For a research essay outline, consider this example:


It's advisable to start with the introduction. This sets the tone for your entire paper, introducing the topic, providing context, and presenting the thesis statement. By crafting a well-structured introduction, you establish a solid foundation for the rest of your essay. It guides your subsequent outline sections, ensuring that each part contributes cohesively to the overall argument. Starting with the introduction allows you to clarify your main ideas and create a roadmap for the reader, making the entire research essay more accessible and engaging.


Labels can appear in two prominent places: first, within the main body of the outline, where each section and subsection is labeled with Roman numerals, letters, or numbers to indicate the hierarchy of ideas. These labels help organize and structure the content, providing a clear visual guide for the essay's development. Second, labels are also commonly used in the header or title section of the outline, where the title of the essay and additional identifying information, such as the author's name or date, are labeled for clarity. Both instances of labeling contribute to the overall organization and coherence of the preparation outline.

Personal statements are not English essays. They don’t need to be 5 paragraphs with a clear, argumentative thesis in the beginning and a conclusion that sums everything up. So feel free to break from that. How many paragraphs are appropriate for a college essay? Within reason, it’s up to you. We’ve seen that use 4 paragraphs, and some that use 8 or more (especially if you have dialogue—yes, dialogue is OK too!).

[PDF] Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose

Begin with a compelling introduction, clearly state your thesis, and provide a brief overview of the topic. Identify and develop key arguments in separate sections of the outline, supporting them with relevant evidence and examples. Address potential counterarguments and incorporate rebuttals to strengthen your position. Conclude with a concise summary that reinforces your thesis and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. A well-constructed essay outline not only serves as a roadmap for the writing process but also enhances the clarity and coherence of your final essay.

For example, if the battery is brought after Smith tackled David during a football claim, the affirmative defense of consent warrants its own rule, analysis, and conclusion! Add this issue to your outline.

If you are handwriting, we recommend that you pay special attention to time. You should not write full sentences in an outline because you will have to rewrite them later. Instead just jot a few notes about the issues, elements of the rules, and important facts. See the note below on a way to save time as this is especially applicable if you are handwriting your multistate essay exam answer.

Either. Just be consistent. The exception here is if you’re pasting into a box that screws up your formatting—for example, if, when you copy your essay into the box, your indentations are removed, go with paragraph breaks. (And when you get to college, be sure to check what style guide you should be following: Chicago, APA, MLA, etc., can all take different approaches to formatting, and different fields have different standards.)


What is an essay outline format

Understanding how to write an essay outline offers students several advantages. Firstly, it helps them organize their thoughts in a logical and clear manner, making the writing process smoother. With a structured outline, students can see the flow of their ideas and ensure that each point supports their thesis effectively. Secondly, having an outline acts as a guide, preventing students from feeling overwhelmed or lost in their writing. It helps them stay focused on their main arguments and ensures they don't stray off-topic. Ultimately, the knowledge of essay outlining equips students with a valuable tool that enhances their writing skills and academic performance. If you’ve been considering getting an extra pair of hands working on your tasks, have a look at and choose the one that fits your goals and budget.

How to Write an Essay Outline: Free Template & Examples

Below we’ll cover those two essay structures we love, but you’ll see how flexible these are—they can lead to vastly different essays. You can also check out a few to get a sense of structure and format (though we’d recommend doing some to think of possible topics before you look at too many samples, since they can poison the well for some people).

[PDF] Outline Structure for Literary Analysis Essay

An essay outline is like a plan for your writing before you start putting words on paper. It helps you organize your thoughts by summarizing the main points for each paragraph. This way, you can see how your argument will unfold.

Essay Outline: Definition, Structure, Example

An informative essay structure revolves around presenting factual information in a clear and organized manner. The introduction outlines the topic and provides a thesis statement that previews the key points to be covered. Each body paragraph addresses a specific aspect or subtopic, supported by evidence or examples. The conclusion summarizes the main points and often suggests further areas of exploration, leaving the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Essay Outline Example · Restate thesis

By breaking down each paragraph into brief summaries of the points you want to cover, you ensure that your essay will have a logical flow. This makes it easier for your readers to follow your argument. Additionally, creating an outline allows you to assess the coherence and relevance of each point, helping you identify and address any weak spots in your argument early on.