sentences for smoother transitions

Like a game of dominoes, your paragraphs are all connected and should flow smoothly into the next statement you are making. As you are building your outline, or even as you’re already writing, consider how your previous paragraph transitions into the next . This depends on the intention of each paragraph and how you are structuring your argument.

Topic sentences for paragraph transitions have many functions. They will elaborate on more examples. They can wrap up or summarize a preceding point you made, providing another perspective. Also, they can go against a fact or opinion you wrote, which is a great way to strengthen your overall thesis and they can also be posed as a question.

Take a look at these transitional topic sentence examples below:

9) In fact, walking as a form of exercise has shown to reduce cortisol levels.

10) Furthermore, city council representatives have said that environmental sustainability has remained at the top of the agenda, but activists have largely disagreed.

11) While the strike in Hollywood has come to an end, many writers are still without employment and searching for new ways to restart their careers.

12) However, grocery prices across the country still seem to have risen.

13) Despite the state’s discontinued funding for the arts, is there another feasible way for these students to gather together and flourish as young artists at their school?

More than one paragraph: Topic sentences that expand into several key points

So far we’ve covered topic sentences that elaborate on just one paragraph. However, you might find that one topic sentence (or two) can best address several paragraphs. This usually occurs when you’re trying to introduce a bigger argument to serve your essay.

Let’s take one of the single paragraph topic sentences from earlier above and expand it by adding a connecting topic sentence to it:

14)Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief.

15) A report from the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program states that in April sales over a year there has been an 18% increase.

These two topic sentence examples can even serve as their own introductory paragraph. This can then lead into more paragraphs related to the topic of specific book sales increasing across the country:

Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief. A report from the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program states that in April sales over a year there has been an 18% increase.

Make the topic sentence interesting, not obvious

Check out 15 more topic sentence examples below. How do they introduce the topic, and what does it make you want to learn more about? You can imagine what kind of paragraph, or paragraphs, might follow afterwards:

16) When brewed correctly, coffee can hold strong, subtle hints of flavors such as chocolate or fruit, depending on the level of acidity.

17) Although today life in 1920s Paris is often romanticized for its glamor, jazz, and fashion, the city was still struggling to recover from the devastation of World War I.

18) Strict social rules dominated the Victorian Era, despite Britain’s expansion around the world in pursuit of wealth and power.

19) Dogs have a keen sense of time, so much so that they can predict when you’re late to take them out for a walk.

20) Before winter arrives, birds such as cranes and waterfowl follow preferred aerial pathways during their yearly migrations.

21) Conservation methods have helped local farms in their efforts to prioritize sustainability.

22) Did you know that humans would have a better chance of reaching Mars if they had a base set up on the moon?

23) The Pacific Ocean covers more than 30 percent of the earth’s surface, and it is home to so many life forms that have not yet been studied.

24) It is often debated whether or not student athletes should be paid for their performance, considering the cost for them to succeed.

25) Becoming a successful CEO doesn’t just happen overnight.

26) Although purchasing a home is considered a great form of investment, potential buyers should look at the real estate market first.

27) Watching my mother work three jobs to support our family has taught me the importance of resilience and strong work ethic.

28) Historical fiction not only has the power to teach us of actual past events. It also allows us to step into the lives of those we would have never met.

29) Parents and teachers at Sunnyroad School District are advocating for schools to provide free computers for their students – but the administrators aren’t so sure.

30) Across the country, the debate around whether teenagers should be allowed to use smart phones on campus has been circulating.

The topic sentence as a guide

One way to look at topic sentences is to imagine them as guiding compasses of your essay. Whatever point you are trying to make, the topic sentence has the power to guide your reader down a certain path. Choose wisely! And if you’re ever unsure about how to steer your essay and you need a personal guide, we’re here to help .

Additional Resources

• 100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School
• 100 Tone Words to Express Mood in Your Writing
• 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024
• How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
• How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)
• 400 Adjectives to Describe a Person
• High School Success

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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4. What is an outline, and how does it help organize an essay?

Related questions.

In what two ways do the geographical features of New Orleans contribute to flooding? 1. It is surrounded by bodies of water. 2. The layout of the city causes a rise in sea-level. 3. Many of the wetlands have been drained. 4. The city is inside manmade levees. 5. Much of the city lies below sea-level.

The two ways to the geographical features of New Orleans contribute to flooding. The first is the city is inside manmade levees and the second is much of the city lies below sea-level.

Geography, New Orleans is a city defined and influenced by waterways, as it is essentially an island between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. New Orleans, known as the Crescent City because of its quarter-moon shape, was cut off from the rest of the world for over 250 years.

Piling soil, sand, or pebbles on a cleared, flat surface is how most artificial levees are constructed. Levees built of wood, plastic, or metal can be used in regions where a river's flow is strong.

The elevation of the ocean/land contact known as the shoreline is referred to as sea level. Land that is higher than this elevation is above sea level, while land that is lower is below sea-level.

To learn more about the the geographical features of New Orleans manmade levees and below sea-level here.

https://brainly.com/question/27155809

What color was originally associated with saint patrick.

Explanation:

Patrick, its official color was a sky blue, known as "St. Patrick's Blue." The earliest known image of Saint Patrick.

Answer: IM NOT SURE IF IM RIGHT but i think it’s SKY BLUE

How do nutritional needs change over time?

As you age, your body needs fewer calories, but it also needs more nutrition. It is quite the catch 22. If you eat the same amount of calories that you did as a teenager, you will likely gain weight, but you still need the same amount or greater of some nutrients.

What kind of activity aboard the international space station was recently carried out for the 248th time?.

The spacewalkers on the 248th mission on international space station carried out station repairs and upgrades on the station.

The ISS is a modular space station which is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit.

In conclusion, the spacewalkers on the 248th mission on international space station carried out station repairs and upgrades on the station.

Read more about spacewalkers

brainly.com/question/25398801

Good evening! Can someone please answer this, ill give you brainliest and your earning 50 points. Would be very appreciated.and not one of them people that put links or people that put random unsustainable answers.

Hey the answer is B, inflation isn't something people view positively so it is not a benefit. Hope this helps :}

Either C if not then D for the last question

explain what happened to Emmet Till

What Germanic tribes from Denmark and northern Germany settled in Britain after the departure of the Romans in the 5th century.

Answer: The Jutes

Explanation: One of the Germanic tribes that landed in the United Kingdom after the Romans departed

When did spain come into existence?

Answer: 1492

Explanation: The Christian Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon conquer the Emirate of Granada, ending nearly 800 years of Muslim rule in the south and founding modern Spain as a united state.

How did the whites control the blacks in apartheid?

Apartheid (“apartness” in the language of Afrikaans) was a system of legislation that upheld segregationist policies against non-white citizens of South Africa. After the National Party gained power in South Africa in 1948, its all-white government immediately began enforcing existing policies of racial segregation. Under apartheid, nonwhite South Africans (a majority of the population) would be forced to live in separate areas from whites and use separate public facilities. Contact between the two groups would be limited. Despite strong and consistent opposition to apartheid within and outside of South Africa, its laws remained in effect for the better part of 50 years. In 1991, the government of President F.W. de Klerk began to repeal most of the legislation that provided the basis for apartheid. President de Klerk and activist Nelson Mandela would later win the Nobel Peace Prize for their work creating a new constitution for South Africa

Explanation: hope it helps

Apartheid forced nonwhite South Africans to live in separate regions from whites and use separate public services .

Apartheid was a lawful system in South Africa that implemented segregationist practices against non-white inhabitants .

At the instance of the National Party to come up to powerfulness in South Africa , its all-white authorities get down to implementing existent racial segregation regulations right away.

Nonwhite South Africans were forced to reside in separate regions from whites and use separate public facilities under apartheid.

There would be little interaction between the two groups . Apartheid laws remained in place for the better part of 50 years , despite strong and constant opposition, both within and outside of South Africa .

Therefore, President F.W. de Klerk's government began repealing much of the legislation that supported apartheid in 1991.

Learn more about Apartheid , refer to:

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Which nation was led by the dictator Mussolini? Spain Italy Japan Soviet Union

Benito Mussolini was an Italian political leader who became the fascist dictator of Italy from 1925 to 1945.

Many Irish people immigrated to the united states in the 19th century in order to:

The reason why a lot of people migrated to the United States from Ireland was in order to escape famine.

The People of Ireland at the time that they moved and started escaping had experienced a great famine due to potato blights.

Excess poverty and hunger in Ireland, made people to run to America ion search of better life.

Read more on the Irish here: https://brainly.com/question/26238626

Explanation:The reason why a lot of people migrated to the United States from Ireland was in order to escape famine.

Why the Irish moved to America

Why is Equiano relieved after talking to Africans in Barbados?

While Equiano was still enslaved in west Africa by his captors and owners he got treated either like a son or was comforted. For example Equiano says "all their treatment of me, made me forgot I was a slave".

Evaluate the extent to which the strategies of the African American Civil Rights movement changed in the period from 1945 to 1980.

The strategy of the African - American civil rights movement changed from legality to illegal mass actions .

The Civil Rights Movement is the name of a national organization that fought to demand full access to civil rights and equality before the law for the African-American community .

During the 1950s the African - American movement was not as strong in the United States, during this decade some activists took individual actions to demand their rights .

However, since the end of the 1950s , massive activities and demonstrations began to be carried out that were hardly controlled by state forces and that drew much attention from the press and government agencies .

This generated that more attention to their demands and they managed to achieve equal access to rights as citizens and the eradication of racial segregation .

Learn more about African American Civil Rights Movement in: https://brainly.com/question/22786026

Why was inflation a problem after WWII. A.1: Many people went into debt buying on credit without the income to pay in cash. B.2: Many men came home from the war without being able to get a job. C.3: Government controls ended, and prices of goods rose without workers getting raises. D.4: Prices of goods increased at double the rate of the standard of living.

Define judicial activism and judicial restraint. Explain the reasons that judges would exercise activism or restraint, and tell how Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education were examples of each.

Judicial restraint

Judicial restraint is a judicial interpretation that recommends favoring the status quo in judicial activities; it is the opposite of judicial activism. Aspects of judicial restraint include the principle of stare decisis; a conservative approach to standing and a reluctance to grant certiorari; and a tendency to deliver narrowly tailored verdicts, avoiding "unnecessary resolution of broad questions."

Why did the european nations form opposing alliances.

European nations formed opposing alliances to protect themselves from their enemies. And the alliances made them stronger, both militarily and economically.

What was a difference between teenagers in the postwar period and in earlier times?

Postwar teen were a major target group of businesses

what new attitudes and perspectives were reflected in bebop?

Some of the new attitudes and perspectives that Bebop reflected were:

Bebop music was a type of jazz that was developed in the 1940s . It had a lot of characteristics such as a complicated chord progressio n, which meant that it did not plan to conform to traditional jazz music.

It also featured a tempo that was usually fast or sometimes very slow . The goal of this was to make sure that people listened to the music instead of just dancing to it.

Bebop also led to a subculture of young , hip and experimental musicians who best played the Bebop style.

Find out more on bebop at https://brainly.com/question/14447783.

Which accurately describes how the transmission of disease impacted the indigenous people of North and South America? A.) European explorers transmitted the bubonic plague, decimating the native people of North and South America. B.)European explorers transmitted yellow fever, decimating the native people of North and South America. C.)European explorers transmitted meningitis, decimating the native people of North and South America. D.)European explorers transmitted smallpox, decimating the native people of North and South America.

Your answer would be: D.) European explorers transmitted smallpox, decimating the native people of North and South America. The disease's affected the indigenous peoples of North and South America was that European explorers transmitted smallpox, decimating the native peoples of North and South America. The colonists' war against the Native Americans resulted in the use of a violent strategy by the colonists to decimate the natives, which was the use of blankets and sheets contaminated with smallpox, designating biological warfare. Thus the colonists traded blankets and cloths to the natives, they, in turn, gave the natives diseases that lowered their population.

Have a great rest of your day #TheWizzer

D.)European explorers transmitted smallpox, decimating the native people of North and South America.

The more well-known disease that is talked about that the Europeans tranferred is smallpox, but it also includes measles, whooping cough, chicken pox, bubonic plague, and typhus. In return, Europeans brought the disease syphilis back to Europe, which came in the the cases of sores on the body, rashes, and internal infections.

the europeans met in germany to divide africa. what is that called

Berlin Conference

which of the following best describes the disparity between the ideal of manifest destiny and the actual challenges settlers faced during the swell of westward migration?

The statement that describes the disparity between the ideal of manifest destiny and the actual challenges that the settlers faced was that:

The westward expansion was the an expansion of the United States from the late 18th to the mid 19th centuries

The expansion lead to economic promise and fueled the manifest destiny but it also lead to sectional tension over slavery.

In conclusion, the ideal of Manifest Destiny claimed that the West offered economic opportunity but the settlers struggled to survive on the region's difficult and unfamiliar soil.

Read more about Manifest Destiny

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Donating funds to help a candidate win an election is an example of ✔ campaigning . casting a ballot in a primary for a republican candidate is an example of ✔ voting . writing a letter to a senator about the issue of gun control is an example of ✔ lobbying . organizing a rally for a candidate leading up to an election is an example of ✔ campaigning this is the answer btw

The definition of all of the terms in the question are:

When funds are donated in other to help a person win an election it is called campaigning.

By organizing a rally f or a candidate leading up to an election is an example campaigning.

This would include writing a letter to a senator about the issue of gun control.

Going to the election centres in order to cast a ballot in a primary for a republican candidate.

Read more on elections here: https://brainly.com/question/25815264

Which president's response to the iranian crisis was considered a failure, and why? the response of president to the iranian hostage crisis was considered a failure because .

President Jimmy Carter's response to the Iranian crisis was considered a failure as the crisis was not ended with diplomacy .

President Carter wanted to safely return hostages in order to maintain the int erest of America. He worked with the policy of restraint where he gave priority to hostage people and not to his political future.

However, the program of rescue resulted in a disaster as he ordered the military mission to save the hostages.

Learn more about the Iranian crisis here:

https://brainly.com/question/26978595

the response of president Carter to the Iranian hostage crisis was considered a failure because he was unable to secure the hostages release during his time in office

Theodora and her husband had what famous church built?.

Answer: the Basilica of San Vitale

Explanation: Theodora and Justinian were considered equals in terms of brains and politics, and Theodora was responsible for many of Byzantium's reforms. Theodora Basilica of San Vitale was erected in 528 as an imperial church at Ravenna, Italy, on the boundaries of the Byzantine Empire.

Who was the president at the end of the great depression?.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the president at the end of Great Depression

Assuming the Presidency at the depth of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt helped the American people regain faith in themselves

Which five women made contributions to space exploration.

Katherine Johnson

Frances “Poppy” Northcutt

Beatrice Hicks

Mary Jackson

Sarah Al-Amiri

unscrambling the letters: process of digestion​

Have you ever tried to settle a conflict with someone through diplomatic solutions (talking it out, coming to a compromise, etc.)? How'd it go? Were you able to solve your problem?

The thing is i often do this with my mom and she always solves the problems and i feel dum after she solves it and I can’t.

Executive Order 9066, issued by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1942, dealt with the issue of

evacuation of all threats

he evacuation of all persons deemed a threat to national security from the West Coast to relocation centers further inland.

Evaluate the extent to which the strategies of the African American Civil Rights movement changed in the period from 1945 to 1980. (contextualize and use historical evidence.)

The extent of change in the strategies of the African American Civil Rights movement was a shift from legality to illegal mass demonstrations .

The Civil Rights Movement was a national organization that demanded that African-Americans must have full access to civil rights and equality before the law.

Although the vibrancy of the African-American movement in the United States in the 1950s was low , some activists employed some individual measures to fight for their rights during this decade.

Nevertheless, large-scale events and demonstrations have taken place since the end of the 1950s that have been mostly irrepressible by state forces and have attracted widespread media and government attention.

As a result of this, their demands received more attention which led to granting them equal access to citizenship privileges and the abolition of racial segregation .

Learn more about Civil Rights Movement here: https://brainly.com/question/22786026.

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How to Write a Good Conclusion For a Lab Report

Writing a good conclusion for your science lab report can be the difference between a good grade and a great one. It's your last chance to show you understand the experiment and why it matters. This article will help you learn how to write a lab conclusion that sums up your work and shows your teacher that you understood what you did.

What Should Be in Your Lab Report Conclusion?

A good lab report conclusion wraps up your lab work in a neat package. When you're thinking about how to write a conclusion for a lab report, focus on four main things. First, remind everyone in a sentence or two of your experiment objectives. Then, quickly mention how you did the experiment and what you found out, but don't introduce new ideas.

Next, talk about the most important things you learned from your experiment. Show how what you found out connects to what you initially tried to do. Lastly, think briefly about what your work means or any limitations you faced during the process. You may include suggestions for further investigation but refrain from proposing solutions.

How to Write a Lab Report Conclusion

To write a good lab conclusion, follow these steps:

• Remind the reader why you did the experiment and its aims. 
• Describe how you did the experiment and what tools you used.
• Briefly discuss the samples used and the results obtained.
• Provide a short analysis, including your arguments and assumptions.
• Relate your findings to the broader scientific context of your discipline.

Important: Keep your conclusion short and easy to understand. A lab conclusion should be about 200-300 words or one paragraph. But if your experiment was really complex, you might need up to 500 words.

Remember, your lab conclusion is part of a bigger report. Always make sure your whole report is well-organized, with a title, introduction, how you did things, what you found, what it means, conclusion, and a list of where you got your information. If you have a lot of numbers or calculations, put them at the end in a separate section to make your report easier to read.

A Sample Lab Report Conclusion

Here's an example of how to write a scientific conclusion for a plant experiment:

The experiment examined how various light wavelengths impact tomato seedling growth. Our findings revealed that blue light (450-495 nm) significantly enhanced stem elongation and leaf surface area in tomato seedlings compared to red (620-750 nm) or full-spectrum white light. Throughout the 4-week study, seedlings exposed to blue light achieved an average height of 15.3 cm, surpassing those exposed to red (10.7 cm) and white light (12.1 cm).  These results align with our hypothesis that blue light promotes more vigorous vegetative growth in tomato seedlings, potentially due to its activation of phototropins and cryptochromes. While these outcomes provide valuable insights into early-stage tomato plant development, additional research is necessary to determine the long-term effects on fruit production and quality. This study contributes to our understanding of optimizing light conditions for improved seedling growth in controlled agricultural environments.

This example shows the important parts of a good lab conclusion: it reminds us what the experiment was for, tells how it was done, shares the results, and explains what it all means.

Useful Tips for Improving Your Lab Conclusion

To make your conclusion lab report better, try these tips:

• Review your grading rubric to ensure you meet all requirements.
• Maintain an appropriate tone (explanatory, descriptive, or process-oriented).
• Keep your notes nearby so you can check your facts.
• Use your own words to say what you were trying to do; don't just copy from your lab instructions.
• Use passive voice and past tense , typically avoiding first-person perspective. Most lab reports are written in the third person.

When writing a discussion lab report, focus on clarity and sticking to what's important. Don't add new information or discuss things that aren't part of your experiment.

Making Your Scientific Conclusion Clear and Impactful

Writing a great lab report conclusion doesn't have to be hard. With the tips we've discussed on writing a scientific conclusion, you can now write good summaries of your science work. Remember, when writing your discussion lab report, stay focused on your experiment and what you found out. Don't talk about things that aren't related or say things you can't prove. Instead, explain your results, their meaning, and why they matter in science.

Need a little extra help polishing your scientific writing? Aithor might be just what you're looking for. This nifty AI writing tool will streamline your essay and report writing processes. It keeps your original ideas intact while giving your work a professional shine. Whether tackling a tricky lab report or a complex essay, this tool can help you craft well-structured, engaging content in no time. 

Give Aithor a try and see the difference it can make in your academic work.

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A Complete Guide to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Simple Steps

Table of Contents

What Is an Analytical Essay?

Purpose of an analytical essay, how to structure an analytical essay, how to write an analytical essay, example of an analytical essay.

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Do you know how to write an analytical essay? Or what does it mean? Knowing about this write-up is crucial for you as a student. Analytical essays require meticulous research and analysis of the topic. It can be a challenging experience for a student. However, worry not, as you are on the right platform here you will find a comprehensive guide to writing an analytical essay. So, let us start understanding its meaning by reading the following section.

There is no specific analytical essay definition, it is one of the seven types of essays in which you must write about a topic and conduct a deep analysis. In these write-ups, you have to explore a topic that can be challenging. So, you can also narrow down your subject into tiny bits to make your research convenient. Such essays often deal with creative writing like, arts, literature, film, global trends and more. To make your research process easy, you can take help of newspapers or internet sites. It can also help you to collect evidence for the essay.

Now, you must have understood the meaning of analytical essays. However, for deep understanding, you should also know what is the purpose of an analytical essay. So, read the next section to gain knowledge about it.

Analytical essays are based on in-depth research and analysis. This write-up aims at presenting a clear argument about the subject through evidence. Their purpose is to promote critical thinking and self-belief in a student. You learn about different viewpoints, when you begin your research for this analysis essay.Therefore, they induce critical thinking and compel the student to consider diverse perspectives to conclude.They can be challenging sometimes, but they genuinely improve your skills. It also encourages healthy discussion in the classroom by promoting effective learning.

So, now you must understand the purpose that analytical essays serve. Now, read the next section to know how you can structure your essay. Also, read our other blog on how to write a comparative essay .

Do you know how to structure an analytical essay? No? Then, read the following pointers and clear your doubts about the steps to writing an analytical essay.

Introduction

It is very crucial to know how to write an analytical essay introduction. In this initial part, you should introduce the reader to the subject of your write-up. You can frame some catchy sentences, or you can also put up a question to hook the attention of the reader. In this step, you can also mention some background information to make it more informative. However, remember that the introduction part is always the most significant section that makes the first impression of your essay, so write it accordingly.

The next major part of this analytical paper is the main body of the essay, where you showcase your analysis and research. In this step, you can divide the entire part into small paragraphs and separate the data accordingly. You can create an outline to understand how you will divide information into different paragraphs. In addition, you also have to remember that you relate your content with the thesis statement, and it does not contradict it.

Do you know how to write a conclusion in an analytical essay? It is the final part, where you have to summarize everything you have written in your essay. In this, you restate the main topic and give a brief about it. You can write it in a way that your readers are satisfied enough and do not have any doubts. However, remember that you do not introduce anything new in it, as it will only lead to confusion and vagueness for readers.

So, that was it with the structure part you must have understood all about analytical essay structure. Now, for the next section, you will find six tips for writing an effective analytical essay.

Do you want to know the secret of how you can write an effective essay? If yes, Read the following pointers to know how to start an analytical essay and write it in a way that shine.

Frame Catchy Title

First and foremost, frame a catchy title to make the first impression on your professors. For that purpose, you can choose something attractive that hooks the attention. You can start with a question for that remember that your purpose is to compel the readers to read the whole write-up. In addition, you should know how to write a thesis for an analytical essay, as it is also a part of the introduction only.

Do Proper Research

The next step is to carry out proper research about the subject. As you know, research is the foremost thing in an analytical essay. You should gather every detail about the topic, try to find the material from your college library, or ask your teachers and professors for materials. Use all such resources and do your research. Remember that it can also help you with analytical essay topics.

Create an Outline

The next step after gathering the information is to make an analytical essay outline. It is a significant step where you plan your whole document. In this part, you have to plan how you will divide your information in the main body of your essay. It is a crucial step that many students miss, and it leads their documents to look unstructured and baseless. Therefore, never miss this step if you want to get an A+ in your essay.

Create First Draft

Now, when you have everything planned, you can create your first draft. You can now actually start your writing part. In this part, you have to frame the introduction as well, and for that, you can take the help of an analytical essay introduction example. Begin with writing a rough draft so you do not make any mistakes in the final one. However, remember to use formal language in your write-up for better results.

Review First Draft

After you have completed writing the first draft, it is now time for you to review it. It is a crucial step as you can point out the mistakes that you might have made. Due to this step, writing the final draft becomes easy. You can take the help of your teachers to gather feedback, or you can also do it yourself. However, never miss this step because it can lead to blunders in your final draft.

Proofread the Essay

After you have completed your write-up, proofreading comes into play. Many of the students miss this step, and thus, they face rejection in their document submission. Proofreading saves you from any lingering errors you might have made while writing. In addition, it also helps you to point out any spelling or grammatical errors. Therefore, do not miss this step if you do not want your document rejected.

That was it, with this part, you might have got some insight into how the experts write their essays. Follow these steps and see the difference for yourself. Also, read our other blog on how to write a narrative essay . Now, for the next part, you will find some of the examples that could help you in proper understanding.

Struggling with writing an analytical essay? Go through the following analytical essay example to see how the experts draft their perfect document and frame the analytical essay format.

Topic: Is Artificial Intelligence a Blessing or Curse?

• Briefly describe artificial intelligence for better understanding.
• Thesis Statement: Artificial intelligence is a blessing in disguise for youth.

Body Paragraph 1

• AI has made life convenient for people by saving much of their time.
• It has improved access to education, healthcare, entertainment and more.

Body Paragraph 2

• AI is a blessing for the youth that can help them in their education.
• It has made it convenient for teachers and students to access the resources.

Remind the reader about the advantages of artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is the main target of the people, but little do they know about its advantages and benefits like...

So, from the above example, you must have understood how you can write an analytical essay. Hence, go through the above example and frame your essay accordingly. However, you can also use essay typer tools or seek an expert's assistance for an effortless experience. Read the following section to know how you can make your task convenient.

You may also like: How to write an essay introduction

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You must have solved many of your queries from this comprehensive guide about how to write an analytical essay. However, if you still have any issues, you can take the help of our experts, who will help you draft your perfect analytical essay. Global Assignment Help can provide you with an efficient write-up that stands out. Our expert writers are highly experienced and educated individuals who have never failed to deliver a single document on time. So, stop wasting your time and get an essay writing service now.

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