How to Write an Outline For an Essay | Guidelines | Examples

An essay is an altogether different breed for many individuals, especially if you’re a university or a college student. It necessitates more thought and work than previous papers written by students.

As a result, learning how to write an essay and the structure of your essay can be a valuable learning tool. It not only saves time in the long run but also aids students in better organizing their thoughts and papers in general.

What is an essay outline? 

Writing an essay outline is a fundamental guide to follow in order for the paper's structure to make sense. Even when students are concerned with what should a college essay be about, a framework assists the process.

It is critical to express all thoughts and ideas in a logical order when writing a college applications essay. Understanding how to plan a college essay is the first step in presenting one's best self to the world.

The foremost content that your essay outline will need is the collection of thoughts on the given topic. Organizing your material at the beginning of the essay will give you that thought clarity which will reflect the richness of your essay content.  

How to Write an Essay Outline?

If and when you're thinking of writing an essay outline, the opening should be with a wonderfully written introduction. As we all know that an introduction is the most important part of any kind of writing piece.

It gives the readers an insight as to why they are reading the following piece and what are they in for. The initial section of the introduction is crucial for grabbing the reader's attention.

This is referred to as the "hook" or "attention getter." The writer should tell the reader of the important ideas in the body paragraphs in the midst of the introductory paragraph. The thesis statement - the one sentence that encapsulates the paper's objective – is usually the last sentence. 

What Do the Body Paragraphs Contain?

The most significant portion of a document in the body comprises the topic's specifics. The body paragraphs are usually divided into three sections. The body of the outline should be in the order of information that one wants to present in the essay.

The basic topic of each part is explained and analyzed throughout the paragraphs. In a college essay, the finest body paragraphs start with a topic phrase that states what the section is about. The section is then built up by expanding on that sentence.

Now, let us discuss the steps regarding how to write an outline for an essay. The good news is that creating an essay outline is not that difficult if followed.

The following are the essential steps to take

1. Come up with a topic and brainstorm it

Begin by making a list of all of the things you're thinking about. Don't pass judgment on the topics you're writing about; just get as many of your ideas down on paper as you can.

Set a five-minute timer and jot down whatever comes to mind. Look for themes that seem to be the best fit for you and the assignment you've been given after you've made a list.

Perhaps a couple of subjects could be joined to form a single, more developed topic. 

2. Make a list of supporting details

Once you've decided on a topic, check to see if you have adequate information to back it up. A solid, old-fashioned web of ideas will help you discover how your ideas are related to your core concept.

Make a circle around your topic in the middle of the page. Outline concepts that support the main topic with lines and circles. Again, don't pass judgment on your thoughts; simply let them flow. You'll be able to identify your options later on.

For the time being, you want to see if this issue is interesting enough to keep your attention and if you can connect various ideas to the main topic.

3. Make a list of your ideas. In an outline template, where would they go?

An introduction, a body of supporting ideas, and a conclusion make up a basic outline framework. You'll eventually take your jumble of ideas and put them into a tidy, ordered framework.

This will assist you in arranging your thoughts in a logical order and weeding out any concepts that aren't as strong or don't belong in your essay.

4. Make Use of an Example in your Outline 

This is a bonus step but the impact that it will make will be of a great magnitude. If the above-stated steps in any way feel too much, one can always follow this step to get a clear outline.

In this step, we can give examples in our outline which looks like making a rough draft of the outline and filling it with examples. Examples of essay outlines can be explained as a method of organising the framework of your paper before you begin writing it.

It entails composing concise summary words or phrases for each issue you'll discuss in each paragraph, providing you with a sense of how your argument will progress. 

This process will give you a whole lot of clarity regarding the content you want to incorporate in your essay. 

Below are examples of outlines for three main types of essays

1. Outline for an argumentative essay

This is an outline for a short argumentative essay about the impact of the internet on education. Each concept is summarised in a few short phrases.

The body of the paper is divided into three paragraphs, each of which presents arguments on a distinct aspect of the internet's impact on education.

2. Outline for an expository essay

This is a sample outline for an expository essay about the impact of the printing press on European life and politics. Individual topics are described in complete sentences, yet the paragraphs are still summarised in short phrases.

3. Outline for a literary essay 

This outline consists of different themes that a particular literary body of work possesses.

For instance, if a novel has three different themes, Individualism, Realism, and Coming of Age, then the outline for this essay will have these themes and further sub-points will all be around the same themes as the content. 

This process will give you a whole lot of clarity regarding the content you want to incorporate in your essay. 

The purpose of making an essay outline is to give it structure so that it catches our reader’s attention. You'll explain a single notion linked to your broader topic or argument in each paragraph, employing numerous pieces of evidence or analysis to do so.

This whole process is called the Presentation of the outline. These topics are presented in your outline as a few brief numbered sentences or phrases. When greater detail is required, they can be divided into sub-points.

What Should Be Included in a Conclusion?

The foremost requirement while writing a professional essay is to begin and end the essay with an introduction and conclusion.

Since the conclusion just revises the words around the body, the conclusion is frequently the simplest component of a college paper.

It usually begins by restating the thesis statement, which serves as a reminder to readers of the piece's main point. The conclusion then branches out into a summary of the body paragraphs.

The final phrase should neatly conclude the document and make it evident that it has come to an end.

Further Readings

• Essay about social media

• Global warming essay

• 10 ways to monetize your writing skills

• Importance of assignment writing

• Improve writing skills