how to write an outline for an essay

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

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!

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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.

Easily Outline Your Essays In Seconds!

Prewriting Process of Essay Outline

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

Here are the guidelines:

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

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How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Steps

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

Step 1: Understand the Topic

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

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

Step 2: Brainstorm and Gather Ideas

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

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

Step 3: Organize Your Thoughts

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

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

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

Step 4: Add Depth with Subpoints

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

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

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

Essay Outline Format

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

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

An essay outline consists of three main parts:

1. Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Body Paragraphs

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

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

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

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

3. Conclusion

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

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

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

5 Paragraph Essay Outline Structure

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

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

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Essay Outline Template

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

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

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

Essay Outline Sample

Essay Outline Examples

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

Essay outline 4th grade

Essay outline 5th grade

Essay outline high school

Essay outline college

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

Argumentative Essay Outline

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

Persuasive Essay Outline

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

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

Narrative Essay Outline

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

Expository Essay Outline

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

Analytical Essay Outline

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

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

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

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

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

Informative Essay Outline

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

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

Synthesis Essay Outline

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

Literary Analysis Essay Outline

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

Definition Essay Outline

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

Descriptive Essay Outline

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

Evaluation Essay Outline

Problem Solution Essay Outline

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

Scholarship Essay Outline

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

Reflective Essay Outline

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three types of outlines.

Here are the three types of essay outline;

• Working outline
• Speaking outline
• Full-sentence outline

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

What does a full-sentence outline look like?

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

What is a traditional outline format?

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

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

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

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

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How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Steps | Examples

Learn how to write an essay outline with our expert guide. We also shared some essay outline examples for you to clear understanding. Start writing essays like a pro today!

Rijvi Ahmed

Last updated on Mar 14th, 2024

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Table of Contents

Have you ever stared at a blank page, an essay prompt looming, feeling completely lost? You’re not alone. Many students struggle to translate their thoughts into a well-structured and compelling essay. The key to conquering this challenge often lies in a fundamental step: writing a strong essay outline. But you don’t know how to write an essay outline.

This might seem like an extra load, but trust me, it’s an investment that will pay off big time. Consider an outline to be your essay’s template. It offers a clear road map that directs your ideas and arguments systematically and sensibly.

Today, we’ll break down the process of writing an effective essay outline, turning essay writing from a daunting task to a streamlined success story.

Why an Essay Outline is Your Secret Weapon

Writing an essay [1] can feel overwhelming, like staring up a giant mountain. You have a goal in mind or your thesis statement, which is like reaching the peak, but figuring out how to get there feels like a confusing journey. That’s where an essay outline comes in to help you. It’s like a map that helps you:

• Organize your thoughts : Just like packing for a trip, you need to gather your ideas. An outline lets you brainstorm and see how everything connects before you start writing.
• Build a strong argument : A good outline helps you focus on your main points and the evidence that supports them. It’s like planning your route. you know exactly which points you need to hit to reach your destination or thesis.
• Write efficiently : With a clear roadmap, you won’t waste time getting lost. You’ll know exactly what goes in each paragraph, making writing faster and smoother.
• Avoid writer’s block : A blank page can be scary! An outline gives you a starting point and keeps you on track, preventing that dreaded feeling of being stuck.

An outline is basically your personal writing coach, strategist, and cheerleader all in one. It helps you get your thoughts organized, build a strong argument, write faster, and avoid getting stuck. So, next time you have an essay due, forget the fear and grab your outline writing tools . You’ll be surprised at how much easier and more successful writing becomes.

In short, an essay outline is your secret weapon for conquering essay writing. It helps you organize your thoughts, build a strong argument, write efficiently, and avoid writer’s block.

What is a Perfect Essay Outline

You might think an essay outline needs to be super fancy, but that’s not true! The best outlines are clear and organized, and help you build a strong essay. Here’s what goes into this winning formula:

• Clear and Concise : Your outline is like a map, not a story. Use short words or key ideas to show what each part is about. Keep it short and sweet – you can add details later in your essay.
• Logical Flow : Imagine explaining your essay to a friend. Your outline should be like a guide for that conversation. Each part should connect easily to the next, leading your friend (and later, your reader) on a clear and interesting path from the beginning to the end of your essay.
• Thesis Powerhouse : Your thesis statement is the heart of your essay, and your outline should reflect its importance. Make sure your outline clearly highlights your thesis and how each body paragraph supports it.
• Evidence Essentials : Don’t just write down what you’ll talk about in each paragraph. A great outline also mentions the stuff you’ll use to prove your points, like facts, numbers, quotes, or even stories. Having this info handy keeps you on track and helps you write faster.
• Balanced Structure : Think of your essay like a team. Each paragraph is a player, and they all need to work together. Your outline helps make sure each paragraph has its own clear job that supports your main idea.

By following these simple ingredients, you can write an essay outline that serves as a powerful tool for writing success. It will keep your thoughts organized, your arguments focused, and your essay on track for an impressive finish!

The Main Parts of an Essay

Imagine your essay is like a three-act play, with each part working together to tell a clear and interesting story. Here’s a look at the main sections of an essay and what they do:

1. The Introduction

The introduction is like the beginning of a play. It introduces the topic and grabs the reader’s attention. You might start with a question, a surprising fact, or an interesting story to make them want to read more.

Then, you’ll give some background information to help the reader understand what you’re talking about. Finally, you’ll state your thesis statement , which is like the main idea of the play. This is a short sentence that tells the reader exactly what you’ll be arguing throughout your essay.

2. The Body Paragraphs

Think of your essay’s body paragraphs like chapters in a story. Each chapter focuses on one main idea that helps prove your main point or thesis. Imagine you’re trying to convince a friend of something – each chapter would be a reason why they should believe you.

To make your chapters convincing, you need evidence. This is like showing your friend proof!  The evidence can be anything from facts and numbers to quotes from experts, or even your own experiences that show your point is true. 

Transitions between chapters, like in a story, help things flow smoothly. They connect one idea to the next, making your argument clear and easy to follow. This way, each chapter builds on the one before it, making your overall argument even stronger.

3. The Conclusion

Wrap things up with a strong conclusion, like the final act of a play that leaves the audience thinking. Briefly remind the reader of the key points you made, but avoid just repeating yourself. 

Instead, explain why your argument matters and what it means in the bigger picture. End with a thought-provoking idea that ties back to your thesis statement , leaving the reader with something to consider and creating a satisfying finish to your essay.

How to Write an Essay Outline: A 4-Step Guide

Writing a great essay can be tough, but there’s a secret weapon that can make things much easier: the essay outline. 

Think of an outline like a map for your essay. It helps you organize your ideas and build a strong argument, just like a blueprint helps an architect build a house. Ready to ditch writer’s block and write your essay with confidence? Let’s break down the steps to creating an awesome outline.

Step 1: Identify Your Essay’s Objective

Every essay has a specific goal, like a top-secret mission! Before you dive into crafting your outline, take a moment to crack the code and understand the type of essay you’re tackling. 

Are you a persuasive detective, building a case to convince the reader of your viewpoint, or argumentative essay? Or are you an undercover storyteller, crafting a captivating narrative that unfolds like a thrilling adventure?

It helps you tailor your outline for maximum impact, ensuring you choose the best approach for presenting your ideas and achieving your essay’s goal.

Step 2: Refining Your Focus

Brainstorming is like a fun playground where you can explore all sorts of ideas for your essay. But now it’s time to get serious and focus on your essay’s main goal.

Think of all your brainstorming notes as a giant pile of toys. Now you need to be like Mission Control, picking the toys that will help you launch your essay into outer space (success!). 

After considering each concept, ask yourself, “Does this support my main argument?” If you can’t give a clear answer about how the idea supports your main argument, it’s okay to set it aside.

Just keep the important stuff – the ideas that are like powerful rockets, ready to take your essay to the top. Getting rid of the “fluff” helps you focus on the best ideas and build a strong, clear outline.

Step 3: Mapping Your Key Points

Now that you have your mission-critical points, let’s turn them into a winning strategy for your essay. Look at those strong arguments you identified the ones that really back up your main idea. 

These will become the main parts of your essay, like chapters in a book, or paragraphs that focus on one key point. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re writing an essay about why your school needs more water fountains. 

Your key arguments, the points you want to make, might be:

• Water fountains save students money.
• Fountains help reduce plastic waste.
• Having more water fountains can prevent heat exhaustion.

All these important details you gathered, along with your main points, are like the building blocks of your essay outline. Having a clear outline is like having a roadmap for writing a strong essay. It shows you exactly where to put all your information to create a well-supported and convincing piece of writing.

Step 4: Building Your Outline

Now you’ve figured out your essay goal, sorted through your ideas, and identified your key points. Time to build the actual outline like constructing the skeleton of your essay.

There are different outline styles depending on the essay type. For now, let’s focus on a basic template that works for most essays with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Here’s how to get started:

• Grab Your Template : There are many outline templates available online or in writing guides. Choose one that’s clear and easy to understand.
• Fill in the Blanks : Using the key points and supporting details you identified earlier, start filling out the sections of your outline template.
• Introduction : Briefly mention your topic and hook the reader. Then, state your thesis statement clearly.
• Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph should represent a single key point that supports your thesis. List these points in your outline, along with some brief notes about the evidence you’ll use to back them up.
• Conclusion : Briefly summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression.

Remember, keep your outline clear and concise. Use bullet points, short phrases, or keywords to capture the essence of each section. Don’t get bogged down by writing elaborate sentences at this stage.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a strong outline that serves as a roadmap to writing success.

Essay Outline Examples

Feeling stumped for an essay topic? No worries! This example shows you how to craft a strong outline for a descriptive essay, focusing on a relatable experience:

Argumentative Essay Outline

Remember, this is just a sample personalize and expand upon this outline to capture the unique elements that make your movie nights truly unforgettable.

Persuasive Essay Outline

Title : Ditch the Car, Ride the Bus: Why Public Transportation Should Be Your Go-To

Introduction

• Briefly introduce the current reliance on personal vehicles for everyday travel.
• Mention the growing concerns about traffic congestion and environmental pollution. 
• Thesis Statement: Public transportation offers a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to personal car usage, and its widespread adoption should be encouraged.  

Body Paragraphs

 Body Paragraph 1 : Battling Gridlock 

• Main Point : Public transportation significantly reduces traffic congestion on our roads.
• Evidence : Cite statistics on the number of vehicles removed from the road with increased public transport usage.
• Explanation : Explain how fewer cars translate to smoother traffic flow, shorter commute times, and a less stressful driving experience for everyone. 

 Body Paragraph 2 : Saving the Planet, One Ride at a Time 

• Main Point : Public transportation plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
• Evidence :  Cite statistics on the lower carbon footprint of public transport compared to personal vehicles.
• Explanation : Discuss the positive impact of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and creating a cleaner environment for all.  

Body Paragraph 3 : Saving Money on the Move  

• Main Point : Public transportation offers a more budget-friendly option compared to owning and maintaining a car.
• Evidence :  Compare the costs of public transportation passes or tickets with the expenses of gas, car maintenance, and insurance. 
• Explanation :  Highlight how opting for public transport can free up money for other expenses or allow individuals to save for the future.  
• Briefly summarize the benefits of public transportation – reduced traffic, environmental protection, and cost savings.
• Emphasize the importance of a shift towards a more sustainable and economical transportation system.  
• End with a call to action, encouraging readers to consider using public transportation more frequently (optional).  

This example shows you how to take the persuasive essay structure and use it for a new topic. Remember, you can add your own details about public transportation in your area and change them to fit the people you’re writing to!

Admissions Essay Outline

Title : From Shy Singer to Stage Presence: A Band Odyssey

• Briefly introduce your initial discomfort with singing and performing in front of others.
• Mention how joining your school band changed your perspective on music and self-expression.
• Thesis Statement: Participating in my high school band transformed me from a shy singer into a confident performer, fostering a deeper appreciation for music and collaboration.
• Details : Describe your feelings of anxiety and how performing felt like a daunting challenge.
• Explanation : Explain how this initial discomfort almost made you quit the band altogether.
• Details : Mention specific examples of how your band director or peers helped you feel more comfortable expressing yourself.
• Explanation : Explain how the positive and encouraging atmosphere within the band fostered your confidence and passion for music.
• Details : Describe the process of working together with other musicians to achieve a unified sound.
• Explanation : Explain how learning to play your part effectively within the band fostered a sense of teamwork and a deeper appreciation for different musical roles.
• Briefly summarize the transformative impact of band participation on your confidence, self-expression, and teamwork skills.
• Emphasize how these skills developed through music will benefit you in your future endeavors.

Personal Essay Outline

• Briefly introduce the special bond you share with your dog.
• Mention a specific incident where your dog’s actions surprised and impressed you.
• Thesis Statement: During a seemingly ordinary walk in the park, my dog, [Dog’s Name], showcased his bravery and became my hero most unexpectedly.

Body Paragraph

• Describe the setting in detail – what park were you in? What was the weather like?
• Explain what happened – what were you doing with your dog when the incident occurred?
• Focus on the details of your dog’s actions – how did they react to the situation? What did they do that surprised you?
• Explain the impact of your dog’s actions – did they protect you from danger? Did they alert you to something you missed?
• Describe your emotions after the incident – were you relieved? Grateful? Proud of your dog?
• You can mention specific details or reactions from others that highlight your dog’s heroism.
• Briefly summarize your dog’s heroic act and its significance.
• Reflect on the deepened bond you share with your dog due to this experience.
• You can end with a heartwarming anecdote about your dog’s continued presence as your furry hero (optional).

FAQs: How to Write an Essay Outline

These FAQs will provide some helpful information to readers seeking guidance on how to write an essay outline.

When should I write an essay outline?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some writers prefer outlining before diving into the first draft, while others use it as they go. Try different things to see what suits you the best.

Isn’t outlining just a waste of time?

On the contrary, an outline saves time in the long run. By organizing your thoughts beforehand, you avoid getting sidetracked and rewriting entire sections later.

What are some common essay outline formats?

There are various formats, but a popular one uses Roman numerals (I, II, III) for main points, capital letters (A, B, C) for sub-points, and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for further details. Bullet points and short phrases are also common for keeping things concise.

Are there any online tools that can help me outline?

Yes! There are several online outlining tools and templates available. They can provide a visual structure and guide you through the outlining process.

Do teachers always require essay outlines?

Not always, but they can be a valuable addition, especially for longer or complex essays.  If unsure, always check with your teacher for specific requirements.

How long should my essay outline be?

There’s no set length. It should be detailed enough to guide your writing but not so detailed it becomes a full draft. Aim for clarity and functionality.

How we've reviewed this article

Our content is thoroughly researched and fact-checked using reputable sources. While we aim for precision, we encourage independent verification for complete confidence.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essay

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How to Write an Essay Outline with MLA and APA Styles

Got a great essay idea, but feel like sorting out your thoughts is as tough as untying knotted headphones from your backpack? No worries! We've all felt that way.

Whether you're staring down a blank page or drowning in a sea of scattered thoughts, we've got your back. In this article, we're going to break down the writing process of an essay outline into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Plus, we'll cover specific formatting guidelines for both MLA and APA styles, making sure your essay looks polished and professional.

What Is an Outline?

Let's start from the basics. An essay outline helps you arrange your thoughts and plan your essay before you begin writing. It can be your strategy guide to beat writer's block. Instead of wandering around in your paragraphs, hoping everything falls into place, an outline gives your essay format a clear path.

Here's how it works: You write down your main ideas, arguments, and supporting details in a logical order. This keeps you focused and ensures your essay flows smoothly from start to finish. It also makes writing much easier.

Now, you might wonder, 'Why do I need essay outlines? Can't I just write and see where it goes?' Well, you could, but it's risky. Without a format plan, you might stray off-topic, get lost in unrelated ideas, or end up with a confusing mess that confuses your readers.

So, whether you're writing a persuasive essay, a personal story, or an APA or MLA research paper, a good outline is essential. It saves time and frustration and helps you create a well-organized and clear essay that gets your message across.

Wanting a Perfectly Polished Essay?

Let’s breeze through your writing assignments with ease!

How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Simple Steps

Now, before you start outlining, let our coursework writing service give you some extra help to begin. Just follow these four steps to create an outline format that makes the rest of your writing easy. These steps break down the process into simple parts, making it easier for you to understand and follow along.

Set Your Goal Clearly

When setting your goal, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with this essay? Is it to convince the reader of a certain viewpoint, educate them on a topic, or perhaps entertain them with a captivating story? Clarifying your goal helps you stay focused throughout the writing process and ensures that every part of your essay works towards achieving that goal.

It's also important to consider your audience and what you aim for them to grasp from reading your essay. For example, if you're working on the Divine Comedy summary , think about whether your audience is familiar with the text or if they're approaching it for the first time. Consider their interests—are they more interested in literary analysis, historical context, or thematic exploration? Additionally, be mindful of any potential biases they might have based on their background or prior knowledge.

Remove Unnecessary Details

In this step, it's time to prioritize and trim down your ideas. Take a close look at all the points you've brainstormed and ask yourself: Which ones are absolutely crucial for supporting my main argument or thesis statement? Anything that doesn't directly contribute to your goal should be cut. This streamlines your essay, keeping it focused and concise. Remember, clarity is key. Readers shouldn't have to sift through irrelevant information to understand your main points. So, be ruthless in eliminating anything that doesn't serve your purpose.

List the Main Ideas for Each Paragraph

Here, you're breaking down your essay format into manageable chunks. For each paragraph, identify the main idea or point you want to convey. These main ideas serve as the backbone of your essay, guiding the flow of your argument and ensuring that each paragraph contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative.

Consider how each point relates to your thesis statement and supports your overall goal. By clearly listing the main points of each paragraph in your essay outline, you'll create a roadmap for your writing that makes it easier for both you and your readers to follow along.

Organize Your Outline with a Simple Template

Now that you have identified your main ideas, it's time to put everything together in a structured format. Use a simple template by our business essay writing services to organize your outline in a way that flows logically from start to finish.

Begin with an introduction to set the stage and grab the reader's attention. Then, outline your body paragraphs to present your arguments or ideas in a clear and organized manner. Each paragraph should focus on one main point, supported by evidence or examples. Finally, conclude your format with a summary that wraps everything up neatly and reinforces your main thesis.

By organizing your format in this way, you'll create a roadmap for your essay that makes it easier to write and ensures that your ideas are presented cohesively.

MLA Outline Format

The MLA format essay outline serves as the skeleton upon which your ideas will flesh out into a cohesive narrative. Here's a breakdown of the key components and formatting rules to keep in mind:

• Paper Specifications : Your MLA paper should be standard letter size (8.5x11 inches), with one-inch margins around the entire page. The running head, if included, should be within the margin. This ensures uniformity and readability across different platforms.
• Indentation and Spacing : Start each sentence with an indentation that's half an inch from the left margin. Maintaining double spacing throughout your MLA outline enhances readability and leaves ample space for annotations and revisions. The recommended font size is 12-point, though 11-point or 11.5-point is acceptable. Consistency is key here.
• Securing Your Outline : While it might seem trivial, ensuring your MLA outline is securely fastened in the upper left corner—be it with a stapler, paper clip, or binder clip—helps maintain professionalism and organization.
• Title and Thesis Statement : Center the title of your MLA paper at the top of the outline. Directly below, write your thesis statement, setting it apart by capitalizing the first letter of each word and ending with a colon. This establishes the overarching argument or main point of your essay.
• Headings and Subheadings : Use a hierarchical system for headings and subheadings to denote the structure of your MLA essay. Major sections are indicated with Roman numerals (I, II, III), while subcategories are marked with uppercase letters (A, B, C). Further subdivisions follow a pattern of Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3) and lowercase letters (a, b, c), each ending with a period for clarity.

APA Outline Format

Understanding the structure of the APA outline format is key to organizing your ideas effectively. Here's a closer look at the various formats:

Basic APA Format :

• Roman numerals denote main headings.
• Capital letters signify first-level subheadings.
• Arabic numerals (1-9) are used within those subheadings.
• Lowercase letters are utilized beneath Arabic numeral subheadings.
• Arabic numerals within parentheses further delineate sub-points.

The full sentence outline mirrors this structure, replacing sentence fragments with complete sentences at each level.

APA Decimal Outline :

• This APA format is simpler, breaking headings into paragraphs and numbering them with Arabic numerals.
• Each heading is numbered sequentially, starting with 1.0.
• Paragraphs within headings are indicated by a decimal followed by a sequential number (e.g., 1.1, 1.2).
• Points or sentences within paragraphs are further delineated by additional decimals (e.g., 1.1.1, 1.1.2).

For instance, under the first heading, the first paragraph's first sentence would be numbered 1.1.1, with subsequent sentences following suit.

Outline Examples

Below are the sample outlines for both formatting styles. You'll notice that the MLA outline has a more narrative style, while the APA outline follows a structured format with distinct headings and subheadings.

In MLA, main sections are marked with Roman numerals and subsections with capital letters, whereas APA uses numbers and letters for different heading levels. Additionally, APA includes sections for methods and results, which are typical in scientific research papers, while MLA format typically omits these sections.

Meanwhile, if you're tempted to pay someone to write my paper , remember we're here to whip up stellar samples in any format you desire!

MLA Outline Example

Apa outline example, final recap.

That's all there is to it! We hope you now have a solid grasp of APA and MLA format outlines. Despite their apparent similarities, there are some notable differences between the two. Now that you're armed with this knowledge, go ahead and tackle your outline assignments like a pro!

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How to Write an Outline

Last Updated: March 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,954,385 times.

An outline is a great way to organize ideas and information for a speech, an essay, a novel, or a study guide based on your class notes. At first, writing an outline might seem complicated, but learning how to do it will give you an essential organizational skill! Start by planning your outline and choosing a structure for it. Then, you can organize your ideas into an easy to understand outline.

Quick Outline Slideshow

Sample outlines.

Planning Your Outline

• Some people process their ideas better when they write them down. Additionally, you can easily draw diagrams or examples, which might help you conceptualize the subject. However, it might take longer to write out your outline, and it won't be as neat.
• Typing your outline might be easier if your notes are already typed on the computer, as you can just copy and paste them into your outline. Copying and pasting also allows you to easily rearrange your sections, if necessary. Also, it will be easier to copy and paste information from your outline into your paper if you type your outline. On the other hand, it's harder to jot down notes in the margins or draw out organizational diagrams.

• If you’re working on a creative project, such as a novel, identify your concept, genre, or premise. Then, allow the outlining process to help you structure your work.
• It’s okay if your topic is somewhat broad when you first start, but you should have a direction. For example, your history paper topic could be French life during the German occupation of France in World War II. As you write your outline, you might narrow this down to the resistance fighters called maquisards .

• For a school assignment, review the assignment sheet or talk to your instructor. If the outline is for work, use an existing outline as a model for yours.
• If you are the only person who will see the outline, you can choose formatting that works for you. For example, you might write your outline in shorthand.

• Paraphrased ideas
• Historical facts

• Freewrite as ideas come to you.
• Create a mind map .
• Write your thoughts on index cards.

• For example, you may be writing a paper about policy change. Your thesis might read, “Policy makers should take an incremental approach when making policy changes to reduce conflict, allow adjustments, and foster compromise.” Each of the 3 reasons listed in your thesis will become its own main point in your outline.

Structuring Your Outline

• Roman Numerals - I, II, III, IV, V
• Capitalized Letters - A, B, C
• Arabic Numerals - 1, 2, 3
• Lowercase Letters - a, b, c
• Arabic Numerals in Parentheses - (1), (2), (3)

• 1.1.1 - Each side presents a case before the vote
• 1.1.2 - Citizens voice their opinion
• 1.2 - Neither side gets everything they want

• You might use short phrases to quickly organize your ideas, to outline a speech, or to create an outline that’s just for you.
• You might use full sentences to make it easier to write a final paper, to make a good study guide, or to fulfill the requirements of an assignment.

Organizing Your Ideas

• If you jotted down your ideas or made a mind map, use different colored highlighters to identify ideas that belong in the same group.
• Sort your index cards, if you used them to brainstorm. Put cards with related ideas together. For example, you can put them in stacks, or you can line your cards out in rows to make them easier to read.

• For example, your main point might be that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein champions emotion over reason. Your subpoints might be that Victor Frankenstein is restored by nature and that his scientific efforts create a monster. As supporting details, you might include quotes from the book.
• If you're writing a story or presenting a historical argument, a chronological order makes sense. For an essay or speech, pick the subtopic with the most supporting materials, and lead with this argument. From there, order your major subtopics so each one naturally flows into the next.
• Your broad ideas should connect back to your thesis or controlling idea. If they don’t, rewrite your thesis to reflect the main ideas you’re putting into your outline.

• Hook to grab the audience
• 1-2 general statements about your topic

• Phrase outline: II. Frankenstein champions emotion over reason
• Full sentence outline: II. In Frankenstein , Mary Shelley champions the use of emotion over reason.

• Depending on the purpose of your outline, you might have more subpoints. For example, a novel may have many subpoints. Similarly, a study guide will likely have several subpoints, as well.

• In an essay, this is often where you “prove” your argument.
• For a creative work, you might include essential details you must include in that scene, such as an internal conflict in your main character.
• Similar to subpoints, you may have more supporting details, depending on your purpose. A novel or study guide will likely have more supporting details.

• Roman Numeral
• Capital Letter
• Arabic Numeral
• Lowercase Letter
• Arabic Numeral in Parentheses

• Restate your thesis.
• 1-2 summarizing sentences.
• Write a concluding statement.

Finalizing Your Outline

• This also gives you a chance to look for missing parts or ideas that aren’t fully fleshed. If you see areas that leave questions unanswered, it’s best to fill in those gaps in information.

• If you are making an outline for yourself, you might not worry about this.

• It’s a good idea to have someone else check it for errors, as it’s often hard to recognize errors in your own work.
• While you edit your outline, refer back to your assignment sheet or rubric to make sure you've completely fulfilled the assignment. If not, go back and correct the areas that are lacking.

• You can use more layers if you want to include more information.
• You might also include additional layers for a long creative work or a detailed study guide.

Expert Q&A

• Be concise and straightforward in your outline. This doesn't have to be perfectly polished writing; it just has to get your point across. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't be afraid to eliminate irrelevant information as you conduct more research about your topic and narrow your focus. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You can use outlines as a memorization tool . Choose concise words to trigger a concept. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Generally, you should avoid only having one point or sub-point on any outline level. If there is an A, either come up with a B or fold A's idea into the next level up. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
• Your outline should not be your essay in a different form. Only write down the major assertions, not every single detail. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.iup.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/organization-and-structure/creating-an-outline.html
• ↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/outlining
• ↑ https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~cinichol/271/OutlinesHowTo.htm
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/544/02/
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/7-steps-to-creating-a-flexible-outline-for-any-story
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/544/03/
• ↑ https://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/outline.html

About This Article

The easiest way to write an outline is to gather all of your supporting materials, like quotes, statistics, or ideas, before getting started. Next, go over your materials and take notes, grouping similar ideas together. Then, organize your ideas into subtopics and use your materials to provide at least two supporting points per subtopic. Be sure to keep your outline concise and clear, since you’ll have to refer to it later! For more help on how to plan and organize your outline, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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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.