How to Write an Essay Outline

Writing an outline will help you organize your thoughts.

Writing an outline can help you organize your thoughts before you begin writing an essay. Organizing your ideas into an outline can also help you structure your essay in an effective manner. Although writing an outline takes time, it will ultimately make your essay-writing process more efficient.

Instructions

1. Formulate your thesis, or central argument. Since your thesis is the most important part of your paper, take the time to write a strong thesis.

2. Make a list of the main points you want to include in your paper. Don't worry about the order of your argument, just get all of your ideas down on paper.

3. Arrange the items in your list in the logical or chronological order of your argument. Leave space in between each item for supporting evidence.

4. List supporting evidence underneath each main point. For example, statistics and counterarguments are often supporting evidence.

References

• Purdue OWL: Why and How to Create a Useful Outline
• Lloyd Sealy Library: Basic Outlining