Creating an outline is crucial to writing a well-structured and coherent essay. An outline helps the writer organize their ideas in a clear and logical manner before actually writing the essay. It allows the writer to see how each section flows from one to the next and ensures all parts of the essay work together toward achieving the objectives. An outline template provides a clear structure to help develop outlines.
There are different types of outline templates depending on the format and style of writing. Some common outline template formats include the alphanumeric outline, the topic outline, and the sentence outline. Regardless of the specific template, most will include the basic elements of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Creating an outline using a template helps keep focused on these core essay elements.
The alphanumeric outline is one of the most common formats for outlining essays. It uses roman numerals, capital letters, and Arabic numerals to organize ideas in a hierarchical order. For a five paragraph essay, the alphanumeric outline would look something like this:
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Hook/Opening Statement
B. Thesis Statement
II. PARAGRAPH 1
A. Topic Sentence 1
1. Supporting Detail
2. Supporting Detail
B. Topic Sentence 2
1. Supporting Detail
2. Supporting Detail
III. PARAGRAPH 2
A. Topic Sentence
1. Supporting Detail
2. Supporting Detail
B. Topic Sentence
1. Supporting Detail
2. Supporting Detail
IV. PARAGRAPH 3
A. Topic Sentence
1. Supporting Detail
2. Supporting Detail
B. Topic Sentence
1. Supporting Detail
2. Supporting Detail
V. CONCLUSION
A. Restate Thesis
B. Closing Statement
This outlines the basic 5 paragraph structure with an intro paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and conclusion paragraph. Roman numerals separate each part of the essay and capital letters separate topic sentences from supporting details. The template provides a clear visual guide to the essay organization.
Another common outline format is the topic outline. Instead of using numbers and letters, it simply lists the topics that will be covered in the essay. For example:
I. Introduction
– Hook/attention graber
– Thesis statement
II. First topic
– Main point one
– Main point two
III. Second topic
– Main point one
– Main point two
IV. Third topic
– Main point one
– Main point two
V. Conclusion
– Restate thesis
– Closing remarks
The topic outline focuses more on listing the subjects rather than the organizational structure. But it still clearly outlines the intro, body paragraphs by topic, and conclusion. This allows the writer to see if they have enough content and supporting details planned under each topic heading.
Some teachers and writers prefer to create a sentence outline instead. In this format, each entry is a full sentence instead of just topics or bullet points. For example:
I. Introduction
A. In the first paragraph, I will use a startling fact or statistic to grab the reader’s attention.
B. In the second paragraph, I will clearly state the thesis that I intend to prove in the essay.
II. First body paragraph
A. In the first paragraph of the body, I will discuss how smoking is harmful to one’s health according to recent medical studies.
B. I will cite two credible studies that prove smoking causes cancer and other breathing illnesses.
III. Second body paragraph
A. In the second body paragraph, I will explore how smoking is financially costly both to the individual smoker as well as society.
B. I will provide data on average health care costs of smoking-related illness and economic losses from worker absences.
IV. Conclusion
A. In the concluding paragraph, I will restate my thesis that smoking is an unhealthy and expensive habit.
B. I will encourage the reader to quit smoking or to avoid starting for their own health and financial well-being.
By fully writing out the sentences, this format can help the writer get a basic prose structure planned out before starting to write. It essentially acts as an outline as well as a rough draft.
Regardless of which specific template is used, the goal of outlining is to ensure the final essay is unified, coherent and structured to best support the thesis. A clear outline gives the writer a blueprint to develop each section of the essay with references back to the overall focus or argument. It creates a systematic approach that makes the actual writing process much smoother. Taking the time to thoughtfully craft an outline using one of these templates helps establish a solid foundation for a high quality final essay.