Essay Writing Guide

Essay Outline

Last updated on: Jun 10, 2023

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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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

Nova A.

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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Trying to devise a structure for your essay can be one of the most difficult parts of the writing process. Making a detailed outline before you begin writing is a good way to make sure your ideas come across in a clear and logical order. A good outline will also save you time in the revision process, reducing the possibility that your ideas will need to be rearranged once you've written them.

The First Steps

Before you can begin outlining, you need to have a sense of what you will argue in the essay. From your analysis and close readings of primary and/or secondary sources you should have notes, ideas, and possible quotes to cite as evidence. Let's say you are writing about the 1999 Republican Primary and you want to prove that each candidate's financial resources were the most important element in the race. At this point, your notes probably lack much coherent order. Most likely, your ideas are still in the order in which they occurred to you; your notes and possible quotes probably still adhere to the chronology of the sources you've examined. Your goal is to rearrange your ideas, notes, and quotes—the raw material of your essay—into an order that best supports your argument, not the arguments you've read in other people's works. To do this, you have to group your notes into categories and then arrange these categories in a logical order.

Generalizing

The first step is to look over each individual piece of information that you've written and assign it to a general category. Ask yourself, "If I were to file this in a database, what would I file it under?" If, using the example of the Republican Primary, you wrote down an observation about John McCain's views on health care, you might list it under the general category of  "Health care policy." As you go through your notes, try to reuse categories whenever possible. Your goal is to reduce your notes to no more than a page of category listings.

Now examine your category headings. Do any seem repetitive? Do any go together? "McCain's expenditure on ads" and "Bush's expenditure on ads," while not exactly repetitive, could easily combine into a more general category like "Candidates' expenditures on ads." Also, keep an eye out for categories that no longer seem to relate to your argument. Individual pieces of information that at first seemed important can begin to appear irrelevant when grouped into a general category.

Now it's time to generalize again. Examine all your categories and look for common themes. Go through each category and ask yourself, "If I were to place this piece of information in a file cabinet, what would I label that cabinet?" Again, try to reuse labels as often as possible: "Health Care," "Foreign Policy," and "Immigration" can all be contained under "Policy Initiatives." Make these larger categories as general as possible so that there are no more than three or four for a 7-10 page paper.

With your notes grouped into generalized categories, the process of ordering them should be easier. To begin, look at your most general categories. With your thesis in mind, try to find a way that the labels might be arranged in a sentence or two that supports your argument. Let's say your thesis is that financial resources played the most important role in the 1999 Republican Primary. Your four most general categories are "Policy Initiatives," "Financial Resources," "Voters' Concerns," and "Voters' Loyalty." You might come up with the following sentence: ÒAlthough McCain's policy initiatives were closest to the voters' concerns, Bush's financial resources won the voters' loyalty.Ó This sentence should reveal the order of your most general categories. You will begin with an examination of McCain's and Bush's views on important issues and compare them to the voters' top concerns. Then you'll look at both candidates' financial resources and show how Bush could win voters' loyalty through effective use of his resources, despite his less popular policy ideas.

With your most general categories in order, you now must order the smaller categories. To do so, arrange each smaller category into a sentence or two that will support the more general sentence you've just devised. Under the category of "Financial Resources," for instance, you might have the smaller categories of "Ad Expenditure," "Campaign Contributions" and "Fundraising." A sentence that supports your general argument might read: "Bush's early emphasis on fundraising led to greater campaign contributions, allowing him to have a greater ad expenditure than McCain."

The final step of the outlining process is to repeat this procedure on the smallest level, with the original notes that you took for your essay. To order what probably was an unwieldy and disorganized set of information at the beginning of this process, you need now only think of a sentence or two to support your general argument. Under the category "Fundraising," for example, you might have quotes about each candidate's estimation of its importance, statistics about the amount of time each candidate spent fundraising, and an idea about how the importance of fundraising never can be overestimated. Sentences to support your general argument might read: "No candidate has ever raised too much money [your idea]. While both McCain and Bush acknowledged the importance of fundraising [your quotes], the numbers clearly point to Bush as the superior fundraiser [your statistics]." The arrangement of your ideas, quotes, and statistics now should come naturally.

Putting It All Together

With these sentences, you have essentially constructed an outline for your essay. The most general ideas, which you organized in your first sentence, constitute the essay's sections. They follow the order in which you placed them in your sentence. The order of the smaller categories within each larger category (determined by your secondary sentences) indicates the order of the paragraphs within each section. Finally, your last set of sentences about your specific notes should show the order of the sentences within each paragraph. An outline for the essay about the 1999 Republican Primary (showing only the sections worked out here) would look something like this:

I. POLICY INITIATIVES

II.  VOTERS' CONCERNS

III.  FINANCIAL RESOURCES

            A.  Fundraising

                        a.  Original Idea

                        b.  McCain Quote/Bush Quote

                        c.  McCain Statistics/Bush Statistics

            B.  Campaign Contributions

            C.  Ad Expenditure

IV.  VOTERS' LOYALTY

Copyright 2000, David Kornhaber, for the Writing Center at Harvard University

essay outline purpose

How to Write an Essay Outline: MLA and APA Styles

essay outline purpose

Outlining is a form of organization which is used among authors of all writing styles. The common organizational method allows writers to list all of their research and ideas in one place before the writing process starts. Understanding the general college essay outline can go a long way in getting your thoughts structured, as well as positive feedback from your professor. Take a look at this guide from our coursework writing services team to learn how to write an outline.

What Is an Outline?

An essay outline is one of the main planning methods when it comes to writing academic papers, scholarly articles, informative guides, novels, and encyclopedias. The everyday paper outline contains the headings: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Every source is organized by relevance to strengthen the writing process. There are various formats when it comes to outlining, but the main formats required for a college essay outline is MLA and APA.

Regardless of whether you’re writing an MLA or APA outline, the organizational process remains the same with some minor differences. The main difference being APA uses abstracts, as it requires one or two sentences per line. APA is used for humanities, as MLA is used more for social studies. Other than that, the simple outline remains the same for any kind of academic paper structure.

How to Write an Outline?

The most common college essay is 5 paragraphs. Thus, an easy way to remember the general format of a writing plan is to think of it as planning a 5 paragraph essay outline where students would write an Introduction, Thesis, Body, and Conclusion. Then, fit a total of 5 paragraphs within the basic structure. The same practice can be done with planning, except rather than paragraphs, it’s notes. The exact same method would apply to an argumentative essay outline and any other kind of paper structure throughout and beyond college.

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The Key-Elements to Outlining

  • Research & Notes: Before the writing process, it is essential to find credible sources and note them down. Search across credible websites, as well as academic search engines, Google Scholar or Oxford Academic, to find reliable references to include in an academic paper.
  • Prioritize Your Thesis: As the thesis statement is a summary of the entire paper, start prioritizing it before working on the other sections of the outline. The thesis can guide you along the planning and writing process.
  • Write Your Ideas: Assuming you have already written out the basic headings of an outline, write down all of the key points from your found sources in the Thesis and Body sections.
  • Where to Include References: For cause and effect, AP English examinations, SAT essays, admission essays, along with other formal writing styles, all of the references are included in the body section. Excluding reflection paper and analytical papers, where it’s acceptable to include a citation within the introductory paragraph.
  • Introduction: For most academic styles, the introduction is the opening line to the paper. Thus, it is essential to plan something catchy within the outline. As mentioned, writing styles, for example, reflection essay or analytical paper, allow for the use of citation as an opening.
  • The Conclusion: The entire paper should be summarized in the final paragraph, restating the thesis in the first sentence, adding suggestions, predictions, and/or opinions in the sentences that follow. As for the final sentence, it should summarize the goal of the paper.

General Outline Format

Here is an outline format from our business essay writing services professionals:

  • Essay Title:
  • Student Name:
  • Professor’s Name:
  • Class (Optional)

Introduction

  • Opening Paragraph.
  • Brief Description of the Entire Paper.
  • Link Sentence to the First Body Paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1

  • Evidence/Reference.
  • Explanation (Related to the Thesis).
  • Link Sentence to the Second Body Paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

  • Link Sentence to the Third Body Paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

  • Link Sentence to the Conclusion.
  • Summary of the Entire Paper.
  • A Conclusive Sentence.
  • Footnotes or Bibliography

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Outline Examples

We understand that it may be difficult to differentiate between an MLA & APA Outline. The methods both depend on the referencing styles. APA outlining makes the use of abstracts, as MLA uses sentence citations. In an MLA outline, a title page is not necessary. As the APA referencing style requires it, include it on the outline. Take a look at an outline example below to get a better idea.

MLA Outline Example

  • Introductory Sentence: Stonehenge is a vast hub for ancient history.
  • Link Sentence to the Thesis: Standing 13 feet high, it is one of the oldest structures in the UK.
  • Description of the Paper: The paper describes how Stonehenge was built and its purpose.
  • First Argument/Claim: Stonehenge was built in 3001BC.
  • Second Argument/Claim: Stonehenge is known to be a place for religious worship.
  • Third Argument/Claim: Other Stonehenge-like structures exist around Europe.
  • Reference: The circulation ditch around Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed around the year 3000BC, according to studies.
  • Explanation/Claim: Around the end of stone-age, pagans got together and built the first segment to what has become stone-henge.
  • Link Sentence: Which brings up the matter of belief.
  • Reference: During the late Tudor era, most people believed that ancient Britons placed the stones for the sole purpose of religious practice.
  • Explanation/Claim: From the late 2nd millennium AD to modern day, the practice of Paganism is the common explanation for the reason why stone-henge was built.
  • Link Sentence: More evidence emerges regarding the mysterious structure.
  • Reference: Around 1100 BC, Stonehenge-like stones emerged.
  • Explanation/Claim : The structure is believed to have been built by migrants.
  • Link Sentence:
  • Summary of the Paper: Overall, the ancient stones have caused great interest throughout human history with science and assumptions.
  • Conclusive Sentence: No one knows for sure how they were built.
  • “History of Stonehenge” https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/history-and-stories/history/
  • “Why Was Stonehenge Built?” https://www.history.com/news/why-was-stonehenge-built
  • “Stonehenge Is Not Alone: 7 Ancient Megaliths You've Never Seen.” https://www.fromthegrapevine.com/travel/stonehenge-not-alone-7-ancient-megaliths-youve-never-seen

APA Outline Example

  • Title: The Dangers of Using Cell-Phones
  • Student Name: Jake Smith
  • Professor’s Name: Dr. Stephen Miller
  • Class (Optional): Class of 2019
  • Introductory Sentence: Mobile phones have taken a drastic effect on our daily lives in the worst possible way.
  • Link Sentence to the Thesis: The everyday use of mobile technology has gone out of control.
  • Description: The paper describes the regular dangers and negative effects on humans regarding cell-phone usage. The ordeal can be life-threatening, or simply socially depriving.
  • First argument: High amounts of cell-phone usage results in negative health consequences.
  • Second Argument: Cell-phone usage has a negative effect on human interaction.
  • Third Argument: Texting while driving is worse than drinking and driving.
  • Evidence/Reference: “Mobile phones communicate with base stations using radiofrequency (RF) radiation. If RF radiation is high enough, it has a ‘thermal’ effect, which means it raises body temperature. There are concerns that the low levels of RF radiation emitted by mobile phones could cause health problems such as headaches or brain tumors.” (“Mobile phones and your health”)
  • Explanation/Claim: The radiation from phones possesses cancerous elements after long-term usage. In other words, one’s long-term cell-phone usage can put him or herself at risk of terminal illness, or worse. There is still a lack of evidence to this claim as cell-phones have not been around for very long.
  • Link Sentence: Which brings us to how cell-phones are destroying human interaction.
  • Evidence/Reference: “Sherry Turkle argues that the use of cell phones while in social situations affects the quality of human conversation. Turkle says that it makes people less open and honest in conversation. She also says it makes people less empathetic. She uses a school of children as an example, stating that the children do not seem to be able to understand each other or show empathy toward each other.” (“Cell-Phones and Human Interaction.”)
  • Explanation/Claim: Mobile phone usage has gotten to the extent that humans are no longer communicating. Families go out to restaurants, cafes, and parks without interacting with each other due to their addiction to cell-phones. Humans have also possessed far less empathy compared with 15 years ago due to the missing interaction that could have been obtained during this time period. This shows mostly in school children who have been born into this way of life.
  • Link Sentence: Apart from that, cell-phone usage while driving also comes with life-threatening risks.
  • Evidence/Reference: “The Transport Research Laboratory found that motorists who use their mobile phone to send text messages (...) the research found, with steering control by texters 91 percent poorer than that of drivers devoting their full concentration to the road.” (“Texting while driving is more dangerous than drink-driving.” )
  • Explanation/Claim: Using a mobile device while driving a motor vehicle has more of a drastic effect than drink-driving. On record, there have been more deaths around the world from text-driving and drink-driving.
  • Link Sentence to the Conclusion: Humans are completely addicted to mobile phones, to the extent of dangerous driving, health-risks, and a lack of interaction.
  • Summary of the Entire Paper: Restate the Thesis.
  • Conclusive Sentence: The continuation of excessive usage of mobile phones is becoming a major threat to mankind in every aspect possible.
  • “Mobile Phones and Your Health” https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/mobile-phones-and-your-health
  • “Cell Phones and Human Interaction.” https://www.theodysseyonline.com/cell-phones-and-human-interaction
  • “Texting While Driving Is More Dangerous Than Drink-Driving,” http://www.amta.org.au/articles/amta/Texting.while.driving.is.more.dangerous.than.drinkdriving

We also recommend reading The Divine Comedy Summary , our readers like it a lot, and it may also be helpful in writing essays.

Regardless of the writing style, the main essay format acts as a helping hand in multiple ways to any kind of author. Knowing the general plan of an essay can highly benefit those writing their everyday college paper or dissertation by having all of the ideas and references on a writing plan. For example, a persuasive essay outline does not differentiate from a research paper plan. Thus, knowing the general outline format can make producing academic papers far easier by simplifying the entire writing process. Sometimes when you start writing an essay, you may encounter various difficulties like not understanding the topic, lack of time, too tired. You may ask yourself "I want to pay someone to write my paper . Can anyone help me?" Sure! On EssayPro we can give you a hand! Just leave us a request and we'll help asap.

How to Get Qualified Essay Help

Are you still having difficulty outlining? Our writers are here to give you a hand to create a well-structured essay outline with references and unique ideas included. Regardless of the subject, academic level, or outline format required, we have got you covered. Click on the button below if you have the " write research paper for me " request or need any other help.

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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:

How to Write an Outline Example.PNG

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:

Outline Example Alphanumeric.PNG

Decimal format:

How to Write an Outline in Decimal Format.PNG

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.

Writing an Outline.PNG

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.

Outline Topic Sentence.PNG

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.

Research Paper Outline Example.PNG

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

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 + Essay Outline Examples

Download for free, 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.

Student receives essay feedback A+ . Essay outline examples.

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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Essay Writing Guide

Writing An Essay Outline

Nova A.

Learn How to Create a Perfect Essay Outline

22 min read

Published on: Sep 28, 2017

Last updated on: Dec 30, 2023

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Writing essays can be a daunting task for many students, causing stress and anxiety.

The pressure to produce clear, well-structured, and coherent essays often leaves students overwhelmed, especially when they lack effective strategies.

The essay outline plays a critical role in shaping the entire content of the essay.

In this easy-to-follow guide, we'll break down essay outlining step by step so you can write with confidence and get better grades. 

Say goodbye to writer's block with our provided templates for different types of essays !

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What is an Essay Outline? 

An essay outline is a short plan of your essay where you list down all the ideas you need to cover in your essay. 

Planning your ideas and arguments before you start essay writing will help you to ensure that you cover all the important points.

An essay outline typically includes:

  • Introduction: This is where you introduce your topic and provide some context. 
  • Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on one idea or point related to your topic.
  • Conclusion: Here, you summarize everything you've talked about and leave your reader with some final thoughts.

Once you create the outline, you won't miss any important information. It also helps you in:

  • Organizing your thoughts and ideas.
  • Understanding how the information flows.
  • Not skipping any crucial information or references.
  • Finishing your work more quickly.

How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Steps?  

Writing an essay outline is like creating a roadmap for your essay. It helps you stay organized and ensures your essay flows smoothly. 

Here are four straightforward steps to get you started:

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

Before you begin outlining, you need a clear understanding of your essay's topic . 

Select a topic that interests you and aligns with your assignment's requirements. Once you have your topic, you're ready to move on.

Step 2: Identify the Main Points

Think about the key ideas or arguments you want to present in your essay. These will become the main points or sections of your outline. 

Jot them down in a logical order.

Step 3: Add Subpoints

Under each main point, add subpoints that support and expand upon your main ideas. These subpoints can be examples, evidence, or specific details related to your main points.

Step 4: Organize and Structure

Now, arrange your main points and subpoints in a logical order. Typically, essays follow a three-part structure: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion. 

Your outline should reflect this structure, with each main point corresponding to a section of your essay.

Key Parts of An Essay Outline 

Crafting a well-structured essay begins with a solid outline. 

Understanding its key components is your first step toward essay-writing success. It will include the following elements:

Introduction

An essay introduction contains:

  • Hook: An engaging opening sentence or two that captures the reader's attention.
  • Thesis Statement : A clear and concise statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.

Body Paragraphs

A body paragraph of an essay consists of:

  • Topic Sentence : The main idea of the paragraph, usually the first sentence.
  • Supporting Details: Evidence, examples, facts, or quotations that support the topic sentence.
  • Analysis: Your interpretation and analysis of the supporting details, explaining how they relate to the thesis.
  • Transition Words and Sentences: Words and Sentences that connect one paragraph to the next and maintain the flow of the essay.

An essay conclusion summarizes the main points consisting of:

  • Restate Thesis: Restate the thesis statement, but in different words.
  • Summarize Main Points: Briefly summarize the key points from the body paragraphs.
  • Closing Statement: Provide a closing thought or reflection that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Essay Outline Format 

There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and that's why we'll explore various types of essay outlines to suit different essay formats and purposes.

General Essay Outline 

The general essay outline structure uses the linear style.

All the points are numbered in order of their importance, from major to minor roles. In order to rank, assign numbers to your ideas. 

Here’s a general essay template for all essays that you can refer to structure your main ideas. 

Alphanumeric Essay Outline 

For most papers, it is always advisable to choose an alphanumeric outline format. 

In an alphanumeric structure, major sections are shown in Roman numbers, then comes the capital letters, numbers, and lowercase letters. 

Decimal Essay Outline 

You can also use the decimal essay outline format. It is a less common way of outlining an essay or a paper.

Different Essay Outline Templates

Different templates can help you get a better idea of essay outlining. Here are some essay outline examples for you to get a general idea for writing your outlines. 

Informative Essay Outline

An  informative essay  writing is all about conveying information or educating readers about a particular topic.

Below, you can find what an outline for an informative essay should consist of.

Narrative Essay Outline

A  narrative essay  is a type of paper in which you tell a story from your own perspective or personal experience. It provides specific details to get the readers involved in your story and understand your viewpoint.

Below is the  narrative essay outline that you can refer to for better understanding.

Argumentative Essay Outline

An  argumentative essay  is quite similar to a comparative essay in terms of developing arguments to support the claim. In this type of essay writing, you should provide solid arguments on both sides of the issue.

To achieve that, follow an  argumentative essay outline  to compose a great argumentative paper and score high grades.

The following is the argumentative essay outline template for your help.

Persuasive Essay Outline

In a  persuasive essay , the author uses logic and solid arguments to convince the readers of a particular point of view.

To create an outline for a persuasive essay , consider the following template.

Analytical Essay Outline

An analytical essay is usually written to analyze a text. It concentrates on how something is done. Writing an  analytical essay  involves breaking down the concept into parts to understand its meaning and what message it conveys.

Below is what the  outline for an analytical essay  should look like.

Descriptive Essay Outline

A descriptive essay is a type of paper in which the writer describes an object, person, process, or event. The main goal of writing a  descriptive essay  is to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

Following is a perfect descriptive essay outline  that you can follow for a well-structured descriptive paper.

Compare And Contrast Essay Outline

A compare and contrast essay highlights the way in which two things are different and similar to each other. 

Below, you can find the outline for compare and contrast essay .

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

A  rhetorical analysis essay  analyzes a piece of work in terms of rhetoric.

The rhetorical analysis essay outline will help you examine the work and explain how its different parts come together.

Expository Essay Outline

An expository essay presents a balanced analysis of a subject solely based on facts. 

The expository essay outline gives you a better idea of creating a well-written outline for your essay. 

Synthesis Essay Outline

A  synthesis essay involves taking a unique viewpoint of a central idea and backing it up with different sources. 

Need to submit a synthesis essay soon? Here is a  synthesis essay outline  template to specify all the main points first.

Literary Analysis Essay Outline

A  literary analysis essay?  is an important academic assignment that examines and evaluates a piece of literature work.

If you have no idea how to structure this type of essay, here is a  literary analysis essay outline  for your help.

Reflective Essay Outline

In a  reflective essay , you write about your own experience or thoughts regarding a specific topic. 

Get to know about this type of essay from the following  reflective essay outline .

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

A cause and effect essay identifies the reasons for something and then discusses the results. 

The following  cause and effect essay outline  can help students understand and get into the writing process.

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Scholarship Essay Outline

A  scholarship essay  is an important part of the scholarship application process. This essay helps students to stand out and get the scholarship.

Here is an outline to help you understand how scholarship essays are different from other essay types.

Problem Solution Essay Outline

A  problem-solution essay  identifies a problem and provides one or more solutions to it. It usually consists of three parts: introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion.

Learn more about the structure of a problem-solution essay with this outline.

Evaluation Essay Outline

The purpose of writing an evaluation essay is to judge a particular topic according to certain criteria.

In order to write a perfect evaluation essay, refer to the following outline.

Definition Essay Outline

A  definition essay  explores a certain term and provides personal understanding of the term. This essay is more than a dictionary definition.

You can also check out the following definition essay outline for more help.

Essay Outline Examples

The essay outline can be a great way to organize your thoughts when writing an essay. The following examples are for the help that gives you an idea of creating a perfect outline.

Here are some more examples for your better understanding:

Essay Outline Sample

5-Paragraph Essay Outline

Essay Outline On Democracy

College Essay Outline Template

Research Essay Outline

Throughout this guide, we've explored the crucial role of essay outlines along with different formats and templates of outlines.

However, we understand that even with the best guidance, crafting an essay can be a daunting task. That's where MyPerfectWords.com comes in. 

Our professional essay writing service is here to offer expert assistance and deliver impeccable essays tailored to your needs.

So, why wait? Get 24/7 assistance now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 types of outlines.

Besides the alphanumeric and decimal essay outlines, the following are the 3 types of outlines.

  • Working outline
  • Full-sentence outline
  • Speaking outline

All of these are used for different purposes so be careful that you choose the right type of outline.

What is a topic outline?

A topic outline is a useful tool for organizing your thoughts while developing an argument and structuring the paper.

It helps in outlining the main ideas and arguments and presenting them in a coherent way. It also assists in building relationships between the entire assignment.

What is a full sentence outline?

The full sentence outline is a more detailed and structured way to create an essay. They are the same as the alphanumeric outlines.

These outlines use complete sentences at each level of the structure. This type of format can be used for any formal writing assignment where you need to provide detail about your thoughts.

It helps to write well-supported arguments or develop concrete ideas with evidence and outside sources.

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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.

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.

Essay Outline

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:

Writing an Essay Outline

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.

Purpose, audience, argument of an 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.

Essay outline structure

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:

Alphanumeric Outline template

Decimal format essay outline sample:

Decimal outline example

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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Home » The Importance of Structuring Your Essay: Creating a Solid Outline

The Importance of Structuring Your Essay: Creating a Solid Outline

essay outline

Introduction

Writing an essay can sometimes feel like an intimidating endeavor. When confronted with a blank page and a multitude of thoughts swirling in your mind, it’s natural to feel a sense of uncertainty and struggle to articulate your ideas effectively. However, there is a valuable tool that can assist you in navigating this process and ensuring that your essay is well-structured and cohesive: creating a solid outline.

A. Hook: The Significance of Organization

Imagine entering a room that is meticulously organized. Each item has its designated place, and there is a clear path to move around. You feel a sense of ease and clarity as you navigate the space. Now, envision a cluttered room, where objects are haphazardly strewn about, obstructing your movement and leaving you feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. The same principle applies to essay writing. Just as organization brings order to a physical space, structuring your essay through the use of an outline brings coherence and structure to your thoughts.

B. Background on Essay Writing

Before delving into the importance of essay structure and outlining, it is essential to understand the purpose and nature of essay writing. Essays are a common form of academic writing that allow individuals to express their ideas, analyze information, and provide arguments or opinions on a specific topic. They serve as a means of communication, enabling writers to convey their thoughts effectively to readers.

C. Thesis Statement: The Value of a Solid Essay Outline

A well-crafted essay outline serves as a roadmap that guides the writer throughout the entire writing process. It acts as a skeleton, providing a framework for organizing ideas, developing arguments, and presenting evidence. A solid outline ensures that your essay has a logical flow, maintains focus, and effectively communicates your message to the reader. It is an invaluable tool that facilitates the creation of a well-structured, coherent, and impactful essay.

D. Preview of Key Points

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of creating a solid outline for your essay. We will discuss how a well-structured outline enhances the organization and clarity of your writing, saves you time during the writing process, and ensures a smooth flow of ideas. Additionally, we will provide step-by-step guidance on how to create an effective essay outline, including pre-writing strategies, formulating a thesis statement, identifying main points, and selecting appropriate organizational strategies. Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of refining and revising your outline and provide examples and templates to assist you in implementing these strategies effectively.

By the end of this blog post, you will understand the importance of structuring your essay and creating a solid outline. You will be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance your essay-writing skills and produce high-quality, well-organized essays that captivate and engage your readers. Let’s embark on this journey of discovering the power of a solid essay outline and how it can transform your writing experience.

Understanding Essay Structure

A. definition of essay structure.

When it comes to writing an essay, structure refers to the organization and arrangement of ideas within your piece. It provides a framework that allows your thoughts to flow logically and coherently. Essay structure encompasses various elements, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section has a specific purpose and contributes to the overall development and presentation of your ideas.

B. The Role of an Outline

An outline is a tool that helps you create a solid structure for your essay. It serves as a blueprint, guiding the progression of your thoughts and ensuring that you stay focused on your main topic. By outlining your essay, you establish a clear roadmap that helps you maintain coherence and avoid tangents or rambling.

The outline allows you to see the big picture of your essay before diving into the writing process. It helps you organize your ideas and determine the most effective way to present them. An outline acts as a foundation for your essay, providing a structure that supports the development of your arguments and ensures a logical flow of information.

C. Key Elements of Essay Structure

To understand essay structure better, let’s explore the key elements that comprise it:

  • Introduction: The introduction serves as the opening of your essay and sets the tone for the entire piece. It captures the reader’s attention, provides background information, and presents your thesis statement. A well-crafted introduction should be engaging, concise, and clearly outline the main points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.
  • Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs make up the main content of your essay. They develop and support your thesis statement by presenting evidence, examples, and arguments. Each body paragraph focuses on a specific idea or aspect related to your topic. It is crucial to organize your body paragraphs in a logical manner, ensuring a smooth transition between ideas and maintaining coherence throughout your essay.
  • Topic Sentences and Supporting Evidence: Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main point or argument of that paragraph. The topic sentence provides a clear focus and acts as a guide for the rest of the paragraph. To support your topic sentence, you should include relevant evidence, such as examples, facts, or quotations. This evidence helps validate your claims and strengthens the overall argument of your essay.
  • Conclusion: The conclusion is the final section of your essay. It summarizes your main points, restates your thesis statement, and leaves the reader with a lasting impression. A well-crafted conclusion should provide a sense of closure and reiterate the significance of your topic. It is an opportunity to leave your reader with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action.

Understanding these key elements of essay structure is crucial for creating a well-organized and coherent piece of writing. An effective essay structure allows your ideas to flow naturally and ensures that your arguments are presented in a logical and persuasive manner. By utilizing an outline, you can plan and visualize the structure of your essay before diving into the writing process, enabling you to produce a more polished and well-structured piece of work.

Advantages of Creating a Solid Outline

Creating a solid outline before diving into the actual writing process offers numerous advantages. Let’s explore the key benefits of outlining your essay.

A. Organization and Coherence

One of the primary advantages of creating a solid outline is the enhanced organization and coherence it brings to your essay. An outline provides a clear structure for your ideas, ensuring that they are presented in a logical and systematic manner. It helps you arrange your thoughts and arguments in a way that flows smoothly, making it easier for your readers to follow your line of thinking.

By organizing your ideas in a structured outline, you can identify any gaps in your logic or areas that require further development. This allows you to refine your arguments and ensure that your essay maintains a cohesive and coherent narrative. Without a solid outline, you may find yourself meandering between different ideas or losing focus, resulting in a disjointed and confusing essay.

B. Time-Saving

Another significant advantage of outlining your essay is the time it saves during the writing process. By having a clear roadmap provided by your outline, you eliminate the need to constantly stop and think about what comes next. The outline acts as a guide, helping you stay on track and maintain a consistent flow of ideas.

With an outline in place, you can focus on writing each section or paragraph without getting stuck or experiencing writer’s block. It provides a structure that streamlines the writing process, making it more efficient and allowing you to make better use of your time. Instead of contemplating the overall organization of your essay as you write, you can devote your energy to crafting well-developed arguments and providing supporting evidence.

C. Flow and Logical Progression

An effective outline ensures that your essay maintains a smooth flow and logical progression of ideas. It helps you connect the different sections and paragraphs, creating seamless transitions that guide the reader through your argument.

Through the use of topic sentences and subpoints in your outline, you can establish a clear hierarchy of ideas and ensure that each point is introduced and supported in a coherent manner. This logical progression allows your readers to follow your thought process and understand the relationships between different concepts or arguments.

Moreover, an outline enables you to evaluate the order in which you present your ideas. You can rearrange and reorganize your outline to create a more compelling and persuasive flow of information. By considering the best sequence for presenting your arguments, you can build upon each point and lead your readers to a logical conclusion.

D. Flexibility and Adaptability

While an outline provides structure, it is important to note that it is not set in stone. One of the advantages of using an outline is the flexibility it offers. As you delve into the writing process, you may encounter new ideas or find that certain points require further exploration. With an outline, you can easily incorporate these adjustments and adapt your essay accordingly.

If you find that a certain section needs more supporting evidence or that a particular argument is better suited for a different part of your essay, you can revise your outline accordingly. This flexibility allows you to refine and improve your essay as you progress, ensuring that it remains well-organized and cohesive.

E. Enhanced Clarity and Focus

By creating a solid outline, you gain a clearer understanding of your essay’s structure and purpose. It helps you define your main points and ensures that each section of your essay contributes to your overall argument. This clarity and focus not only benefit you as the writer but also make it easier for your readers to comprehend your ideas.

An outline helps you stay on track and avoid tangents or irrelevant information. It acts as a compass, guiding you toward your intended destination. With a clear roadmap provided by your outline, you can maintain a concise and focused approach, eliminating unnecessary digressions and ensuring that your essay remains concise and to the point.

Overall, creating a solid outline for your essay offers several advantages. It enhances the organization and coherence of your writing, saving you valuable time and effort. By outlining your essay, you can establish a logical flow of ideas, ensuring that your arguments are presented in a compelling and well-structured manner. The flexibility and adaptability of an outline allow you to incorporate new insights and refine your essay as you progress. Moreover, outlining your essay provides you with enhanced clarity and focus, enabling you to communicate your ideas more effectively to your readers. Embracing the practice of creating a solid outline will undoubtedly elevate the quality of your essay and improve your overall writing process.

Steps to Create an Effective Essay Outline

A. pre-writing.

Before diving into the process of creating an essay outline, it is essential to engage in pre-writing activities that will help you gather relevant information, conduct research, and brainstorm ideas. These steps lay the groundwork for an effective outline and provide a solid foundation for your essay.

  • Gathering Relevant Information: Start by identifying the key sources of information related to your topic. This may include textbooks, scholarly articles, reputable websites, or interviews. Ensure that the sources you choose are reliable and provide credible information. Take notes on important concepts, arguments, or evidence that you come across during your research.
  • Conducting Research: Dive deeper into your topic by conducting research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Look for different perspectives and arguments related to your topic. This research will help you develop a well-rounded and informed essay. Remember to keep track of the sources you use for referencing purposes.
  • Brainstorming Ideas: Take time to brainstorm ideas and jot down your initial thoughts on the topic. Consider the main points you want to discuss and any supporting details or examples that come to mind. Freewriting or creating a mind map can help you generate ideas and connections between different concepts. This step will assist you in developing a clear direction for your essay.

B. Thesis Statement and Main Points

Once you have gathered relevant information and brainstormed ideas, it is time to craft a strong thesis statement and identify the main points that will support your argument. The thesis statement acts as the focal point of your essay, guiding the development of your outline.

  • Developing a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state the main argument or point you intend to make in your essay. It should be concise, specific, and arguable. A strong thesis statement provides a roadmap for your essay and sets the tone for the entire piece. It helps you stay focused on your main argument while developing your outline.
  • Identifying Main Points: Based on your thesis statement, identify the main points that will support your argument. These main points should be distinct and relevant to your topic. Consider the most compelling ideas or arguments that strengthen your thesis statement. Aim for three to five main points, depending on the length and complexity of your essay.

C. Subpoints and Evidence

Once you have identified your main points, it is essential to develop subpoints and gather supporting evidence for each main point. Subpoints provide further explanation, analysis, or examples that substantiate your main argument. Supporting evidence adds credibility to your claims and strengthens the overall quality of your essay.

  • Identifying Subpoints: Under each main point, identify subpoints that contribute to the development of that particular argument. These subpoints should be relevant and provide more specific information or analysis. Think about what details, examples, or explanations are necessary to support your main argument effectively.
  • Finding Supporting Evidence: Gather supporting evidence to reinforce your subpoints and main arguments. This evidence can take the form of quotes, statistics, research findings, or examples from reputable sources. Ensure that the evidence you use is reliable, up-to-date, and directly supports your claims. Cite your sources accurately to give credit to the original authors and to avoid plagiarism.

D. Organizational Strategies

Once you have developed your main points, subpoints, and supporting evidence, it is crucial to consider the most appropriate organizational strategy for your essay. Different organizational techniques, such as chronological order, cause and effect, or problem-solution, help structure your outline and determine the flow of your arguments.

  • Chronological Order: This organizational strategy arranges your points and evidence based on the order in which events occurred. It is particularly useful when discussing historical topics or narratives that unfold over time.
  • Cause and Effect: This strategy explores the relationship between causes and their corresponding effects. It helps you analyze the reasons behind certain phenomena and their consequences.
  • Problem-Solution: In this organizational approach, you present a problem or issue, followed by potential solutions or recommendations. It is commonly used in persuasive or argumentative essays addressing real-world problems.

Choose the most appropriate organizational strategy that aligns with your topic and the nature of your arguments. Consider the logical progression of ideas and how they connect to ensure a coherent and cohesive essay.

By following these steps, you can create an effective essay outline that provides a clear roadmap for your writing process. Remember to review and refine your outline as needed, ensuring that it accurately reflects your arguments and supports the overall structure of your essay.

Refining and Revising the Outline

Creating an initial essay outline is an important first step, but it’s equally crucial to refine and revise your outline as you progress through the writing process. Refining and revising your outline allows you to clarify your ideas, improve the organization and coherence of your essay, and ensure that your arguments are presented effectively. In this section, we will explore the key steps involved in refining and revising your essay outline.

A. Reviewing and reorganizing:

Once you have created your initial outline, take the time to review and assess its effectiveness. Read through each section and evaluate the clarity and coherence of your ideas. Consider whether the order of your main points and subpoints is logical and whether each section flows smoothly into the next. Look for any gaps or inconsistencies in your outline and make notes on areas that require improvement.

During this review process, you may find it necessary to reorganize your outline. Sometimes, as you delve deeper into your topic, you may discover that certain sections should be moved or reordered to improve the overall structure. Don’t be afraid to rearrange the sections of your outline to create a more coherent and persuasive essay.

B. Adding or removing sections:

As you review your outline, you may also identify areas where additional sections or subpoints are needed to strengthen your arguments or provide further clarification. If you find that a particular point requires more extensive discussion or evidence, consider adding a new section or subpoint to accommodate it. Similarly, if you come across sections that are redundant or not as relevant to your thesis statement, be willing to remove or condense them.

The flexibility of the outline allows you to adapt and adjust as you refine your ideas and gain a clearer understanding of how your arguments should unfold. Remember that your outline is a dynamic tool, and it should reflect the evolving nature of your thoughts and the requirements of your essay.

C. Seeking feedback:

Obtaining feedback on your outline can greatly enhance the quality of your essay. Share your outline with trusted peers, instructors, or writing centers and ask for their input. They can provide valuable insights, pointing out areas where your arguments may need further development or suggesting alternative organizational strategies.

When seeking feedback, be open to constructive criticism and different perspectives. Consider the suggestions provided and evaluate how they align with your overall goals for the essay. Incorporate the feedback that resonates with you and helps strengthen your arguments and structure.

Furthermore, seeking feedback is not a one-time endeavor. As you progress through the writing process, continue to refine and revise your outline based on the feedback received. Regularly revisit your outline and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it aligns with the evolving direction of your essay.

By refining and revising your outline, you will develop a more polished and effective roadmap for your essay. Your ideas will become clearer, the organization will be more coherent, and the overall impact of your writing will be heightened.

Remember that the outline is a tool to guide your writing process, but it should also allow for flexibility and adaptability. Be willing to make changes, add or remove sections, and seek feedback to refine your outline and ultimately enhance the quality of your essay.

Examples and Templates

When it comes to creating an essay outline, having examples and templates can be incredibly helpful. They provide you with visual representations and practical frameworks that can serve as starting points for your own outline. In this section, we will explore the importance of examples and templates and provide guidance on how to utilize them effectively.

Essay outlines/templates

When using sample outlines, it’s important to remember that they should not be copied verbatim. Instead, treat them as references and adapt them to suit your own ideas and arguments. Use them as a starting point to understand the structure and organization of an essay, and then tailor them to fit your unique perspective and writing style.

There are various outline formats you can choose from when creating your essay outline. Understanding these formats and their advantages will help you select the most suitable one for your needs. The two commonly used outline formats are alphanumeric and decimal.

  • Alphanumeric outline format: This format uses a combination of numbers, letters, and Roman numerals to denote the hierarchy of ideas. It typically follows the pattern of I., A., 1., a., i., etc. Alphanumeric outlines are often used for formal and structured essays.
  • Decimal outline format: The decimal outline format employs a system of numbers only. It uses a decimal point system to indicate the hierarchy of ideas, such as 1.0, 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, and so on. Decimal outlines are known for their precision and can be particularly useful for complex essays with multiple levels of subpoints.

When selecting an outline format, consider the complexity of your essay and the level of detail you want to incorporate. Both formats can effectively organize your ideas, so choose the one that feels most comfortable to you and best suits the requirements of your essay.

Alphanumeric Outline Format:

I. Introduction A. Attention Grabber B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement

II. Analysis of the Problem A. Description of the Problem B. Causes of the Problem C. Effects of the Problem

III. Proposed Solutions A. Solution 1 1. Explanation of the Solution 2. Benefits of the Solution B. Solution 2 1. Explanation of the Solution 2. Benefits of the Solution C. Solution 3 1. Explanation of the Solution 2. Benefits of the Solution

IV. Implementation Plan A. Step 1 B. Step 2 C. Step 3

V. Counterarguments and Rebuttals A. Counterargument 1 1. Rebuttal B. Counterargument 2 1. Rebuttal C. Counterargument 3 1. Rebuttal

VI. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis Statement B. Summary of Main Points C. Future Research

Decimal Outline Format:

1. Introduction 1.1 Attention Grabber 1.2 Background Information 1.3 Thesis Statement

2. Analysis of the Problem 2.1 Description of the Problem 2.2 Causes of the Problem 2.3 Effects of the Problem

3. Proposed Solutions 3.1 Solution 1 3.1.1 Explanation of the Solution 3.1.2 Benefits of the Solution 3.2 Solution 2 3.2.1 Explanation of the Solution 3.2.2 Benefits of the Solution 3.3 Solution 3 3.3.1 Explanation of the Solution 3.3.2 Benefits of the Solution

4. Implementation Plan 4.1 Step 1 4.2 Step 2 4.3 Step 3

5. Counterarguments and Rebuttals 5.1 Counterargument 1 5.1.1 Rebuttal 5.2 Counterargument 2 5.2.1 Rebuttal 5.3 Counterargument 3 5.3.1 Rebuttal

6. Conclusion 6.1 Restate Thesis Statement 6.2 Summary of Main Points 6.3 Future Research

In today’s fast-paced and information-driven world, effective communication through writing has become more important than ever. Whether you are a student, a professional, or an aspiring writer, mastering the art of essay writing is crucial for conveying your ideas and arguments with clarity and impact. One key aspect of essay writing that should never be overlooked is the process of structuring your essay and creating a solid outline.

A well-structured essay is like a well-constructed building. It has a strong foundation, clear pillars of support, and a cohesive framework that holds everything together. Without proper structuring, an essay can become a jumbled mess, confusing the reader and diluting the impact of your message. This is where creating a solid outline comes into play.

The process of creating an outline before writing your essay has several important advantages. Firstly, it helps you organize your thoughts and ideas. By outlining the main points and supporting details, you gain a clear overview of the structure of your essay. This organization allows you to present your arguments in a logical sequence, making it easier for the reader to follow your thought process and understand your message.

Moreover, a solid outline enhances the coherence of your essay. It ensures that your ideas flow smoothly from one paragraph to another, maintaining a consistent thread throughout the entire piece. With a well-structured outline, you can identify any gaps or inconsistencies in your arguments early on and address them effectively. This results in a more cohesive and persuasive essay that resonates with the reader.

Creating an outline also saves you valuable time during the writing process. It serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the various sections of your essay. With a clear plan in place, you can focus your energy on developing and expanding upon your ideas, rather than getting lost in the midst of disorganized thoughts. The outline keeps you on track, ensuring that you cover all the necessary points in a systematic and efficient manner.

Furthermore, a solid outline facilitates effective research. It helps you identify the key areas where you need supporting evidence or examples to strengthen your arguments. With a clear plan of what information you need to gather, you can streamline your research process and find the relevant sources more efficiently. This targeted approach to research saves you time and ensures that your essay is well-supported and credible.

Structuring your essay and creating a solid outline is a fundamental step in the essay-writing process. It provides organization, coherence, and clarity to your writing, allowing your ideas to shine and your arguments to be presented effectively. By taking the time to craft a well-thought-out outline, you set yourself up for success, saving time, enhancing the flow of your essay, and ultimately producing a more impactful piece of writing.

So, the next time you sit down to write an essay, remember the importance of structuring your thoughts and ideas with a solid outline. Embrace the power of organization, coherence, and efficiency. Your essays will become more persuasive, engaging, and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Explore the possibilities offered by reputable essay writing services to unlock your full writing potential and achieve your academic or professional goals. Happy writing!

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  • Knowledge Base
  • Applying to graduate school

How to Write a Statement of Purpose | Example

Published on February 13, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 1, 2023.

When you apply for graduate programs or scholarships, the admissions committee is looking for more than just a list of grades. The statement of purpose (also known as a statement of intent or motivation letter) is your chance to stand out from the crowd and showcase your motivation, skills and potential. It should:

  • Outline your academic or professional interests and goals
  • Discuss relevant skills, experience and achievements
  • Demonstrate why you’d be a good fit for the program

Table of contents

Successful statement of purpose example, requirements and prompts, personal introduction, experience and achievements, goals and motivations, fit with the program, tips for an effective statement of purpose, other interesting articles.

The torment of the Founding Fathers is responsible for my interest in Classics. My desire to learn Latin stemmed from reading American Revolutionary-era history during junior high and high school, and particularly from the countless Latin quotations I found in John Adams’ writings. Always eager for a challenge, I was intrigued by the American founders’ accounts of the torture of learning such a difficult language. In my first semester at university, I started learning Latin and thoroughly loved it. As I learned more and more about classical civilization through the language, I realized that I was passionately interested in many aspects of the field of Classics. I have since taken courses on mythology, art and archaeology, and religion, on ancient history, and on the classical tradition. I have also learned Greek, of course, starting with an intensive two-semester course at the university’s summer school. My experience studying abroad in Florence and traveling through Italy and Greece intensified my zeal for the field and, in particular, fueled my ambition to specialize in classical archaeology.

My personal philosophy of life is that everything is connected, and this conviction drives my desire to study Classics. The most rewarding moments for me are discovering and investigating connections – both broad ones, between fields and disciplines, and more specific ones, like the relationship between a piece of literature and an object of material culture. My liberal arts education has equipped me with a broad base of knowledge in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts, and in the honors program I pursued independent projects exploring academic and personal connections, including a paper on ancient Mayan astronomy, a self-observation study on the effects of nutrition and hydration on exercise performance, and a paper on the influence of political context on the changing artistic representations of John Adams. By seeking out connections between seemingly unrelated areas of academia, I have acquired a well-rounded outlook which helps me approach new ideas with both a range of prior experiences and a mind always open to different interpretations.

In accordance with my personal philosophy, I have also continued to explore connections within Classics and between Classics and other fields. In 2007, I published an article in my university’s undergraduate humanities journal; inspired by my studies in Florence, I compared representations of the birth of Venus in ancient and Renaissance literature and art. My major academic achievement to date, however, has been my senior honor thesis on John Adams’ connection to the Classics. Funded by a Hilldale Research Fellowship, I conducted research in the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society and in John Adams’ personal library at the Boston Public Library on the influence of the classical tradition on Adams’ worldview and how he consciously modeled himself on classical ideals. It was particularly fulfilling to connect historical and classical research in writing about the figure most responsible for instigating my study of the Classics.

As well as my research skills, I have demonstrated proficiency in the classical languages, winning prizes for both Latin and Greek translation from the Classics Department, as well as receiving an enthusiastic nomination from the department for the Pearson Fellowship from the American Philological Association. I am also the president of the undergraduate Classics Society, which allows me to share my enthusiasm for Classics with other students and the larger community.

One of the most appealing aspects of studying Classics is the vast range of topics encompassed by the field. Because my interests are broad and I value an interdisciplinary approach, I would like to pursue graduate study ultimately leading to a PhD in Classical Archaeology. Archaeology in itself is, of course, a multi-faceted field, requiring knowledge of history, language, anthropology, and various scientific and technological methods. I have already started building my skills in this area: I participated in a microartifact analysis from the excavation of a Maya site in Belize as part of an honors project, and this summer I will take part in two archaeological projects in Turkey after working as a research assistant on related material in the spring semester. This PhD program includes many other opportunities I am eager to explore, such as palaeography and papyrology courses, and especially the variety of fieldwork and museum experiences available. I believe that my strong background in the classical languages and wide range of courses on classical civilization and archaeological methods have prepared me well for this program, and I am convinced that, guided by my philosophy of interconnectedness, I will flourish in this program.

The first step is to read the application instructions. These should include the length of the document (usually 1-2 pages), any formatting requirements, and often a question or prompt that indicates what you should focus on.

In some cases, you might also be asked to submit a personal statement . Similar advice applies to both of these documents—both should give a sense of who you are, what you’ve done and what you want to do. But a statement of purpose is often more formal, tightly focused on your academic background and your suitability for the program.

If you are working on multiple applications, don’t try to write a one-size-fits-all text—tailor your statement of purpose to each program. Make sure to respond to the prompt and include all the information you’re asked for. A typical statement of purpose prompt looks like this:

Your focus will be slightly different depending on whether you’re applying for research-based academic programs (such as a PhD ) or professional qualifications (such as an MBA). But all statements of purpose should contain the following elements.

This is your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and let them hear your voice. The statement of purpose shouldn’t tell your life story, but it should give a glimpse into who you are.

Academic and personal background

Give an overview of your academic background, and show what drives your interest in this field or profession. You might want to include some personal background too—your family history, social circumstances, personal relationships and life experiences have all shaped your trajectory and perspective. What unique insights will you bring with you?

Characteristics and personality

Think about aspects of your character that make you well-suited for graduate school. Don’t just list generic adjectives—give examples that demonstrate your strengths and show why they’re relevant.

  • Are you organized enough to handle a high-pressure workload?
  • Do you have the creativity needed to develop original ideas, or a systematic mindset perfect for problem-solving?
  • Do you have strong leadership skills, or are you great at working collaboratively?

Avoid including irrelevant autobiographical detail in the statement of purpose. Everything you include should be aimed at showing why you’d be a strong candidate for the program.

Your experience shows that you have the necessary skills to succeed in graduate school. Don’t just summarize everything you’ve done—pick out some highlights to build a clear picture of your strengths and priorities, illustrating how you’ve learned and developed along the way.

Academic experience

If you’re applying for a research-focused program, such as a PhD, show your knowledge of the field and outline your research experience. This might include:

  • A brief summary of your thesis or final project
  • Courses that you found particularly valuable
  • Projects you contributed to
  • Publications
  • Presentations
  • Extracurriculars that gave you relevant skills or experience

Professional experience

If you’re applying for a professional program, such as an MBA, outline your experience so far and show how it relates to your career plans. This might include:

  • Past or current job roles
  • Projects you led or participated in
  • Internships
  • Voluntary work
  • Training courses

In all cases, give specific examples with details of what you worked on, what you achieved, and what you got out of the experience.

As well as showing that you’re prepared for the program, explain what you expect to get out of it. What are your motivations for applying? How do you plan to make the most of its opportunities, and how will it help you achieve your goals?

Academic motivations

For academic programs, indicate your research interests, showing how they follow from and build upon what you have studied so far. This might include:

  • A subfield that you want to strengthen your expertise in
  • A specific problem or question that you’d like to address
  • An initial idea for a research project
  • A theoretical or methodological approach that you want to develop

This isn’t the place for an in-depth research plan, but it’s a chance to show your enthusiasm and knowledge of your field.

Professional motivations

For professional programs, outline your career aspirations and show how your experience informs your goals. This might include:

  • The next step you want to take in your career. What position are you aiming for and how will the program help you achieve it?
  • Your motivations for a career change. Can you make a link between your previous experience and your new direction?
  • Your long-term goals. Where do you want to be in five or ten years, and how do you see yourself getting there?

The admissions committee wants to know that you’re genuinely motivated to complete the program, and the clearer your plans, the more convincing your commitment.

It’s important to show not only why you want to study this subject, but also why you want to do it in this particular institution and department.

  • Do your research, and mention particular classes, specialisms or faculty that attracted you.
  • Show why you’re a good fit. Do your priorities align with the values and culture of the institution? What will you contribute to the department?
  • Discuss the specific skills, knowledge and experience you expect to get from the program.

The statement of purpose isn’t only about selling yourself—it’s about illustrating an ideal match between you and the program.

Once you’ve made sure to cover all the key elements, you can work on strengthening and polishing the text. Follow these tips to make your application the best it can be.

Stay focused

It can be tempting to try to cram in everything you’ve done, but a good statement of purpose requires careful selection to craft a focused narrative. One way to do this is by building your text around a central theme—for example, a character trait, an intellectual interest, or a career goal.

This strategy helps structure your text and puts your priorities centre stage. Link each paragraph back to the central idea, making it clear how everything fits together.

Think about your structure

The structure of a statement of purpose is somewhat flexible, as long as you include all the relevant information in an order that makes sense.

For example, you might start with a chronological story of where your interests began, or you might open with your goals and then select a series of examples that show your capacity to achieve them. If you’re desperate to study in this specific program, you could lead with a summary of why it’s your ideal choice, and then elaborate on each aspect to show why you’re a perfect fit.

The important thing is that the text showcases your strengths and motivations in a compelling, coherent way. As in any other piece of academic writing, make sure each paragraph communicates one main idea, and that each sentence flows smoothly and logically from the last. Use transition words and topic sentences to move between paragraphs.

Add meaning to your resume

The bare facts of your achievements—grades, prizes, work experience—are already included in your graduate school resume and transcripts. Use the statement of purpose not to repeat yourself, but to add personal meaning and texture to these facts.

If you got top marks for your thesis, describe the research process and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the topic. If you completed an internship or participated in a project, explain what new skills you learned and which aspects you found most valuable. If you already have lots of experience in the field, show how each step developed your skills and shaped your current plans.

Revise, edit, proofread

Your statement of purpose isn’t only about the content—it’s also a chance to show that you can express yourself fluently, confidently and coherently in writing. Spend plenty of time revising, editing and proofreading your text before you submit.

Make sure you stay within the recommended length, and check if there are any specific formatting requirements. If not, use a standard 12pt font, 1-inch margins and 1.5 line spacing.

When you have a final draft, our professional statement of purpose proofreading service can offer an extra pair of eyes to make sure every sentence is perfect.

Proofread my statement of purpose

Checklist: Statement of purpose

My statement of purpose clearly responds to the prompt.

I have introduced my academic, professional and/or personal background.

I have described any relevant experience and shown my development over time.

I have highlighted key achievements that demonstrate my talents.

There is a clear connection between my previous experience and my future plans.

I have explained how the program will help me achieve my goals.

I have mentioned specific aspects of the program, department and institution that appeal to me.

Every paragraph focuses on one central idea.

The paragraphs are organized in a logical order and tell a clear, coherent story.

You're on the way to a successful application. To maximize your chances of getting accepted, a Scribbr editor can help you improve your language, style, and structure.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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  23. How to Write a Statement of Purpose

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