How to Write an Essay Outline (Template and Example)

Key takeaways

• An outline is a plan of your essay's structure: introduction and thesis, body paragraphs with topic sentences and evidence, and a conclusion.
• Outlining first can cut writing time and makes your argument more logical.
• Each body paragraph should have one main idea, supporting evidence and analysis.

Basic essay outline template

I. Introduction

• A. Hook: an interesting fact, question or quote
• B. Background: context the reader needs
• C. Thesis statement: your main argument

II. Body paragraph 1

• A. Topic sentence (first supporting point)
• B. Evidence: a quote, statistic or example, with citation
• C. Analysis: how the evidence supports your thesis
• D. Transition

III. Body paragraph 2 (same structure)

IV. Body paragraph 3 (same structure, or a counterargument and rebuttal)

V. Conclusion

• A. Restate the thesis in new words
• B. Summarize the key points
• C. Final thought: the significance, a call to action, or an implication

Example: argumentative essay outline

Thesis: Schools should start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. because later start times improve students' health, academic performance and safety.

1. Health: teenagers' circadian rhythms shift later, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 8:30 a.m. or later
2. Academic performance: studies link later starts to better attendance and grades
3. Safety: fewer drowsy-driving accidents among teen drivers
4. Counterargument: bus schedules and after-school activities. Rebuttal: districts that switched adapted with staggered routes

Tips

• Write your thesis first. Every point in the outline should support it.
• Put evidence and citations into the outline so drafting is faster.
• Order your points logically: strongest last, chronological, or problem → solution.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to submit my outline?

Only if your instructor asks for it, but outlining helps even when it isn't graded.

How detailed should an outline be?

Detailed enough that each body paragraph has a clear topic sentence and at least one piece of evidence.

Can an essay have more than five paragraphs?

Yes. The five-paragraph structure is a starting point. Longer essays simply add more body paragraphs.