Creating an essay writing plan is vital for writing an organized, well-developed essay. A planning template helps lay out your ideas in a structured manner to guide your writing process and ensure all elements are adequately addressed. This article discusses useful templates for constructing multi-paragraph academic essays and provides tips for effective planning.
There are a variety of essay planning templates to choose from, depending on the specific essay requirements. Some of the most commonly used templates are:
Basic Essay Outline Template
The basic essay outline template is suitable for most multi-paragraph academic essays. It includes an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs with topic sentences and evidence/examples, and a conclusion paragraph.
Introduction
Opening paragraph that introduces the topic and contains a thesis statement outlining the key points to be discussed.
Body Paragraph 1
Topic sentence stating the main idea or focus of the paragraph
Evidentiary statement providing supporting detail/example
Evidentiary statement providing supporting detail/example
Concluding statement that ties back to thesis
Body Paragraph 2
Repeat structure from above with a new main idea/focus
Evidentiary statement providing supporting detail/example
Evidentiary statement providing supporting detail/example
Concluding statement that ties back to thesis
Body Paragraph 3
Repeat structure from above with another new main idea/focus
Evidentiary statement providing supporting detail/example
Evidentiary statement providing supporting detail/example
Concluding statement that ties back to thesis
Conclusion
Restate thesis and summarize key points without introducing new information
Closing statement
This simplistic template is a good starting point for basic essays and allows room for additions based on assignment requirements. The consistent structure helps promote a logical flow of ideas and tie the essay together cohesively.
Comparison/Contrast Essay Outline Template
For comparison/contrast essays, a Venn diagram or side-by-side template works well to logically organize comparisons and contrasts.
Introduction
Thesis statement indicating subjects to be compared/contrasted
Body Paragraph 1 – Comparison A
Topic sentence outlining first similarity
Explanation/example of similarity
Body Paragraph 2 – Contrast A
Topic sentence outlining first difference
Explanation/example of difference
Body Paragraph 3 – Comparison B
Topic sentence outlining second similarity
Explanation/example of similarity
Body Paragraph 4 – Contrast B
Topic sentence outlining second difference
Explanation/example of difference
Conclusion
Restate thesis and summarize comparisons/contrasts
Closing statement
This template ensures comparisons and contrasts are clearly separated and supports a point-by-point analysis. It helps maintain the compare/contrast structure throughout the essay.
Process Essay Outline Template
For process or “how to” essays, an outline with steps in a sequential order works well.
Introduction
Thesis: How to accomplish a task or complete a process
Body Paragraph 1 – Step 1
Topic sentence stating the first step
Details explaining how to complete step one
Body Paragraph 2 – Step 2
Topic sentence stating the second step
Details explaining how to complete step two
Body Paragraph 3 – Step 3
Topic sentence stating the third step
Details explaining how to complete step three
Body Paragraph 4 – Step 4 (optional)
Topic sentence stating an additional step (if required)
Details explaining how to complete step four
Conclusion
Restate thesis and summarize steps
Closing statement about understanding/completing the process
This template arranges steps logically to guide the reader through a process clearly. It’s useful for how-to or procedural essays.
Once you select a planning template, it’s important to fill it out thoroughly before starting to write. Consider the following tips for effective planning:
Brainstorm thoroughly on scrap paper first to generate ideas before filling out the template. This ensures all relevant information is captured.
Use sub-bullets under topic sentences to list specific evidence/examples, facts, anecdotes you’ll draw from. This boosts organization.
Cite sources directly in the plan using proper citation format. This streamlines adding citations in the final draft.
Connect evidence clearly to the thesis through transitions and concluding statements at the end of each body paragraph.
Leave space under each point to jot additional notes as ideas evolve during the writing process. Plans should evolve with your understanding.
Give yourself time to thoroughly plan before writing. Effective plans save rewriting and ensure essays fully address the prompt.
Review and refine your plan before writing the introduction to focus your thesis statement. Then refer to it continuously while writing.
Taking the time to complete a thorough, well-structured essay writing plan using a relevant template is an important preliminary step. It ensures all key elements are accounted for and tied together cohesively before starting the first draft. With practice, planning becomes quicker and promotes writing successful, organized essays.