Categories: Essay

What Is An Essay Outline?

The essay outline refers to the structure of your paper. It is a plan through which you organize your essay. When you write a paper, you discuss a subject/issue and present some facts in that regard. For this purpose, you need to have an outline that guides you to craft a relevant and persuasive text. Your research revolves around the outline of your paper. In the introductory passage, you provide an overview of the topic, include a thesis statement, which is your main argument. In the body paragraphs, you discuss your main points according to your paper outline.

Example Outline

If your paper is about terrorism in the Middle East, you may create the following outline.

Introduction:

Thesis Statement: War on terror and terrorist groups have created unrest in the Middle East countries.

Body paragraph1– topic sentence: Invasion of Iraq in 2003 adversely impacted the whole region.

Detail 1: The US attacked Iraq due to the allegations that it possessedweapons of mass destruction.

Detail 2: Several people lost their lives and homes while hundreds of thousands were injured.

Body paragraph 2– topic sentence: Role of terror groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda in the region.

Detail 1- Political vacuum in the region gave space to non-state actors for conducting terrorist acts.

Detail 2– Suicide bombers belonging to these groups targeted markets and other public places.

Body paragraph 3– topic sentence: Political stability is necessary to bring peace to the region.

           Detail 1: More investment in education and infrastructure will yield positive outcomes.

           Detail 2: Democratic culture is the way forward.

Conclusion

Wars lead to devastation. The Middle East has witnessed bloodshed in the region during the last 20 years.

The above example gives you a roadmap to conduct your research for the essay. Generally, students get instruction outline from their professors. However, in some cases, teachers provide a topic and ask students to submit the outline. Once you submit an outline, your teacher may give instructions to amend or change it depending upon the topic. Craft your essay according to the outline to get good marks.

Why Professors Need an Outline for Essays

Your teachers evaluate your planning skills. They want you to stick to an agenda or plan and do not write randomly. Presenting an effective outline will enable you to make a good impression on your teacher. Feedback from your professor is important. You can improve your essay outline in light of your professor’s review.

How can I make an effective Outline?

First, read the details of your writing assignment thoroughly. You need to understand what is your essay type. What details do you need to incorporate? How many sources do you need to use? Also, analyze what is the purpose of your essay? Keeping in view the objective of your paper, make your thesis. Make sure toinclude credible sources.

Focus on the structure of your essay

Proper structure and organization grab the attention of your audience. Make sure your paper is coherent with all the relevant details. Write a topic sentence for every paragraph of your essay. Incorporate supporting evidence, present relevant facts, and figures. Your goal is to substantiate your thesis statement. Details in the outline will help you organize your arguments.

Outline your essay conclusion

The conclusion is a recap of your paper. Endorse your thesis statement by summarizing the details you presented in the introduction and body paragraphs. You restate your thesis by paraphrasing the thesis statement of your introductory paragraph. You briefly discuss the supporting evidence of your body paragraphs. A closing paragraph must connect to the opening passage.

Is a basic structure the same for every paper?

Students deal with different types of essays in their academic life. Common types are narrative, expository, persuasive, and argumentative. The basic structure of all these essays is the same with slight differences. In argumentative essays, you present arguments both ‘for’ and against the topic. You take a clear stance as to which argument you support. You refute one type of argument and support the other by presenting evidence.

An essay outline reminds you what to include in your text. A structured paper with all the relevant details reflects your critical thinking abilities. Make an outline whenever you are to write an essay. This practice will keep you on track. You will be able to find relevant details and present supporting arguments effectively.

Can I write a paper without an essay outline?

You can write an essay without an outline, but you may end up getting a low score. Additionally, without a proper outline, you may lose track. The essay outline helps you arrange your thoughts. You get an idea of what information to incorporate in your paper.

By keeping the outline in mind, you do not miss the important points while writing the paper. Of course, you would not want to write an unstructured or a redundant paper. Your grades matter in your academic career. Therefore, prepare a well-thought outline for your essay before you start writing.

 Making an effective essay outline would indicate that you possess good planning and organization skills. Once you read the assignment requirement, draw a sketch in your mind about the essay. Pen down your ideas, and analyze them critically. If you keep focusing on all the detail, you will be able to create a comprehensive outline. If you have any confusion, seek your teacher’s help.

Include Sources in your essay outline

You present arguments by consulting credible sources. It is better to include sources that you will use in your paper. Scholarly articles will give more weightage to your arguments. Provide appropriate citation in your paper. Citation is essential, else your teacher may consider your essay a plagiarized work.

Final Word

An essay outline provides you with direction on how to write a paper. With the help of an essay outline, you structure your paper. Incorporate a thesis statement for an introductory paragraph. Write a topic sentence for each body paragraph and conclusion. Briefly incorporate ideas to be discussed in the paper. Present evidence in support of your argument with proper citation.

Meta Title:

What is an Essay Outline? Guidelines.

Meta Description:

What is an Essay outline? The article guides students on how to write outlines with examples alongside advantages of outline.

Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.

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