Aug 14, 2020 · An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. ... Sep 26, 2022 · Outline structure: What is the outline format? Outline format example: What does an outline look like? How to write an outline in 5 steps. Outline FAQs. What is an outline in writing? An outline is like a blueprint for writing. Simple outlines list the topics you plan to cover and the order they will go in. Outlines are usually broken up by ... ... Sep 18, 2020 · Explore the tabs below to see a general template and a specific example outline from an essay on the invention of the printing press. Essays with two or more main subjects are often structured around comparing and contrasting. ... Jan 15, 2019 · An essay outline will shape the essays 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. ... When writing an academic essay, an outline can help you structure and plan your arguments and ideas, while creating a guide for how to organize your paragraphs. Almost all essays can follow the same basic structure with variations based on the number of paragraphs or specific requirements. ... Jun 3, 2024 · 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. ... Creating an effective essay outline is fundamental to the writing process. An appropriately crafted outline can help you create a coherent, well-planned essay. Whether you build your structure for the essay or you use a template, this first step is the key to excellent writing. ... Jul 1, 2023 · Just follow these four steps to craft an outline that makes the rest of the writing process simple. Think about your thesis statement. You might not have the exact wording at this point, but you should have a general idea of the point you’ll make and defend in your essay. ... Apr 7, 2023 · 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. ... ">

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Types of Outlines and Samples

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Alphanumeric Outlines

This is the most common type of outline and usually instantly recognizable to most people. The formatting follows these characters, in this order:

  • Roman Numerals
  • Capitalized Letters
  • Arabic Numerals
  • Lowercase Letters

If the outline needs to subdivide beyond these divisions, use Arabic numerals inside parentheses and then lowercase letters inside parentheses. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

The sample PDF in the Media Box above is an example of an outline that a student might create before writing an essay. In order to organize her thoughts and make sure that she has not forgotten any key points that she wants to address, she creates the outline as a framework for her essay.

What is the assignment?

Your instructor asks the class to write an expository (explanatory) essay on the typical steps a high school student would follow in order to apply to college.

What is the purpose of this essay?

To explain the process for applying to college

Who is the intended audience for this essay?

High school students intending to apply to college and their parents

What is the essay's thesis statement?

When applying to college, a student follows a certain process which includes choosing the right schools and preparing the application materials.

Full Sentence Outlines

The full sentence outline format is essentially the same as the Alphanumeric outline. The main difference (as the title suggests) is that full sentences are required at each level of the outline. This outline is most often used when preparing a traditional essay. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

Decimal Outlines

The decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric outline. The added benefit is a system of decimal notation that clearly shows how every level of the outline relates to the larger whole. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

Essay Writing Guide

Essay Outline

Last updated on: Jan 6, 2025

A Complete Essay Outline - Guidelines and Format

By: Nova A.

13 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Jan 15, 2019

Essay Outline

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!

Essay Outline

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 format

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.

essay outline format

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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.

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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:

How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Simple 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.

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essay outline format

  • 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/

Essay Writing Tips for ESL Students

How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Steps

Lindsay Kramer

An essay outline is essentially an essay’s skeleton. It’s a text representation of an essay’s thesis and key supporting points. 

An essay outline serves multiple purposes, including helping its writer organize their thoughts before they start writing, giving readers a quick synopsis of the essay, and acting as a roadmap for the writer to follow as they work through their supporting paragraphs. Writing an essay outline is a fairly straightforward process, and in this blog post, we’ll walk you through it. 

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What is an essay outline?

An essay outline is an informal document that lists and orders the parts of an essay so the writer can stay on track and make sure they don’t miss anything. Because it’s informal, an outline is usually written in incomplete sentences, similar to notes. This can make it easier for you to determine the most effective way to transition between paragraphs and the ideal order in which to present your supporting paragraphs. 

Outlining is an important early stage in the writing process . It’s where you organize all the thoughts and insights you brainstormed into a neat roadmap to follow as you write. If you get stuck as you’re writing your essay, your outline is there to help you get back on track. 

It’s not uncommon for professors to require their students to submit essay outlines before getting started on their essays. Usually, this is so the professor can make sure each student is on the right track in terms of choosing an essay topic that has a sufficient amount of sources to reference, that it fits the parameters of the assignment, and that the student understands the assignment. 

Basic parts of an essay

Although every essay is unique, they all adhere to the same basic essay structure . Every essay starts with an introduction section, follows it with at least one body paragraph that supports the points made in the introduction, then wraps up with a conclusion section that reiterates the author’s thesis and summarizes the body paragraphs. 

Introduction

The first section of your essay is called the introduction. As this name implies, this is where you introduce the topics you’ll be covering in your essay. It’s also where you state your thesis , the definitive sentence where you make your argument clear. 

Body sections

Your essay might only need two supporting paragraphs, or it could need four or five (or more). Unless your professor assigned a specific number of body paragraphs for your essay, how many of these you write is your call. 

If you’re supporting your thesis with multiple sources, a general rule to follow is one body paragraph per source cited. However, the type of essay you’re writing might require you to deviate from this. For example, in a compare-and-contrast essay, you’ll write one section (at least one paragraph long) for each comparison and contrast you make. In an analytical essay, you’ll write one body section for each point you make to support your thesis. 

Once you reach your conclusion , you’re almost there! This is the part of your essay where you wrap it up and summarize the points you made in your body paragraphs. If you have any final thoughts or perspectives you want to impress on your reader before they finish reading your essay, this is where you make them. 

4 steps for writing an essay outline

So you’re sitting at your desk, ready to write your outline. Great!

…how do you get started?

Just follow these four steps to craft an outline that makes the rest of the writing process simple. 

1 Determine your objective

Think about your thesis statement. You might not have the exact wording at this point, but you should have a general idea of the point you’ll make and defend in your essay. Having a clear objective enables you to work through your brainstorming notes and craft an outline that hits all the necessary points you need to support that objective. 

2 Filter out the fluff

When you brainstormed, you explored every possible avenue to go down in your writing and every potential piece of information to include. 

Now it’s time to go through your brainstorming notes and pick out the points that will most effectively achieve your goal for your essay. For each piece of information you jotted down, ask yourself “how does this prove my point?” If you can answer that question with a clear, thoughtful response, add it to your list of points to make in your essay. 

3 Identify the points you’ll make in each paragraph

Using the list of points you wrote down, identify the key arguments you’ll make in your essay. These will be your body sections. For example, in an argumentative essay about why your campus needs to install more water fountains, you might make points like: 

  • Providing water fountains helps students save money
  • Fountains reduce plastic waste
  • Readily available water can cut down heat exhaustion incidents

Jot down the facts, anecdotes, and statistics that support each of these arguments. For example, you might cite the number of disposable water bottles recovered from campus grounds last year in your section on how water fountains reduce plastic waste. These supporting points are part of your essay outline. 

4 Write your outline using a standard template

With your key topics and supporting points clearly defined, it’s time to actually write your outline. Using a template for the type of essay you’re writing (more on that in the next section), format your key points into a clear, organized frame that you’ll flesh out with content when you write your first draft. 

Essay outline examples

Although every outline follows the same general structure, there are a few key differences to keep in mind when you’re outlining different kinds of essays. Take a look at how these example outlines for various essay types are similar as well as where they differ: 

Argumentative essays

Here is an example outline argumentative essay :

Title: Italian Ice is a Superior Dessert to Ice Cream

  • Introduce the differences between Italian ice and ice cream, touch on how popular each is.
  • Thesis: Italian ice is a healthier, more refreshing, more environmentally friendly dessert than ice cream. 
  • Cite the average amount of calories in a serving of Italian ice vs. ice cream
  • Cite how Italian ice thus fits more easily into most consumers’ daily caloric allotment
  • Discuss the benefits of consuming vegan vs. animal-sourced products
  • Discuss how Italian ice is vegan, making it accessible to both vegans and non-vegans and a healthier, more environmentally conscious choice for all
  • Because of the lack of dairy, Italian ice is a more refreshing treat than ice cream on a hot day
  • Discuss anecdotes about dairy making consumers feel hotter and not refreshed
  • Reiterate why Italian ice is a better dessert than ice cream and summarize supporting points.

Admissions essays

Take a look at this admissions essay outline: 

Title: Arigato, Sato Sensei

  • My Japanese teacher was the most influential teacher I had in high school because she taught me more than just a language—she taught me how language shapes perspective. 
  • Thesis: Choosing to study Japanese in high school changed my perspective on myself, my community, and my role in society 
  • Discuss how I struggled in Japanese class and wanted to give up
  • State how Sato Sensei encouraged me to keep trying instead of changing to another language
  • Learning Japanese was more than memorizing vocabulary and copying hiragana and katakana; it’s understanding Japanese cultural perspectives and concepts versus Western ones
  • How Japanese language skills enabled me to succeed during my summer abroad
  • How I understood cultural nuances through my understanding of the language
  • With the perspective I developed as an American student who studied Japanese, I’m well-equipped to succeed as an international business major. 

Persuasive essays

Here’s an example of a persuasive essay outline: 

Title: We Need More Security Cameras in the Student Parking Deck

  • Vehicle break-ins are far too common on campus
  • Thesis: The current level of parking deck security is insufficient
  • State car break-in statistics and any related stats, like the average cost of repairs to broken-into vehicles and value of goods stolen
  • Discuss the intangible value of increased security with quotes and anecdotes
  • Cite statistics on how other campuses reduced break-ins by installing more security cameras
  • State the actual cost of installing sufficient security
  • Summarize the points made and emphasize how community safety should be a top priority for campus administration. Then, reiterate how more security cameras in the parking deck would improve safety. 

Personal essays

Here is an outline example for a personal essay :

Title: The Two Best Birthdays of my Life

  • Introducing your feelings about birthdays and how you like to celebrate yours
  • Thesis: The two best birthdays of my life were my 17th and 22nd
  • I got my driver’s license and drove to my first concert with my best friends
  • I still have the ticket stub and wristband from that night
  • At first, I thought everybody had forgotten my birthday. I was devastated
  • Then, my siblings surprised me by traveling six hours to pick me up and take me to the art exhibit I’d been wanting to see
  • My 17th and 22nd birthdays were particularly meaningful because of the points cited above. 
  • Perhaps finish with a parting thought on looking forward to more great birthday celebrations

 Outlining is just one step to great writing

Once you’re finished writing your outline, follow the rest of the writing process steps to complete your essay. 

When it’s time to edit your work, Grammarly can help you polish your draft into a perfectly publishable piece of writing. Grammarly catches spelling mistakes, grammar errors, and gives you feedback on all the tones present in your writing to help you make any necessary adjustments to strike a clear, consistent tone that accurately communicates exactly what you need to say. 

essay outline format

IMAGES

  1. 37 Outstanding Essay Outline Templates (Argumentative, Narrative, Persuasive)

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  2. Essay Outline Template

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  3. Essay Writing Outline Format

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  4. Argumentative Essay Outline

    essay outline format

  5. 37 Outstanding Essay Outline Templates (Argumentative, Narrative, Persuasive)

    essay outline format

  6. Essay Writing Outline Format

    essay outline format

COMMENTS

  1. Types of Outlines and Samples

    The full sentence outline format is essentially the same as the Alphanumeric outline. The main difference (as the title suggests) is that full sentences are required at each level of the outline. This outline is most often used when preparing a traditional essay.

  2. Outlines and Samples - Purdue OWL®">Types of Outlines and Samples - Purdue OWL®

    The full sentence outline format is essentially the same as the Alphanumeric outline. The main difference (as the title suggests) is that full sentences are required at each level of the outline. This outline is most often used when preparing a traditional essay.

  3. Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples - Scribbr">How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples - Scribbr

    Aug 14, 2020 · An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold.

  4. Outline Formats: Step-by-Step Guide with Examples - Grammarly">Outline Formats: Step-by-Step Guide with Examples - Grammarly

    Sep 26, 2022 · Outline structure: What is the outline format? Outline format example: What does an outline look like? How to write an outline in 5 steps. Outline FAQs. What is an outline in writing? An outline is like a blueprint for writing. Simple outlines list the topics you plan to cover and the order they will go in. Outlines are usually broken up by ...

  5. How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates - Scribbr">How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates - Scribbr

    Sep 18, 2020 · Explore the tabs below to see a general template and a specific example outline from an essay on the invention of the printing press. Essays with two or more main subjects are often structured around comparing and contrasting.

  6. to Write an Essay Outline - Template and Examples - 5StarEssays">How to Write an Essay Outline - Template and Examples -...

    Jan 15, 2019 · An essay outline will shape the essays 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.

  7. Essay Outline Template - San José State University">Essay Outline Template - San José State University

    When writing an academic essay, an outline can help you structure and plan your arguments and ideas, while creating a guide for how to organize your paragraphs. Almost all essays can follow the same basic structure with variations based on the number of paragraphs or specific requirements.

  8. Essay Outline: Definition, Structure, Examples">Essay Outline: Definition, Structure, Examples

    Jun 3, 2024 · 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.

  9. Essay Outline Templates | How to Write (9 Types)">35 Free Essay Outline Templates | How to Write (9 Types)

    Creating an effective essay outline is fundamental to the writing process. An appropriately crafted outline can help you create a coherent, well-planned essay. Whether you build your structure for the essay or you use a template, this first step is the key to excellent writing.

  10. to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Steps | Grammarly Blog">How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Steps | Grammarly Blog

    Jul 1, 2023 · Just follow these four steps to craft an outline that makes the rest of the writing process simple. Think about your thesis statement. You might not have the exact wording at this point, but you should have a general idea of the point you’ll make and defend in your essay.

  11. Essay Outline: Free Template & Examples - PaperTrue">How to Write an Essay Outline: Free Template & Examples -...

    Apr 7, 2023 · 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.