free printable essay outline template

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37 Free Templates For Essay Outline

Explore our comprehensive selection of essay outline templates, meticulously designed to guide students and researchers in structuring their ideas coherently for academic writing excellence and effective communication of concepts.

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Tips For Using Essay Outline Templates

• 1. Clarify Your Topic and Objectives Begin by defining the purpose of your essay. Ensure your outline reflects the key points you want to discuss related to your topic.
• 2. Organize Your Main Points Arrange your ideas in a logical order. Consider using bullet points for clarity, aligning points under headings like introduction, body, and conclusion.
• 3. Include Supporting Evidence For each main point, integrate evidence or examples that support your argument. This will provide a roadmap for your writing and strengthen your position.

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How to Write an Essay Outline + Essay Outline Examples

Download for free, how to write an essay outline + essay outline examples .

Writing an essay can seem like a daunting task, but one of the best ways to tackle this challenge is to organize your ideas into a well-structured essay outline. This guide will walk you through the process of creating an essay outline, complete with essay outline examples, to ensure your next essay is a masterpiece.

We’ve compiled a variety of essay outline examples to help you understand how to structure your own essay. We'll cover persuasive essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, expository essays, and even provide a sample research paper outline. Each example will provide you with an idea of how to lay out the structure and details for each type of essay.

Looking for a printable list of essay outline examples? Our printable PDF features essay outline examples and templates that your students can use as examples when writing research papers, or as a supplement for an essay-writing unit

Why write an essay outline? 

An outline serves as the skeleton of your essay, giving you a clear and organized path to articulate your thoughts. Not only does it make writing an essay significantly easier, but it also allows you to present your arguments coherently and effectively.

An essay outline will help you organize your main ideas and determine the order in which you are going to write about them.

Types of essay outlines

Several types of essay outlines can be used when writing an essay. The two most common types are the alphanumeric outline and the decimal outline.

An alphanumeric outline typically uses Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters, in that order. Each level provides a different level of specificity. This structure is a very effective way to think through how you will organize and present the information in your essay. It also helps you develop a strong argumentative essay.

Alternatively, a decimal outline uses only numbers, and each subsection is a decimal subdivision of the main section. This type of outline is often used in scientific papers.

Persuasive essay outline example 

In the following section, we'll explore a persuasive essay outline example on competitive swimming. The purpose of a persuasive essay is to convince the reader of a particular point of view or idea, using compelling arguments and evidence.

In this case, the argument is that competitive swimming is an ideal sport for kids. The essay will present a series of arguments to support this view, demonstrating the various benefits of competitive swimming for children.

Competitive Swimming, an Ideal Sport for Kids

Introduction

Start your argumentative essay outline by stating your point of view and/or presenting your persuasive argument.

Thesis: Competitive swimming is a great alternative to other youth sports.

Body Paragraph 1

Introduce your primary persuasive argument and provide supporting details in your argumentative essay outline.

Topic Sentence:   Competitive swimming provides the same benefits as other sports.

• Detail Sentence 1:   It is good exercise and builds muscular strength.
• Detail Sentence 2:   It promotes cooperation among team members, especially in relays.

Body Paragraph 2

Introduce a secondary argument and provide supporting details.

Topic Sentence:   Competitive swimming provides some unique additional benefits.

• Detail Sentence 1:   Swimming is an important skill that can be used forever.
• Detail Sentence 2:  Swimming poses a reduced risk of injury.
• Detail Sentence 3:   Each swimmer can easily chart his or her own progress.

Conclude your essay writing with a summary of the thesis and persuasive arguments. Brainstorming details that support your point-of-view is a great way to start before creating your outline and first draft.

Concluding Sentence:   There are many reasons why competitive swimming is a great alternative to other youth sports, including...

Narrative essay outline example

In the following section, we will examine a narrative essay outline example titled "How Losing a Swim Meet Made Me a Better Swimmer." Narrative essays aim to tell a story, often about a personal experience, to engage the reader and convey a particular point or lesson.

In this case, the narrative revolves around the author's personal journey of improvement and self-discovery through swimming. The essay will illustrate how an initial setback served as a catalyst for significant improvement and personal growth.

How Losing a Swim Meet Made Me a Better Swimmer

Introduce the subject of your narrative essay using a thesis statement and a plan of development (POD).

Thesis: The first time I participated in a competitive swim meet, I finished in last place. With more focused training and coaching, I was able to finish 2nd in the State Championship meet.

Plan of development:   I was very disappointed in my results from the first meet, so I improved my training and fitness. This helped me swim better and faster, which helped me to greatly improve my results.

Set the scene and provide supporting details. Again, start by brainstorming different ways to begin; then go ahead and craft an outline and a first draft.

Topic Sentence:   I was embarrassed at finishing last in my first competitive swim meet, so I began working on ways to improve my performance.

• Detail Sentence 1:   I spent extra time with my coach and the team captains learning how to improve my technique.
• Detail Sentence 2:   I started running and lifting weights to increase my overall fitness level.

Provide additional supporting details, descriptions, and experiences to develop your general idea in your essay writing.

Topic Sentence:   Over time, my results began to improve and I was able to qualify for the state championship meet.

• Detail Sentence 1:   My technique and fitness level made me faster and able to swim longer distances.
• Detail Sentence 2:  I steadily got better, and I began winning or placing in the top 3 at most of my meets.
• Detail Sentence 3:  My results improved to the point that I was able to qualify for the state championship meet.

Body Paragraph 3

The next step in the writing process is to provide additional supporting details, descriptions, and experiences. You can then divide them up under different headings.

Topic Sentence:   With my new confidence, techniques, and fitness level, I was able to finish 2nd at the state championship meet.

• Detail Sentence 1:   I was able to swim well against a higher level of competition due to my training and technique.
• Detail Sentence 2:  I was no longer embarrassed about my last-place finish, and was able to use it as motivation!

Conclude the narrative essay with a recap of the events described or a reflection on the lesson learned in the story. Briefly summarize the details you included under each heading.

Concluding Sentence:   I used my last-place finish in my first competitive swim meet as motivation to improve my performance.

Descriptive essay outline example

We will now delve into a descriptive essay outline example. Descriptive essays aim to create a vivid and detailed description of a person, place, object, or event to paint a picture for the reader. The intention is to immerse the reader in the subject matter fully.

In this case, the essay provides an in-depth description of a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The essay will use sensory and descriptive details to create a vivid and memorable experience for the reader.

Visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame

Introduce the subject of your descriptive essay with a thesis statement covering the person, place, object, etc. you are writing about.

Thesis: The Hockey Hall of Fame is full of sights, sounds, and experiences that will delight hockey fans of all ages.

Set the scene and provide factual details.

Topic Sentence:   The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Canada and features exhibits from amateur and professional hockey.

• Detail Sentence 1:   The Hall is located in downtown Toronto and is visited by 1 million people every year.
• Detail Sentence 2:   You can see exhibits ranging from the early beginnings of the sport to the modern NHL and Olympics.

Provide additional sensory details, descriptions, and experiences.

Topic Sentence:   There are many types of exhibits and shows, including activities you can participate in.

• Detail Sentence 1:  Player statues, plaques, and jerseys decorate the walls in every room of the Hall.
• Detail Sentence 2:  Many of the exhibits have movies and multimedia activities that make you feel like you're part of the game.
• Detail Sentence 3:  You can even practice shooting pucks on virtual versions of some of the game's greatest goalies!

Conclude the essay with a paragraph that restates the thesis and recaps the descriptive and sensory details.

Concluding Sentence:   The Hockey Hall of Fame is an experience that combines the best sights, sounds and history of the game in Toronto.

Expository essay outline example

In the following section, we will explore an example of an expository essay. An expository essay aims to explain or describe a topic using logic. It presents a balanced analysis of a topic based on facts—with no references to the writer’s opinions or emotions.

For this example, the topic is "Why The School Year Should be Shorter". This essay will use logic and reason to demonstrate that a shorter school year could provide various benefits for students, teachers, and school districts.

Why The School Year Should be Shorter

Introduce the primary argument or main point of an expository essay, or other types of academic writing, using a thesis statement and context.

Thesis: The school year is too long, and should be shortened to benefit students and teachers, save districts money, and improve test scores and academic results. Other countries have shorter school years, and achieve better results.

Describe the primary argument and provide supporting details and evidence.

Topic Sentence:   A shorter school year would benefit students and teachers by giving them more time off.

• Detail Sentence 1:   Students and teachers would be able to spend more time with their families.
• Detail Sentence 2:  Teachers would be refreshed and rejuvenated and able to teach more effectively.

Provide additional supporting details and evidence, as in this essay outline example.

Topic Sentence:  A shorter school year would save school districts millions of dollars per year.

• Detail Sentence 1:   Districts could save money on energy costs by keeping schools closed longer.
• Detail Sentence 2:  A shorter school year means much lower supply and transportation costs.
• Detail Sentence 3:  Well-rested and happy students would help improve test scores.

Provide additional or supplemental supporting details, evidence, and analysis, as in the essay outline example.

Topic Sentence:   Shortening the school year would also provide many benefits for parents and caregivers.

• Detail Sentence 1:   A shorter school year would mean less stress and running around for parents.
• Detail Sentence 2:  Caregivers would have more balance in their lives with fewer days in the school year.

Conclude the essay with an overview of the main argument, and highlight the importance of your evidence and conclusion.

Concluding Sentence:   Shortening the school year would be a great way to improve the quality of life for students, teachers, and parents while saving money for districts and improving academic results.

Sample research paper outline

Now let’s dive into a research paper outline. Unlike a typical essay, a research paper presents a thorough and detailed study on a specific topic. However, it shares the same foundation with an essay in terms of structuring the ideas logically and coherently. The outline for a research paper includes an introduction, a series of topic points that cover various aspects of the main topic, and a conclusion.

This research paper will explore the background of Mt. Everest, the major explorers who attempted its summit, and the impact of these expeditions on Mt. Everest and the local community.

The Conquest of Mt. Everest

• Location of Mt. Everest
• Geography of the Surrounding Area
• Height of the mountain
• Jomolungma (Tibetan name)
• Sagarmatha (Nepalese name)
• The number of people who have climbed Everest to date
• First to reach the summit (1953)
• Led a team of experienced mountain climbers who worked together
• Norgay was an experienced climber and guide who accompanied Hillary
• Sherpas still used to guide expeditions
• Leader of the failed 1996 expedition
• Led group of (mainly) tourists with little mountain climbing experience
• Loss of trees due to high demand for wood for cooking and heating for tourists.
• Piles of trash left by climbing expeditions
• Expedition fees provide income for the country
• Expeditions provide work for the Sherpas, contributing to the local economy.
• Introduction of motor vehicles
• Introduction of electricity

The Everest essay outline template is based on a research paper submitted by Alexandra Ferber, 9th grade.

Happy writing!

Writing an essay outline is a crucial step in crafting a well-structured and coherent essay. Regardless of the type of essay - be it persuasive, narrative, descriptive, expository, or a research paper - an outline serves as a roadmap that organizes your thoughts and guides your writing process. The various essay outline examples provided above serve as a guide to help you structure your own essay. Remember, the key to a great essay lies not just in the content but in its organization and flow. Happy writing!

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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Outline

Argumentative Essay Outline: How to Structure Your Argumentative Essay

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Preparing to write an argumentative essay but don’t know where to start?

Making an outline is an important step in prewriting. Having a defined outline makes the essay writing process much simpler. It helps you logically present your ideas and saves you from getting stuck with writer’s block. 

In this blog, we are going to teach you about how to write an outline for your essay. You’ll also get examples and templates to help you out.

So continue reading!

• 1. How To Write An Argumentative Essay Outline?
• 2. Types of Arguments and Argumentative Essay Outlines
• 3. Argumentative Essay Outline Examples

How To Write An Argumentative Essay Outline?

A simple argumentative essay outline follows the same structure as any other type of essay. The difference lies in the content of the body paragraphs. Unlike a persuasive essay, where the focus is on convincing the reader through emotional appeals, the argumentative essay presents the argument.

Some paragraphs introduce your own argument, while others state the opposing arguments and their refutations. 

Here is an argumentative essay outline template you could follow for writing your essay:

The most common structure to craft an argumentative essay is as follows:

1. Argumentative Essay Introduction 

The introductory paragraph introduces the main argument and provides a brief background of the argumentative essay topic you chose. Essay introductions act as a roadmap for the entire essay. For an argumentative essay, this is where you lay the foundation for your argument.  An introduction comprises the following essential components: 

• Hook Statement

A hook statement is written to grab the attention of your reader immediately. It should intrigue the reader and make them read the complete essay. For example, if you are writing an argumentative essay on animal testing, your hook statement could be: 

• Background Information 

Provide brief background information about your argument and the main claim of your essay. It will make it easier for the reader to understand the argument you will make in your essay.  For example:

• Thesis Statement

An argumentative essay thesis statement should highlight your perspective, stance, and reason for your position. A thesis statement must be clearly defined, arguable, and defendable. It should express the importance of your argument and a reason why the reader should read your essay. For Example:

In case you're looking for some inspiration for your topic, check out our argumentative essay topics blog!

2. Argumentative Essay Supporting Paragraphs 

In the body paragraph, you present your point of view and provide evidence that supports your argument. The goal here is to explain how valid your claim is by providing evidence that strengthens your argument. 

For Example:

Here are four basic things that a body paragraph should state.

a. The purpose: Why are you making an argument about a particular issue? 

b. Topic sentence: This is a fact or an example that helps the reader better understand your argument. The topic sentence of a paragraph should focus on just one point.

c. Provide evidence: State facts with examples and statistics that support your thesis statement and the topic sentence. Make sure that you have collected authentic evidence from credible sources. 

d. Concluding sentence: The concluding sentence should reassert how the topic sentence helps the reader better understand the claim. 

3. Argumentative Essay Counter Arguments Paragraph 

The counter-argument is the other side of the issue that you will prove wrong by stating the specific reasons. In this paragraph, you mention the opposing views that the reader might pose against your argument and refute them.  Conclude this paragraph by reasserting the thought provoking central idea of your essay.

4. Argumentative Essay Conclusion

A good argumentative essay conclusion summarizes the entire discussion of the essay and provides a call to action. It holds the same significance as the introduction paragraph. Here, you restate your thesis statement to remind the reader of your essay’s overall argument. Tell the reader that you have critically analyzed both sides of the argument. And based on the evidence, you have proved your side of the argument right. Explain the importance of your argument and bring your discussion to a logical end. You can propose a solution if your claim has specified a problem or make future predictions about the claim. Tell your reader the consequences if your argument is not believed and what good will happen if it's believed.

Here is an example:

Use the following argumentative essay outline graphic organizer to structure your essay efficiently.

Argumentative Essay Outline Graphic Organizer

Here’s a video demonstrating how you can prepare an argumentative essay outline:

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Types of Arguments and Argumentative Essay Outlines

Your argumentative essay structure is affected by the type of argument you are using. There are three argumentative writing models: Classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin. 

Let's take a look at each one:

Classical Argument

The classical argument is the oldest and most used argument model. It is based on the principles of rhetoric, which is the art of persuasion. This type of argument has a clear structure with distinct steps, making it an ideal choice for an essay or paper.

Here is the classical argumentative writing structure.

Classical Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Rogerian argument.

The Rogerian model allows both sides of an issue to be discussed to reach a common ground.

Unlike the classical approach, the Rogerian argument seeks to understand both sides of an issue before moving forward. This style of argumentation does not look for a single ‘right’ answer but seeks to create a dialogue between all parties.

Rhetorical Rogerian Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Toulmin argument.

The Toulmin argument is a model that breaks down an issue into its component parts to analyze it more thoroughly. The Toulmin argument is composed of six parts: a claim, grounds, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal.

The first part lays out the main point being argued (the “claim”) . This is followed by the evidence that supports it (the “grounds”) . It is then connected to an underlying assumption or principle (the “warrant”) . 

The warrant is then supported by additional evidence (the “backing”) , which may be followed by qualifications (the “qualifier”) . Finally, the argument may anticipate and address possible counterarguments (the “rebuttal”) .

Toulmin Argumentative Essay Outline Template

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Need more sample essays to get a better idea? Give our argumentative essay examples a read!

The Bottom Line! We've covered all the essential elements of structuring your argumentative essay. With this guide, you're now well-prepared to craft a compelling essay that effectively presents your viewpoint and supports your argument with evidence. 

Remember the key components: the introduction that hooks your reader, a clear thesis statement, well-organized body paragraphs, counterarguments, and a strong conclusion. Don't forget to cite your sources properly to give credibility to your work. 

If you are unable to craft a perfect outline, you can always seek the help of an expert and professional essay writer at MyPerfectWords.com.

Our affordable argumentative essay writing service can help you write a top-notch argumentative paper. Our skilled writers conduct research to find facts and evidence to support your claim and write an original essay according to your needs.

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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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Free Essay Outline Template

• Posted on September 19, 2023 September 18, 2023

Essay writing is a large part of many classes in high school and college. Whether in English classes or not, teachers often require students to turn in multiple drafts and an essay outline. An effective essay will use an outline to sort through ideas, ensure that all essential points are covered, and make drafting easier. 

However, many students don’t know how to effectively write an essay outline for academic writing. In this article, we will walk you through the process of writing a good essay outline and include a free essay outline template for you. 

Importance of Writing Outlines

The essay writing process generally involves the following steps: choosing a topic, brainstorming and researching, writing and outlining, and drafting. Within these steps, an outline will provide guidance and organization for the majority of the ideas that will end up in the research paper. 

Outlines are crucial for essay organization. An effective outline shows all the main points, supports the topic, and, most importantly, makes the essay writing process more manageable. Once you finish an outline and start working on a rough draft, you should be able to use your outline to help you complete it. 

How to Write an Essay Outline

Once you’ve chosen an essay topic and done some basic research, you should have enough background information to begin outlining. While the type of essay you are writing may vary, the instructions on writing an essay outline are essentially the same. 

• Start by finding your thesis statement or topic sentence; the sentence the whole outline will support. 
• The first section of your outline will be your thesis statement and some introductory points.
• Separate your outline into separate sections according to your body paragraphs. 
• Under each main idea, summarize several minor arguments and details. 
• Include background information and research to support your main views. 
• The final section will be a conclusion: restate your thesis statement and a few of your main points. 

The outline can be as simple as bullet points or as detailed as complete sentences. As long as your central claims are explicit throughout your procedure, you’ll be able to come back to it and find a framework for your drafting process. 

Different Types of Essays

In a college English class, you might be required to write one of many different types of essays. In all of these essays, citing your sources and sticking to the proper writing format are crucial. 

Regardless of your essay’s style, an outline will help you organize your thoughts and prepare for writing the paper. 

Don’t forget to always cite your sources correctly according to the style guide in question. To make your job easier, you can use a tool like Quetext and their citation generator.

Here are the common types of college essays and how their outlines might differ. 

Persuasive Essay Outline

A persuasive essay is the most common type of essay taught in rhetoric and composition classes. Persuasive essays generally have a thesis statement that consists of a topic and a position on that topic. When creating a persuasive essay outline template, it is crucial to ensure that all of your main points support your side of the argument. 

Narrative Essay Outline

A narrative essay is still non-fiction but is more story driven. Narrative essays tell a personal experience as though it were a story (think of a memoir or autobiography if it helps). When thinking of a narrative essay, it’s helpful to write the story’s main events as points on your essay outline. 

Argumentative Essay Outline

An argumentative essay is extremely similar to a persuasive essay. However, you will have an added set of bullet points for your opposing view. In an argumentative essay, you’ll need to include your opposite view as well as a refutation of your opposing view. Otherwise, it’s very similar to a persuasive essay outline. Create or look online for an argumentative essay outline template to make your job easier.

Expository Essay Outline

Expository writing is the same as an informative essay. An expository essay will have the facts and statistics about a phenomenon or historical event without any opinions or bias. When creating an expository essay outline, ensure that you have the background information to fill it well. 

Contrast Essay Outline

Usually used as part of literary criticism, a contrast essay outline will take two different works of fiction, products, or historical events and compare and contrast them. Usually, the outline will set up an aspect in which the two items are different and evidence to support that for each paragraph. 

Reflective Essay Outline 

Perhaps the most personal of the college essay requirements, reflective essays require students to consider their position on a topic or an event and write about their point of view on it. This is usually done in a journal style but can still benefit from an outline to help organize the writer’s thoughts. 

Research Paper Outline

Unlike an expository essay, a research paper goes in-depth about a specific historical event, subject, or literary work. To prepare a research essay outline template, you will need preliminary research and know what you are writing about. Research papers are longer, so their outlines will be long as well. 

College Essay Outline

If you are applying for college and want to write the perfect essay for your application, you will benefit from using a college essay outline template. These essays vary depending on the prompt but are often reflective or narrative essays. Word count is the most important thing to look at in a college essay. 

Literary Analysis Essay Outline

If you are in an upper-level literature class, you might be assigned a literary analysis essay. These focus on closely reading a work of literature and discussing the themes, characters, or plotlines present. Ensure you read the source material carefully to find evidence for your literary analysis essay outline template. 

Essay Outline Template

No matter the essay topic or type of essay, most essays follow a similar outline structure, with an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here is a standard outline template for essay with five paragraphs: 

• Hook to draw audience in
• Introductory sentences
• Support for major claim (minor claim)
• Support for minor claim (facts and statistics)
• Restate thesis 
• Restate strongest main claim 
• Final clinching statement

Final Thoughts

With this free essay template, you should be able to create your own essay outline within a few minutes. Make sure that you adjust the outline for your essay’s needs and don’t forget to check for plagiarism every step of the writing process. Happy writing! 

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Template for 5-Paragraph Essay Outline

Essay Template Description :

It's important that students write an outline before they begin their essay writing. A solid outline is key to ensuring students  follow the standard essay-writing structure and stay on topic.

This is a simple template I have my students complete before they begin writing their five-paragraph academic essay.

The essay template includes sections for the following.

• Thesis statement
• Supporting Detail
• I have put the third supporting detail section in each body paragraph in brackets , since it may not be needed if the first two points support the topic sentence sufficiently (this is my opinion).
• I have not put a blank field for the conclusion section, since the student is merely meant to restate the thesis statement in a fresh way and include a  So What? idea that indicates why the topic is important.

Feel free to edit the essay template as you'd like.

Essay Template Download :  five-paragraph-essay-outline-template.docx

Essay Template Preview :

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9 comments on “ Template for 5-Paragraph Essay Outline ”

Thank you. Love this template for my students.

Thank you. I also love this template for my students

Thank you this template is very good..and I understand now

Thank you for the outline…. would you consider providing examples of topics ? Just a thought… Once again, thank you

Here are some topics you could write an essay on: https://www.englishcurrent.com/speaking/discussion-speech-topics-esl/

i think it is very good. but like someone else said would you give more examples, but thank you verry much

so this is where my teacher gets her lesson plans. XD thanks this will help when i constantly lose my work.

This is a great template for 5-paragraph essay outlines. It is easy to follow and provides a good starting point for writing your own essays.

They are over 100 fields of fun and exciting types of science including Biology, Archeology chemistry and SO much more. However, the one field of science that really fascinates me, is Astronomy. Ever since I was like six years old I was always so curios about our world, the other planets, black holes, and how things worked and formed in space, which is what really got me in to space. Then I realized there were types of scientist that study this particular branches of science, and they are called Astronomers. Astronomy is defined as the celestial objects, space, and the physical world as a whole. Astronomy is actually one of the OLDEST fields of science. Through out the years, people have utilized astronomy to learn about the universe, our own planet, and even make predictions about life its self. Understanding astronomy requires a great understanding of it’s origins, and the numerous groups and cultures that used it, which is why astronomers usually work for university’s or research institutions. In order to succeed in Astronomy you will need a PHD in physics and math, analytical thinking skills and the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning. Somethings that i find inserting about Astronomy is the physics behind it and like how things are formed/created, like stars, black holes, the Big-Bang theory, galaxy’s, and so much more. Last but mot least, Astronomy actually makes a huge deference in our would because with out Astronomers to build up theory’s and Laws, there is so much stuff that we would not know, and will be left a mystery. In addition, Even our ideas about the future of Earth were shaped by astronomers’ observations of the runaway global greenhouse effect on Venus — and what it meant for climate change on our own planet. We have also been exposed to Astronomy since birth as it determines our Zodiac signs.

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Free Printable Essay Outline Templates [PDF, Word] College +Example

Students of the 21st century have many problems to deal with. One of them is essay writing . Nowadays, students are given essay-writing assignments commonly. Also, they have become an essential part of standardized tests. Not only this, but essay writing has also become mandatory and a requirement for college applications. Consequently, it has become a critical part of students for academic success.

While writing an essay outline , you need to understand some basic things. First of all, it is important to understand that taking help from the essay outline templates available online can help a lot in writing an effective outline.

One can use its features to compose a detailed outline and plan their points properly. We have different types of essay outlines available on our main website. You can choose from any one of them. Use them to practice and write on your own.

Table of Contents

Essay Outline Templates

Essay outline templates are pre-structured guides designed to assist writers in organizing their thoughts, research, and ideas into a well-structured format. The outline serves as a framework that enables the writer to arrange their arguments and ideas coherently , with an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

It helps writers stay focused and on track while composing their essay, ensuring that they do not deviate from the main topic. Essay outline templates also help students and writers save time by providing them with a ready-made structure to follow , and it allows them to concentrate on the quality of their writing.

Essay Sections and Structure

Regardless of the subject and type of writing, the essays generally have an outline. When talking about English composition writing techniques, three main paragraphs are mentioned. The lengths of these paragraphs vary according to the topics covered:

Introduction paragraph:  This paragraph introduces the subject. The introductory paragraphs include a sentence called the thesis statement , which states our opinion on the subject. This section usually consists of a single paragraph, so the reader prepares for the idea.

Developmental paragraphs:  The part where all the arguments about the subject are given in general, and the subject is discussed in depth is the development paragraph. According to the text created by adhering to the draft of the article, it varies between 1-3 paragraphs, depending on the length of the examples mentioned.

Concluding paragraph (Conclusion): As the name suggests, this paragraph, which represents the last part of the article, should summarize the whole subject and usually consists of a single paragraph.

How to Write an Essay Outline?

One of the most important steps in writing an essay is to create an outline for that Essay. It is very important that you fully understand the essay’s subject before creating a draft. An essay can be expressed and thought through effectively, but it will be considered an ineffective text if it does not adequately answer the subject. While creating a draft for the essay you will write, it will be of great convenience for you to consider the following issues:

• What is the subject of the Essay?
• What is the word volume of Your Essay?
• What kind of research do you need to do to fully understand the topic?

After these stages, you have completed the first step of creating a draft for your Essay. The next step is to define a thesis statement that will guide your entire text. You can determine how your paper should progress and what information you want to include based on the thesis statement.

So, what is the topic you will cover in your Essay? Your thesis statement should be short but should include all the main lines of the topic you want to cover in your text. While writing your article, constantly look at your thesis statement and take care not to deviate from the main lines of the subject.

After creating the draft, you can start writing your text. In general, everyone starts writing an essay from the introduction paragraph. When writing an essay, starting with the opening paragraph is one of most people’s biggest mistakes. It will be a great advantage for you to start writing your Essay from the body paragraph. If you want your text to be fluent, you should write the introductory paragraph later. This way, you can fully formulate your thoughts and ideas and go back and integrate the main ideas with your introductory paragraph.

Types of Essay Outlines

• Argumentative Essay

In this type of article, you should defend your personal opinions on a specific topic and your reasons. In this type, you are given a specific topic or question and asked to write an article in which you defend your opinion.

• Compare and Contrast Essay

In this type of article, you are asked to write an article comparing two or more facts to be given to you. The similar aspects of both phenomena, their opposites, the points where they are better or worse than each other, and the subject headings that form the main lines of this article should be clear.

• Cause and Effect Essay

In this article, you are asked to discuss the causes and consequences of a phenomenon of this type and to present the reasons. For example, when a question such as “What should we do to protect endangered animals” is given, we should first talk about the extinct animals, discuss why they became extinct, and discuss the causes and consequences.

• Opinion Essay

To be successful in this type of article, you need to start by succinctly expressing your opinion from the beginning. After expressing your views clearly in the introductory paragraph, you should mention the reasons for your defense of this idea in the development section, give answers to possible defenses against this idea, and in the conclusion section, you should state your opinion by briefly repeating what you discussed.

• Advantage and Disadvantage Essay

In this type of article, you are asked to discuss the benefits and harms by discussing the positive and negative aspects of a certain topic. In such questions, presenting the benefits and harms in separate paragraphs, comparing them with each other in a third paragraph, and reaching a positive or negative conclusion about the topic will help you produce a regular and systematic article.

• Problem Solution Essay

In this type of article, you are asked to come up with a solution to a problem that occupies the agenda . For example: ‘How can we stop global warming?’ After a short evaluation of the causes and consequences of this problem, you can create a successful article by suggesting a solution to the subject.

• Process Essay

In this type of writing, you are expected to write an article that describes the stages of a certain event or a situation that developed in a certain period. For example, “How to make a cake.” Here, you are expected to express the process chronologically and comprehensively.

To write a better English Essay; You can create a skeleton that includes the outline of your article called “Outline” and gives brief information about your paragraphs, ask yourself questions like a reporter, and avoid typing the same words frequently by creating a word bank, use English conjunctions between sentences, read backward and review the semantic integrity of the article. You can pay attention to grammatical order and get an outside opinion.

How do you outline a college essay?

For a college essay outline, list experiences that convey your personality, values, and goals. Organize chronologically or by importance. Write key points for each experience. Outline any links between experiences. Close with plans for college and the future.

How do I write an outline for an essay?

Start with your thesis statement or main argument. List 3-5 major points to support it. Under each point, write 2-3 sub-points with supporting details/examples. Organize points logically. This creates a framework to build your essay around.

Should I include counterarguments in my essay outline?

Yes, addressing counterarguments shows you have considered alternative perspectives. Add a section to briefly acknowledge and refute counterclaims. This strengthens your own position.

What is the most important part of an essay outline?

The thesis statement is the most critical part of an outline. It conveys the main argument and provides focus for the entire essay. Body paragraphs should directly tie back to supporting the thesis.

What makes a strong essay outline?

A strong outline organizes ideas logically using topic sentences and transitions. It includes detailed supporting evidence and analysis. A strong outline allows you to write efficiently while staying focused. Review it to ensure ideas flow and build upon each other.

Who can help outline and write my essay ?

If you are looking for someone to assist you in writing an essay outline, there is a great solution to get it written from scratch by experts from custom writing services.

What is the standard 5 paragraph essay outline format?

A 5 paragraph essay outline has 3 body paragraphs. The format is:

• Introduction with thesis statement
• Body para 1 with main point 1
• Body para 2 with main point 2
• Body para 3 with main point 3
• Conclusion summarizing main points

What is the template for essay?

A basic essay template has:

• Introduction: Hook, background info, thesis
• Body para 1: Topic sentence, evidence, analysis
• Body para 2: Topic sentence, evidence, analysis
• Body para 3: Topic sentence, evidence, analysis
• Conclusion: Restate thesis, summarize main points

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You’re doing a fantastic process Man, Keep it up.

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4 Essay Outline Templates That Will Simplify Your Writing Process

Have you ever put together a piece of furniture (or maybe stood by and watched someone else do it)? The task was made a lot easier thanks to the instructions that came in the box. The piece of furniture didn't exactly build itself just because it came with instructions, but without these instructions the task would be nearly impossible to complete.

You can think of an outline for your essay kind of like a set of instructions. Although you still have to put in quite a bit of effort while you're building/writing it, the instructions will help guide you through the entire process so that you don't have to go in there completely blind.

An essay outline is especially helpful for those who are novice writers, but even the old pros use outlines. The prolific William Faulkner was known to use an outline, and he wrote a timeline out for his novel A Fable on his office walls , which can be still seen on display at his home Rowan Oak in Oxford, Mississippi. Now we're not advocating for anyone to write on their walls (sorry to all the moms out there!), but his method was effective because he was able to visualize his timeline and organize his writing around it.

When you are assigned an essay, you might be tempted to wait until the last minute and just write something out really quickly. But without a concrete plan or knowing what it is that you're going to say, you might find yourself hovering over a computer with a blank page and a blinking cursor in the middle of the night. Nobody wants to be in that position, so let's aim to plan ahead, shall we?

Why you should use an outline for everything you write

Have you ever heard the phrase "great ideas take time"? No amazing writer in the history of the universe just started typing one day and then had his or her writing magically turned into a book. Great writing requires great planning. Even if a writer didn't physically write down her timeline, she had a general idea of what she was going to write about before she started typing. Of course, there is such a thing as being inspired and acting on that inspiration (but let's be honest, your history essay isn't probably going to spark that kind of creativity in you).

So, because we are writing a very structured piece with a somewhat predictable layout, it's always best to use an outline. After you do your required research for your topic, an outline will help you to keep all of the points you want to make organized so that you don't skip any important pieces of information and so you can stay on track.

How do you write an outline?

The beauty of an outline is that no one will be seeing your outline — unless, of course, your teacher is making you turn it in beforehand so that he or she can review it before you turn in your paper. However, even if your teacher is reviewing the outline before you turn in your essay, it's doubtful that he or she will grade too harshly on how you organize your thoughts. The main idea is that your teacher wants to see that you're putting in some thought before you write the essay.

Because there's not as much pressure to make an outline sound "nice" and be grammatically correct, you can get out your thoughts quicker and easier. You can use a piece of scratch paper for an outline and just jot down a few points or you can get really intricate by creating a writing outline on the computer. Whatever way you want to write your outline is fine — just make sure you're doing it. Generally, in an outline you will need to have an idea of what your thesis statement will be, how your body paragraphs will support your thesis statement, and how you are going to wrap everything up in a conclusion at the end.

Still a little unsure of how to start? We've provided some examples below of what an outline will look like for a few different types of essays. Remember that these outlines are just samples. They aren't necessarily something set in stone that you can't adapt for your particular assignment or idea.

The argumentative essay

The argumentative essay is as old as writing is. The idea of an argumentative is — you guessed it — to establish an argument and provide evidence of why your claim is correct . You will collect evidence in defense of your argument and evaluate it.

Here is a sample of what an argumentative essay outline might look like:

• General background information about your topic
• Thesis statement
• Supporting fact
• Your response to this claim
• Reiterate arguments made in thesis statement
• Why this essay matters (ideas for future research, why it's especially relevant now, possible applications, etc.)

Expository essay outline

Expository essays often get confused with argumentative essays, but the main difference is that the writer's opinions and emotions are completely left out of an expository essay. The objective of an expository essay is to investigate a topic and present an argument in an unbiased way, but to still arrive at a conclusion. Because of this subtle difference, it's important to have a solid outline to get you started on your writing.

• The presentation of the topic
• Your thesis statement
• Supporting evidence
• Transition sentence
• Reiterate the points with an overview of the main points you discussed throughout the paper.
• Offer solutions, insight into why this topic matters, and what future topics could be expanded upon in a future paper.

Reflective essay outline

Reflective papers are a fun exercise where you get to write about a particular experience in your life and to discuss what lessons you learned from it. First-person essays are a really popular genre right now and are designed to make people from all different backgrounds reflect on a common human experience like receiving your first kiss, failing at something, or triumphing over obstacles. Because reflective essays are a little bit less rigid writing than a traditional classroom essay, the structure is definitely not set in stone. Feel free to play around with what makes sense for your particular story and experience.

• A really great hook that will have the audience want to keep reading on (an example from the great writer David Sedaris , I always told myself that when I hit fifty I was going to discover opera, not just casually but full force: studying the composers, learning Italian, maybe even buying a cape.
• A brief little tease of what the story is going to be about. You'll probably need one to two sentences tops.
• What happened initially?
• Who were the key players?
• What obstacle did you have to overcome?
• Describe the obstacle/problem in more detail
• What role did the key players have?
• What happened at the end?
• Was everything tied up neatly or not?
• Summary of the events
• What lesson did you learn? Or, maybe, what was the lesson you learned much later on in life?

Compare and contrast essay outline

We compare and contrast things all the time in "real" life. We analyze what kind of healthcare plan we want, what major to pick, what phone we want, what career we want to pursue, etc. Having the skills to analyze two (or more) items and discovering what the facts are about them so that you can make an educated decision on which to pick are pretty crucial.

A compare and contrast essay gives us the building blocks to understand how to make these decisions with real-life applications — and they can be pretty fun too. Although these compare and contrast essays don't have as complicated of a structure as an expository or an argumentative essay, it's still important to plan out how you're going to tackle this type of essay. Here's an idea of what a compare and contrast outline might look like:

• A brief introduction to the topic and what Point A and Point B are
• Your thesis statement (which will contain some sort of equivalence or dissonance between Point A and Point B)
• Claim 1 about Point A
• Claim 2 about Point A
• Claim 3 about Point A
• Claim 1 about Point B
• Claim 2 about Point B
• Claim 3 about Point B
• What is similar between these two points?
• What is dissimilar?
• What comparisons can be made?
• What conclusions can we draw about comparing these two points?
• Any further research required or suggested for the future?
• Is there a third thing that we should be comparing these two points to?

Need help with your outline?

If after reviewing these guidelines or examining these sample outlines you're still a little bit unsure about how to incorporate an outline into your particular essay, be sure to ask your instructor for more guidance.

And, if you need another pair of eyes to look over your paper after it's been written, be sure to check out the services of our professional editors. Our expert editors can help you to polish up your paper, ensure that all of your citations have been made according to the style guide, and give you direction if the essay needs to be revised or rearranged in any way.

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Informative Essay Guide

Informative Essay Outline

Last updated on: Jun 20, 2023

Learn How to Create an Informative Essay Outline

By: Jared P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Jun 1, 2021

An informative essay is written to educate readers on a particular topic. This type of essay can be written for several purposes, such as defining a term or comparing and contrasting something. This type of essay doesn’t require your opinion on the topic.

The purpose of writing an informative essay is to educate others on a certain topic. You should not express your opinion and do not try to persuade others to take a certain action.

If you are writing an informative essay for the first time, better create an outline first. The informative essay outline will help you structure your essay in the best way possible.

In this blog, you will learn about the basic rules for creating an informative essay outline. These guidelines and a sample outline are designed to help students get started with their projects successfully.

On this Page

What is an Informative Essay Outline?

An informative essay outline is like a checklist or action plan that you need to complete. The outline helps the writer not to lose focus while working on the essay. Creating an outline is not necessary, but expert writers recommend it. An outline is the only way not to get lost in the middle of the writing process.

The purpose of an outline for an informative essay is to highlight ideas that you want to include in your essay.

Writing an outline is important because of the basic structure that it provides. In addition, the outline should contain some specific details regarding the layout of the essay. Creating an outline prior to the essay writing process is the key to writing a successful essay.

Outline Your Way to Writing Excellence!

How to Write an Informative Essay Outline?

The layout of an informative essay is similar to other types of academic essays. These include argumentative essays, persuasive essays, narrative essays, etc.

The outline for an informative essay should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Understanding what to include in each part of the informative essay is very important for a successful informative essay.

Informative Essay Introduction

Any idea how to start an informative essay?

Remember this is the section where you need to introduce your topic and provide a thesis statement. In a few lines, introduce the topic you are writing your essay on and provide some background information.

The introduction should end with a strong thesis statement. This statement should tell the audience what direction your essay is going to take. Therefore, make sure the thesis statement is brief, clear, and concise.

Tips for Writing an Effective Introduction:

• Make sure to narrow down the scope of your essay.
• There must be a connection between your introduction and thesis statement.
• Hook your readers at the start of your introductory paragraph.

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Informative Essay Body Paragraphs

The main body of an informative essay is usually composed of three paragraphs. There are two things that you should consider while composing the body paragraphs of an informative essay. One is the target point, and the second is supporting facts.

Each body paragraph of an informative essay should begin with an idea (topic sentence). This is one sentence statement on which the whole paragraph will be based on. This statement must be in cohesion with the thesis statement written in the introductory paragraph.

After that, provide supporting evidence from the most credible sources. The evidence you provide must relate to your main target point. Don’t forget to quote sources and properly cite information to avoid plagiarism.

At the end of each body paragraph, summarize your points and explain their relevance to the thesis statement. Effective body paragraphs for an informative essay depend on the following points.

• Making a claim
• Evidence in support of the claim
• Provide an explanation in the last

The informative essay can have more than three body paragraphs depending upon the chosen topic.

Tips for Effective Body Paragraphs:

• Do not provide your opinion or point of view on the topic.
• Completely rely on facts and research.
• Discuss the strongest point in the first body paragraph.
• Don’t forget to use transition words for a smooth flow of information in your body paragraphs.

Informative Essay Conclusion

This is the last part where you need to wrap up your information. Begin the conclusion by restating the thesis statement. After that, write about your major arguments and their purpose. The goal of the conclusion is to provide the reason for your informative essay and its importance in the real world.

The conclusion should describe the purpose of your informative essay and what it means for your readers. You should summarize your key arguments and provide a strong closing statement to summarize all your key points.

Tips for a Strong Conclusion:

• Highlight the key points of your argument.
• Do not introduce any new ideas in the conclusion.
• Restate the thesis in other similar words and terms.

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Informative Essay Outline Template Free

Most of the essay outline contain the same elements. But each essay outline has particular points that you need to focus on. It is important to be well-aware of the distinctive features to come up with a good informative paper.

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE ELEMENTARY

5Th TO 8TH GRADE INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE TEMPLATE

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE TEMPLATE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE HIGH SCHOOL

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Informative Essay Outline Example

Wondering where you can get free informative essay outline examples? Having a well-written example in hand will help you in coming up with successful work. You can easily find many informative essay examples online for your help.

5 PARAGRAPH INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE

Sample Informative Essay Outline

Hopefully, the above guidelines and examples help you in writing a great informative essay. However, informative writing is sometimes not easy, especially when you are working on an unfamiliar topic.

In this situation, it is better to get help from professional writers. At 5StarEssays.com, we provide the best ‘ do my essay paper ’ help to students struggling with their academic papers.

Our essay writers can help you create high-quality essays and research papers in no time. To get the best custom essay writing help, all you need is to contact us and hire our essay writer.

Whether you need help with your informative essay topic or with the complete writing process, we can help.

Place your order now and get the best essay writing help from professionals.

Masters Essay, Literature

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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How to Deal with College Essay Outline? 5 Templates for Better Writing

Practice shows that outlining an essay often seems difficult for students. Do you also have problems with the outline for an essay? Let’s figure it out together! From this article you will understand why you need to make a good outline, take a look at good and bad outline examples and find 5 prewritten college essay outline templates. Enjoy!

Why Do I Need to Create an Outline For My College Essay?

Many students don’t know how to produce a well-structured essay outline and, moreover, they often don’t understand why they should do it. We will try to explain it. To begin with, what is the definition of essay outline? It is a framework that presents main and minor ideas of your essay in a structured way. There are many benefits for those students, who want to learn how to produce a good essay outline:

• It adds value to your essay as your readers will be able to understand more quickly what your main ideas are, which arguments you will use and how they are connected in your essay.
• Outlining an essay will make a writing process much easier for you. You will always be able to remember which things you need to mention in your essay and how to make transitions between arguments.

How Essay Outline Should Look Like? Good Essay Outline Templates and Examples

Good outline should be complete and include all the main ideas of your essay, but at the same time you should keep it to the point. Long outlines will not bring value for you and for your readers. Outlines presented below can give you an idea of how good and bad outlines should look like. As you see, the outline on the left is well-planned and it is clear which arguments the author will use to support the position and how he will terminate the essay. The outline on the right is general and does not give an idea of what will be covered in the paper.

Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Introduction

• Attract attention to your topic (make sure that the topic is relevant, doubt a well-known fact, provide quotation relevant to the theme)
• State different points of view
• Explain why you are interested in the topic (optional)
• State your position clearly
• Provide general information on your topic (optional)
• State figures, facts, trustworthy opinion, personal experience that could justify your point
• Elaborate it, explain how fact/figure/opinion you provided help to prove your position stated in introduction
• Elaborate it, explain how facts/figures/opinions you provided help to prove your position stated in introduction
• Restate your position in other words
• Summarize arguments
• Final statement – quotation, show which particular aspect of essay topic should be analyzed

5 Paragraph Essay Template Printable

First Paragraph (Introduction)

• Overview of the topic
• Explain which opinions exist
• Express your position clearly

Second Paragraph (Background)

• Review existing articles and reading materials on the question,

Third Paragraph (Support)

• Provide a claim in favor of your position
• Explain how it supports your position
• Summarize it briefly

Fourth Paragraph (Opponents arguments)

Opposing Argument 1

• Provide a claim that contradicts your position
• Explain why it is a weak statement
• Make a conclusion in favor of your position

Opposing Argument 2

• Explain why it is a weak argument

Fifth Paragraph (Conclusion)

• Briefly summarize all the arguments in third paragraph
• Explain why the issue covered is important

College essay outline template

Introductory Paragraph

• Make a statement that reflect the topic main idea
• State subtopic 1 (one sentence)
• State subtopic 2 (one sentence)
• State subtopic 3 (one sentence)

Supporting fact, opinion or detail

• Synthesis of all mentioned facts
• Underline the progression of evidences on the topic
• Explain how topic could be elaborated

Research paper outline template

• Way of attracting readers’ attention
• Thesis statement
• Main aspect of your theme
• Restate main statement
• Summarize main aspects of the topic
• Underline relevance of a research
• State how topic could be researched further

Methods used (optional)

Template for an informative essay

• General facts about the topic/Relevant definition/Relevance of the issue
• State the position on the question you will cover

Paragraph 1

• Explain how the paragraph will help to elaborate the main idea
• Provide the complete analysis
• Connection to the next paragraph

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

• Connection to the conclusion
• Review main ideas
• Call to further develop the question

Good luck with your studies and never ignore the importance of the outline!

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Essay outline template – 12+ free word, pdf format download.

Do you have to complete an essay assigned by your college? Well, before you start to write down the actual draft, you should be careful to follow a blank outline template for essay. The outline will assure consistency for your paper so that you never lose out on the main points and their appropriate transitions. The outline will render a structure framing for the essay.

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