Reflective Essay Outline Template


These points will form the backbone of your essay and should be distinct, relevant, and directly related to your thesis. Write down your thesis statement and list your main supporting points, which will serve as the core sections of your outline.


Writing an essay outline is divided into three main sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. Allocate each main point to a body paragraph, and decide the order in which you will present them.Â

An essay outline can simplify and enhance the writing process by organizing your ideas and ensuring a logical flow. Here’s how to write an essay outline in four steps:

Here is how you can create an effective essay outline:

For each main point in the essay outline, jot down the supporting details you’ll use to explain and back up your argument. These can include facts, quotes, examples, and analysis.

Organize these details under each main point, creating subpoints that will form the content of each body paragraph. This step ensures that each paragraph has enough substance to support your argument and keeps your writing focused and detailed.

The conclusion of an essay brings closure to the argument and reinforces the thesis. It typically begins by restating the thesis in light of the evidence presented in the body paragraphs. This is followed by a brief summary of the main points discussed in the essay, highlighting the key arguments made.Â

Combine your thesis, main points, and supporting details into a draft outline. Start with the introduction, including your hook, background information, and thesis statement. Next, outline each body paragraph, starting with a topic sentence and followed by your supporting details.Â


Essay Outline on Gender Discrimination PDF

Then, after your supporting points are created, you can also use your essay outline to highlight moments for transition. With the information in front of you, you can see what’s missing or how one idea naturally leads to the next. Before you know it, you’ll have an entire essay laid out in front of you. If you write your essay in chronological order, by the time you reach your conclusion, you should have no trouble restating your case and driving your point home.

Let's take a look at outline examples of different essay types:

An essay outline provides structure and organization, ensuring clarity and coherence in the writing process. It helps writers focus on their main arguments and prevents them from straying off-topic. Additionally, having an outline saves time by streamlining the writing process and making it easier to fill in the details.

Argumentative Essay Outline PDF

Whether to use full sentences in an essay outline depends on personal preference and the level of detail needed. Some writers prefer concise phrases or bullet points to outline main ideas and supporting evidence. However, using full sentences can clarify the essay's structure and help maintain coherence throughout the writing process.

Take a look at this outline for this type of essay:

Perhaps the most important part of your essay is your thesis, or the entire idea your essay is communicating. All your supporting points and information can spring from your desire to prove or flesh out your thesis. Your thesis is a key part of your , so figuring will help the beginning of your essay take shape in addition to the rest of the piece.

Here is an essay outline example:

To create an outline for an essay, start by identifying the thesis statement and main points that support it. Then, organize these points into the introduction, body, and conclusion sections. List supporting details and evidence within each section to flesh out the argument. Review and revise the outline as needed to ensure clarity and logical flow.

Here is an outline for this essay:

An outline for an essay is a structured plan that organizes the main ideas and supporting points before writing. It serves as a roadmap, guiding the writer through the essay's structure and ensuring a clear presentation of arguments. By outlining key sections such as the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, writers can maintain focus and coherence in their writing process.