Structure of an Essay: Outline

Five Writing Steps:

1. For the introduction, write the thesis statement and give some background information.
2. Develop each supporting paragraph and make sure to follow the correct paragraph format.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
4. Focus on the main idea of your essay.
5. Use a dictionary to help you find additional words to express your meaning.

I.  Introduction

• Introductory statements
• Thesis statement
• Introduce supporting ideas (optional)

II. Body

• First supporting idea

                    Transition, topic sentence

                    Discussion, examples, and analysis

                    Conclusion (optional)

• Second supporting idea

                    Transition, topic sentence

                    Discussion, examples, and analysis

                    Conclusion (optional)

• Third supporting idea

                    Transition, topic sentence

                    Discussion, examples, and analysis

                    Conclusion (optional)

III. Conclusion

• Transition, statement reflecting back on thesis
• Restate key points
• Ending statement that provokes thought (optional)

Outline for a Five-Paragraph Essay