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How to Write a Perfect Essay Outline? – A Comprehensive Guide

Home » How to Write a Perfect Essay Outline? – A Comprehensive Guide

Essay Outline

 

Do you know how to write a strong essay outline? If you have no idea, then continue reading this blog post. Here, in detail, we have explained the steps for writing a well-structured essay outline. Also, we have presented some interesting essay outline samples for different types of essays.

Essay writing is a special type of academic writing that requires extraordinary writing skills, subject knowledge, and presentation skills. But in order to prepare an outstanding essay, first, you should choose a good essay topic and then write a well-designed essay outline. Basically, having an essay outline prior will aid you to come up with a top-class essay and it also has many more advantages. Most importantly, an essay outline will help you to organize your ideas clearly in a way that is understandable to your readers. So, never skip the essay outline preparation step during the essay writing process.

Read more to get a complete overview of the essay outline, its structure, and the writing steps.

What is an Essay Outline?

An essay outline is a brief plan that you as an essay writer can prepare to coherently organize and structure the information to be presented in your essay. In simple terms, you can also refer essay outline as a guide or roadmap to an essay. Mostly, the authors use an essay outline as a tool for professional and academic writing.

When it comes to sketching an essay outline, you should initially jot down all the major points relevant to your essay topic, and then structure them all by dividing them into separate paragraphs. Mainly, if you create an essay outline in advance, then at the time of essay writing, you can easily cover all the important points of discussion, without missing any. Also, it would assist you in developing a better piece of writing.

Remember, writing an essay outline is not mandatory. But if you want to make your essay stand unique in the crowd, then develop the habit of preparing an essay outline prior to writing the essay. Especially, in your essay outline, you can include your main ideas relevant to the essay topic, evidence supporting your arguments, and heading for the paragraphs in your essay.

Benefits of Essay Outline

Till now, we saw a brief overview of the essay outline. Next, let us have a look at the benefits of an essay outline. As said earlier, essay outlining has a lot of advantages. Here are a few important benefits that you can earn if you have a well-structured essay outline.

  1. An essay outline is a simple blueprint that will help you understand what information goes where without losing any piece.
  2. While preparing an essay outline, you can get a complete understanding of the essay topic and which in turn would make it easier for you to explain your points clearly to your target readers.
  3. With the help of an essay outline, you can easily spot the piece of information that you need from the entire work.
  4. An essay outline will help you to reduce the overall time for writing an essay.

Since essay outlining has more pros, preparing it before writing an essay would be beneficial for you. For writing an essay outline, you can reach out to us for help or you can write it on your own by following the essay outline writing steps and samples shared below.

How to Write an Essay Outline?

Are you worried about how to write a perfect essay outline? Cool! Writing an essay outline will not look like a tough task if you execute the following steps in order.

  1. Firstly, read and understand the essay writing instructions of your instructor.
  2. Secondly, analyze and get to know your target readers.
  3. Thirdly, find a good essay topic matching your interest as well as your reader’s interest.
  4. Fourthly, determine the essay type relevant to your essay topic.
  5. Next, figure out the aim of your essay outline.
  6. Then, conduct in-depth research on the essay topic and collect all the major points for discussion with supporting evidence.
  7. After performing the basic research, group all your main ideas into separate paragraphs.
  8. Finally, prepare an essay outline as per the standard format that includes essential components such as introduction, body, and conclusion.

Typically, an essay outline is all about organizing the content flow in a logical and natural way. While outlining an essay, you should make sure to list out all the significant points of discussion or arguments. Also, especially you should also add the necessary details regarding the evidence or examples supporting your major points.

In general, you can find different types of academic essays. But when it comes to sketching an essay outline, almost all the essay types follow the standard essay outline format.

Components of Standard Essay Outline Format

As mentioned earlier, while writing an essay outline, you should be certain to include all your points according to the standard essay outline format that contains the following essential components

  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraphs
  • Conclusion

Here, let us in detail have a look at what to present under each section.

Introduction

It is the opening part of your essay that should not be too long. Here, in just 3-4 sentences, you should give a brief introduction to your essay topic and inform your readers what your essay is all about. In an essay, the introductory paragraph is the first thing that every reader will notice. So, while writing your essay introduction you should enhance the entire paragraph in a way to hold the reader’s attention. Especially, to attract the interest of your readers, you can use a dramatic tone.

When it comes to writing an essay introduction, first, you should begin the paragraph with a catchy hook sentence to connect with the readers. The essay hook you use in your introductory paragraph can be a quote, anecdote, statistics, fact, or a rhetorical question suitable to your essay topic.

Next to the hook sentence, you should present crispy background information on your essay topic, and followed by that you should add a powerful thesis statement. Typically, a thesis statement is a statement that should summarize the entire purpose of your essay. Remember, the thesis statement you prepare should be simple, strong, and should be written in a single sentence at the end of your introductory paragraph.

Mentioned below is a gist of what to include in the introduction section.

  1. Opening sentence: A catchy hook relevant to your essay topic.
  2. Middle sentence: Background information of the essay topic selected for discussion.
  3. Closing sentence: Thesis statement.

Body

The body paragraphs are the soul of the essay. It is the most important section in an essay in which you should present all the major points or arguments with proper evidence. Mainly, in this section, you should concentrate more on the thesis statement mentioned in the introductory paragraph.

When it comes to writing the body of the essay, you can have a maximum of two to three paragraphs depending upon your major points of discussion. But especially while writing each body paragraph, you should have a topic sentence followed by supporting points that are justified by valid proof. Remember, your topic sentence should explain only the core or main point of your paragraph.

As there are different types of essays available, while writing the body paragraphs, make sure to create content according to the essay type you have chosen. Say, for example, the body paragraphs of your persuasive essay should be written in a way to convince your readers to accept your arguments or points. Similar to the persuasive essay, the body section of your argumentative essay should also try to convince the readers but it should take into account all the perspectives on the topic.

Here is what you should include in a body paragraph.

  1. Topic sentence relevant to your essay thesis statement.
  2. Evidence or example that supports the topic sentence.
  3. A conclusion that connects with the thesis statement
  4. Transition sentence that leads the next body paragraph or topic sentence.

Conclusion

In an essay, the conclusion is the final paragraph. Most importantly, in this section, the conclusion statement you prepare should be influential and should give a complete closure to your essay topic in a brief and powerful manner.

Particularly, while writing the conclusion paragraph, remember to summarize all the main points discussed in the introduction and the body paragraphs of your essay. Also, in this section, you should be certain to include a thesis restatement and wrap up the essay with a call to action.

Here is brief information on what to include in the conclusion paragraph.

  1. A concise summary of the main points discussed in the entire essay.
  2. Thesis restatement.
  3. Call to action with a strong concluding statement.

The above-explained three components will together form a standard essay outline. Whenever you prepare an essay outline, make sure to divide your idea into separate sections such as the introduction, body, and conclusion. As far as essay outline is concerned, almost all the essay types will follow a typical 5-paragraph structure. In the next section, let us see the basic 5-paragraph essay outline structure.

Basic Essay Outline Template (5-Paragraph Structure)

A 5-paragraph essay structure is nothing but a common essay format that will usually have one introductory paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and one conclusion paragraph. Mentioned below is a basic essay outline template that you should stick to while crafting an essay of a 5-paragraph structure.

  • Introduction
  • Catchy Hook
  • Essay Topic Background Introduction
  • Thesis statement
  • Body Paragraph 1
  • Strongest point or Topic sentence 1
  • Explanation
  • Evidence and Example
  • A Conclusion that Connects to the Thesis
  • Transition
  • Body Paragraph 2
  • Topic sentence 2
  • Explanation
  • Evidence and Example
  • A Conclusion that Connects to the Thesis
  • Transition
  • Body Paragraph 3
  • Topic sentence 3
  • Evidence and Example
  • Explanation
  • Evidence and Example
  • A Conclusion that Connects to the Thesis
  • Transition
  • Conclusion
  • Essay Summary
  • Thesis restatement
  • Call to action

Types of Essay Outline Structure

It is purely your decision on how to organize an essay outline. But, in general, the essay outline structure is of two different types namely Alphanumeric Structure and Decimal Structure. Out of these two types, you can pick any format comfortable for you to present your ideas clearly to your readers.

In specific, while sketching an essay outline, you can use either brief phrases or complete sentences. Sometimes your instructors may ask you to prepare an essay outline with detailed sentences. In such a case, instead of presenting your ideas in the form of brief hints or phrases, make sure to use a complete sentence to explain your core idea concisely. This is because, when you use a whole sentence in the essay outline, later while preparing an essay, you can easily refer to it and gain a better understanding of all the major points to be included in your essay.

Now, let us get to know about the alphanumeric format and decimal format.

Alphanumeric Structure

The alphanumeric essay outline structure is one of the most frequently used structures in which you have to use roman numbers to describe each subdivision. Then, you can use capital letters, Arab numbers, and lowercase letters, accordingly.

  • Roman numerals (I, II, III, etc.): To describe the major sections of the essay outline.
  • Capital letters (A, B, C, etc.): To show substantial points in the sections.
  • Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.): To describe further important details.
  • Lowercase letters (a, b, c, etc.): It is used only when more details have to be included.

The alphanumeric essay outline structure should look as specified in the image below.

 

Alphanumeric Structure

Decimal Structure

The decimal structure is also similar to the alphanumeric structure but here you should stick only to numerals.

  • To determine the beginning of each section, you can use 1.0, 2.0, etc.
  • For new information, you can change the number after the dot. Say, for example, when you add new information to the paragraph with the number 2.0, you can name it 2.1, 2.2, etc.
  • In case, you want to add a few more details, then you can add more decimals like 2.2.1, 2.2.2, etc.

Here is an image depicting the decimal essay outline structure.

 

Decimal Structure

Essay Outline Writing Tips

If you wish to prepare a neat and clear essay outline, then make sure to keep the following tips in mind during essay outline writing.

  • Use complete sentences in your essay outline only when required, otherwise, it is enough to use hints or short phrases.
  • Organize your major ideas in a way that is comfortable and understandable for you.
  • List all your main points in a visually pleasing manner.
  • Avoid repetition or duplication of the content in your essay.
  • Arrange all the major points in a logical order.
  • While organizing your points, remember to follow either alphanumeric or decimal essay outline structure.

 

Essay Outline

Sample Essay Outline Format of Different Essay Types

Here we have shared a few sample essay outline formats of different essay types.

Persuasive Essay Outline Format

A persuasive essay is one of the most common types of essay. Especially, in this essay, you should mainly focus on convincing your readers with your point of view about the persuasive essay topics using strong evidence such as facts, survey results, examples, or quotes.

Here is a sample persuasive essay outline format.

Introduction

  • Hook Statement
  • Background information on the topic
  • Thesis statement

Body Paragraph I

  • Topic Sentence
  • Explanation
  • Evidence supporting the topic sentence
  • Conclusion connecting to thesis

Body Paragraph II

  • Topic Sentence
  • Explanation
  • Evidence supporting the topic sentence
  • Conclusion connecting to thesis

Body Paragraph III

  • Topic Sentence
  • Explanation
  • Evidence supporting the topic sentence
  • Conclusion connecting to thesis

Conclusion

  • Summary
  • Thesis restatement
  • Call-to-action

Narrative Essay Outline Format

Good narrative essay topics are one of the popular academic essay types that require more creativity. In general, a narrative essay narrates a story about a personal experience while proving a point. Particularly, in this type of essay, you can write stories under any category such as horror, adventure, sentimental, etc. Its main aim is to develop a story in a way that is easy for your readers to visualize. Mainly, in this essay, along with the entertainment factor, you should add other essential story elements such as plot, characters, settings, conflicts, dialogue, twists, and resolutions.

Presented below is a sample narrative essay outline format.

Introduction

  • Describe your topic in a couple of sentences
  • Thesis statement

Body

  • Background of the story
  • Characters involved in the story
  • The onset of the event
  • Climax
  • Resolution

Conclusion

  • Thesis restatement
  • Call to action, if applicable

Argumentative Essay Outline Format

An argumentative essay is an academic essay type that is similar to a persuasive essay. But in an argumentative essay, you should specifically explain all the perspectives of your argumentative essay topics and present your arguments by explaining them with valid evidence and supporting details.

Mentioned below is a sample argumentative essay outline format.

Introduction

  • Hook: Joke, fact, statistics, etc.
  • Background information on the essay topic
  • Thesis statement

Body Paragraph I

  • Topic Sentence
  • Explanation
  • Evidence supporting your arguments

Body Paragraph II

  • Topic Sentence
  • Explanation
  • Evidence supporting your arguments

Body Paragraph III

  • Topic Sentence
  • Explanation
  • Evidence supporting your arguments

Conclusion

  • Summary
  • Thesis restatement
  • Call-to-action

Essay Outline Examples

For your convenience, here we have listed some essay outline examples of different essay types.

Argumentative Essay Outline Example

Here is an example of how to write an argumentative essay outline.

Topic: Should abortion be legalized?

Introduction

Abortion is a controversial topic that contains varying opinions from different people. Abortion is/isn’t moral because (include your arguments or share your opinions).

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1

Abortion shouldn’t/should be legal because it is (explain your opinion related to your thesis statement with valid evidence or facts)

Claims against abortion:

  • Abortion means killing another life.
  • The Fetus can feel pain.
  • Abortion can be life-threatening for mothers.

Claims in favor of abortion:

  • It is safer when it is legal to undergo the abortion process.
  • Abortion is a right offered by the constitution.
  • It is the right of a woman to decide for her body.

Paragraph 2

Another reason why abortion shouldn’t/should be legal is that (present your claim with valid evidence)

Paragraphs 3

A scientist on the issue of abortion found that (describe the research result in support of the thesis statement)

Conclusion

Because of these major reasons, abortion shouldn’t/should be legal.

Persuasive Essay Outline Example

Mentioned below is a persuasive essay outline example.

Topic: Why swimming is considered an ideal sport for kids?

Introduction

Here explain your point of view or write a persuasive argument relevant to the essay topic.

Thesis statement: Swimming is one of the good alternatives when compared to other youth sports

Body

Paragraph 1

Add your primary persuasive argument with supporting details.

Topic Sentence: Swimming has the same advantages as other youth sports.

Supporting Details:

  • It is a good exercise that plays a vital role in building muscular strength.
  • During the relay, it promotes cooperation among team members.

Paragraph 2

Include your secondary persuasive argument with supporting details.

Topic Sentence: Swimming provides a lot of unique additional benefits.

Supporting Details:

  • Swimming is an important skill that can be used anytime in life.
  • A swimmer can easily evaluate his/her progress.
  • It has reduced injury risks.

Conclusion

Wrap up the essay with a brief summary of your thesis and persuasive arguments.

Concluding statement: There are a lot of valuable reasons why swimming is considered a great alternative when compared to other youth sports, including…

Like the essay outline examples mentioned above, you can prepare an essay outline for any type of essay by using the 5-paragraph structure according to the purpose of the essay type.

The Bottom Line

We hope you have gained a better understanding of how to write an essay outline. In case, you are not sure how to draft a neat essay outline, reach out to us. We have professional essay writers in our team to offer assistance for any kind of essay writing issues you experience. Not just for essay outline preparation, our experts will also help you with essay topic selection, writing, and editing for all kinds of essay types.

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