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What is an Outline Worksheet?

As a student, writing essays is an essential part of your academic journey. From research essays to argumentative essays, writing a well-organized and well-thought-out essay can be a daunting task. That's where essay outlines come in. Essay outlines are a crucial step in the writing process that helps students organize their thoughts, formulate a clear idea, create a central point, and ensure that all the points they want to make are covered when they start writing. Many research papers and other kinds of expository writing require an outline in order to highlight the key ideas that the student will be covering in their paper.

Why are Outline Worksheets Important and How are They Best Used?

Creating an outline is an essential component of the writing process, particularly when it comes to research and term papers. While it is true that some teachers no longer require students to produce outlines for academic writing, it is still a vital tool for ensuring that students stay on track and organized throughout their writing. There are a variety of resources available to teach students who are unsure of how to create an one, including outlining worksheets that offer step-by-step guidance. Essay outline makers and creators are also available online to assist students with creating an effective outline.

A research essay outline, or an informative essay outline, is particularly important as it serves as a roadmap for the writer, helping them to identify and organize their thoughts, research, and ideas into a clear and concise structure. A research outline example can be found online or provided by the teacher, and serves as a useful reference for students who are just starting out. A well-crafted plan provides a detailed explanation of the paper's focus and direction, and helps the writer to craft a strong statement, choose relevant examples, and form a strong conclusion.

Outlines can be particularly useful for teaching students the fundamentals of how to write essays, including the five-paragraph essay structure, the literary analysis essay, and the history essay. A graphic organizer can be a great tool for visual learners, helping them to organize their own thoughts and ideas in a clear and logical way. By emphasizing the importance of outlining and providing detailed instruction, teachers can help their students develop strong writing skills and achieve academic success.

Writing the Perfect Outline Template

An essay template is a helpful tool for students who are struggling to organize their thoughts and ideas as they begin writing. Using an essay outline template can help you create a well-structured essay that flows logically from one point to the next.

There are different types of essay outline templates, including research paper outline examples, thesis outlines, story outline templates, and more. Choosing the right essay outline template for your assignment can be the first step towards a successful essay.

How to Make an Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making worksheet may seem like an extra step, but it can save you time and effort in the long run. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay outline:

• Choose a Topic: Before you can make an outline, you need to know what you want to write about.
• Identify the Central Point: Your central point is the main idea or argument that your essay will revolve around.
• Create a Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state your central idea.
• Organize Key Points: Organize your key points into supporting points that will be covered in your body paragraphs.
• Add Supporting Evidence: Add supporting evidence for each supporting point.
• Write Topic Sentences: Write topic sentences for each body paragraph that will connect your supporting points to your central point. Be sure these are complete, full sentences.
• Add Supporting Details: Add supporting details to each body paragraph for more detail.
• Write a Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement.

Essay Outline Worksheets: Free Resources to Help Students Learn

Teaching students how to create effective essay outlines can be challenging, but worksheets can help; they are free resources that provide students with step-by-step guidance on creating a perfect outline.

Using essay outline worksheets can help students learn how to organize their thoughts, develop a strong central point, and create well-supported body paragraphs. There are different types of essay outline worksheets available, including cause and effect essays, contrast essay outlines, rhetorical analysis essay outlines, narrative essay outlines, persuasive essay outlines, informative essay outlines, expository essay outlines, and more.

Argumentative Essay Outline: The Key to Writing a Winning Argument

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that requires the writer to take a position on a topic and provide evidence to support that position. Writing an argumentative essay requires a strong central point, well-supported body paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion.

An argumentative essay outline can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all the points you want to make for your arguments. An argumentative essay outline typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs that cover key points and supporting evidence, and a conclusion.

Argumentative Essay Outline Example

Introduction.

• Hook: Start with a catchy statement that grabs the reader's attention.
• Background Information: Provide context and background information on the topic.
• Thesis Statement: State the central point of your argument.

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic Sentence: Introduce the first supporting point for your argument.
• Supporting Evidence: Provide evidence to back up your point.
• Analysis: Analyze the evidence and explain how it supports your argument.
• Transition: Connect your point to the next paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

Body paragraph 3, counter argument paragraph.

• Acknowledge the opposing viewpoint and provide counterarguments.
• Supporting Evidence: Provide evidence to back up your counterarguments.
• Analysis: Analyze the evidence and explain how it refutes the opposing viewpoint.
• Restate Thesis: Restate your thesis statement in a new way.
• Summarize Main Points: Summarize the main points you made in the body paragraphs.
• Call to Action: End with a call to action or final thought.

Research Essay Outline

A research essay outline is a tool that can help students stay organized and focused while conducting research and writing their essay. It serves as a roadmap that guides the writer through the research process, ensuring that they cover all the necessary information while staying on topic. It typically includes the central point of the essay (the thesis statement), topic sentences for each body paragraph, and supporting points and evidence that back up the writer's argument.

How to Make an Outline Worksheet

Choose one of the premade templates.

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From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!

Even More Storyboard That Resources and Free Printables

• Persuasive Essay Maker
• Scaffolding for an Essay
• Creative Writing Worksheets
• Critical Analysis Essay Outlines
• Multi-Paragraph Essay Templates

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Frequently Asked Questions About Outline Worksheets

What is an outline worksheet, and why is it essential for students in the classroom.

An outline worksheet is a tool that helps students organize their thoughts and ideas before writing. It helps them stay on topic, ensure that all necessary information is included, and maintain a clear and logical structure for their writing. It is essential for students because it can make the writing process less daunting and more manageable, helping them produce more effective and well-organized written work.

What types of writing assignments are outline worksheets most helpful for?

Outline worksheets are helpful for any type of writing assignment, from short essays to longer research papers. They can be especially helpful for assignments that require students to develop a clear argument or thesis statement, as they help students organize their ideas and supporting evidence in a logical and coherent way.

How can teachers incorporate outline worksheets into their lesson plans effectively?

Teachers can incorporate outline worksheets into their lesson plans effectively by introducing them early in the writing process and using them consistently throughout the assignment. They can also provide guidance and feedback on students' outlines, helping them refine their ideas and develop a more effective writing structure.

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• How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples

How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples

Published on August 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold.

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Table of contents

Organizing your material, presentation of the outline, examples of essay outlines, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay outlines.

At the stage where you’re writing an essay outline, your ideas are probably still not fully formed. You should know your topic  and have already done some preliminary research to find relevant sources , but now you need to shape your ideas into a structured argument.

Creating categories

Look over any information, quotes and ideas you’ve noted down from your research and consider the central point you want to make in the essay—this will be the basis of your thesis statement . Once you have an idea of your overall argument, you can begin to organize your material in a way that serves that argument.

Try to arrange your material into categories related to different aspects of your argument. If you’re writing about a literary text, you might group your ideas into themes; in a history essay, it might be several key trends or turning points from the period you’re discussing.

Three main themes or subjects is a common structure for essays. Depending on the length of the essay, you could split the themes into three body paragraphs, or three longer sections with several paragraphs covering each theme.

As you create the outline, look critically at your categories and points: Are any of them irrelevant or redundant? Make sure every topic you cover is clearly related to your thesis statement.

Order of information

When you have your material organized into several categories, consider what order they should appear in.

Your essay will always begin and end with an introduction and conclusion , but the organization of the body is up to you.

Consider these questions to order your material:

• Is there an obvious starting point for your argument?
• Is there one subject that provides an easy transition into another?
• Do some points need to be set up by discussing other points first?

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Within each paragraph, you’ll discuss a single idea related to your overall topic or argument, using several points of evidence or analysis to do so.

In your outline, you present these points as a few short numbered sentences or phrases.They can be split into sub-points when more detail is needed.

The template below shows how you might structure an outline for a five-paragraph essay.

• Thesis statement
• First piece of evidence
• Second piece of evidence
• Summary/synthesis
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement

You can choose whether to write your outline in full sentences or short phrases. Be consistent in your choice; don’t randomly write some points as full sentences and others as short phrases.

Examples of outlines for different types of essays are presented below: an argumentative, expository, and literary analysis essay.

Argumentative essay outline

This outline is for a short argumentative essay evaluating the internet’s impact on education. It uses short phrases to summarize each point.

Its body is split into three paragraphs, each presenting arguments about a different aspect of the internet’s effects on education.

• Importance of the internet
• Concerns about internet use
• Thesis statement: Internet use a net positive
• Data exploring this effect
• Analysis indicating it is overstated
• Students’ reading levels over time
• Why this data is questionable
• Video media
• Interactive media
• Speed and simplicity of online research
• Questions about reliability (transitioning into next topic)
• Evidence indicating its ubiquity
• Claims that it discourages engagement with academic writing
• Evidence that Wikipedia warns students not to cite it
• Argument that it introduces students to citation
• Summary of key points
• Value of digital education for students
• Need for optimism to embrace advantages of the internet

Expository essay outline

This is the outline for an expository essay describing how the invention of the printing press affected life and politics in Europe.

The paragraphs are still summarized in short phrases here, but individual points are described with full sentences.

• Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages.
• Provide background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press.
• Present the thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
• Discuss the very high levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe.
• Describe how literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites.
• Indicate how this discouraged political and religious change.
• Describe the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
• Show the implications of the new technology for book production.
• Describe the rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible.
• Link to the Reformation.
• Discuss the trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention.
• Describe Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation.
• Sketch out the large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics.
• Summarize the history described.
• Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period.

Literary analysis essay outline

The literary analysis essay outlined below discusses the role of theater in Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park .

The body of the essay is divided into three different themes, each of which is explored through examples from the book.

• Describe the theatricality of Austen’s works
• Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
• Introduce the research question : How does Austen use theater to express the characters’ morality in Mansfield Park ?
• Discuss Austen’s depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
• Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
• Introduce Austen’s use of stage direction–like details during dialogue
• Explore how these are deployed to show the characters’ self-absorption
• Discuss Austen’s description of Maria and Julia’s relationship as polite but affectionless
• Compare Mrs. Norris’s self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
• Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
• Answer the research question
• Indicate areas for further study

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You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.

Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . It’s a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.

If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If you’re not sure, ask your supervisor.

When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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How to Write an Essay Outline: Examples, FAQs & Tips

An essay outline is a structured plan that organizes the main points and supporting details of an essay before writing. It guides the flow of ideas and ensures that each section of the essay is logically connected and coherent.

In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to build a strong essay outline. You'll discover how to define your thesis, arrange your main points, and structure your outline for clarity and effectiveness. If you're still having trouble putting your outline together after reading this, EssayService can provide expert help to make sure your essay is well-structured and persuasive!

Basic Elements of an Essay

An essay begins with an introduction, which is followed by one or more body paragraphs that expand on the points introduced. It ends with a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the main ideas from the body paragraphs.

Introduction

The introduction of an essay introduces the topic and engages the reader from the start. It usually starts with a hook—a statement or question that grabs attention. After the hook, some background information is given to provide context for the topic.

The introduction ends with a thesis statement, which clearly presents the main argument or purpose of the essay. This section not only introduces the topic but also outlines what the essay will cover, setting the tone for what follows.

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Don't try to cover too much ground in your introduction.
• Avoid vagueness. Be specific and precise in your language.

Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay is where your main ideas and arguments take shape. Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point. This is followed by supporting details like evidence, examples, and analysis that back up the topic sentence.

Smooth transitions between paragraphs are key to maintaining a logical flow throughout the essay. Together, the body paragraphs build and support the thesis by adding depth and detail to your argument.

Remember these tips for effective body paragraphs:

• Begin each paragraph with a clear and concise topic sentence.
• Use specific examples, facts, or quotes to support your point.
• Explain why the evidence is important and how it relates to your argument.

The conclusion of an essay wraps up the argument and reinforces the thesis. It usually starts by restating the thesis and reflecting on the discussion and evidence presented in the body paragraphs. A brief summary of the main points follows, highlighting the key arguments made throughout the essay.

The conclusion should close with a final thought or call to action, leaving the reader with something to think about or a sense of closure. The aim is to make a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of the essay's conclusions.

Remember these tips:

• Briefly recap the key arguments you've made.
• Leave the reader with a thought-provoking final sentence or a call to action.
• Don't introduce any new ideas or arguments in your conclusion.

How to Write an Essay Outline?

Now, let's dive into the heart of this article and show you how to write an essay outline in just four smart steps:

• Determining your thesis and key arguments
• Organizing points into sections
• Adding supporting details
• Drafting a rough outline

Determine Your Thesis and Key Arguments

Your thesis should present a specific point of view or a central idea that your essay will support or explore. Here's how to identify your thesis:

• Ask a question: What is the main point you want to convey?
• Brainstorm: Jot down ideas related to your topic.
• Refine your ideas: Narrow down your focus and develop a clear argument.

Once you have your thesis, identify the main points that support it. These points should be logical, relevant, and comprehensive.

• Divide your thesis: Break down your thesis into its key components.
• Create a mind map: Visually organize your ideas.
• Ask yourself questions: What are the main reasons for your argument? What evidence supports your claims?

Group Main Ideas into Sections

The best way to organize your main points when writing an essay outline depends on the specific topic and purpose of your essay. Experiment with different arrangements to find the one that works best for you. Here are some strategies for organizing your main points:

Add Details to Each Main Idea

When working on your essay outline, remember to choose supporting details that are relevant, specific, and convincing. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your arguments will be. Consider these tips for developing supporting details for each one.

• Provide examples: "For example, the Great Depression led to a significant increase in homelessness and poverty."
• Cite expert opinions: "As the renowned historian, Eric Hobsbawm, once said, 'The French Revolution was a watershed moment in European history.'"
• Make comparisons and contrasts: "While both cats and dogs make excellent pets, cats are generally more independent, while dogs are more social."
• Offer definitions: "A democracy is a form of government in which the people have the power to elect their leaders."

Make a Rough Outline

Once you've developed supporting details for each main point, you're ready to create a draft outline. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you through the writing process.

Here's a basic outline template:

• Background information
• Thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence
• Supporting detail 1
• Supporting detail 2
• Supporting detail 3

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

• Restate thesis
• Summarize key points
• Final thought

Remember to:

• Use consistent formatting: Indent supporting details.
• Label sections clearly: Use Roman numerals for main points and letters for supporting details.
• Be flexible: Adjust your outline as needed to accommodate new ideas or changes in your argument.

Essay Outline Examples

Now that you have an understanding of the basic structure of an essay outline let's explore some specific examples tailored to different essay genres. Remember, these are just templates, and you should feel free to adapt each essay outline example to fit your unique needs and writing style.

Argumentative Essay Outline

I. Introduction

• Hook: A captivating opening sentence to grab the reader's attention.
• Background information: Relevant context to the topic.
• Thesis statement: A clear and concise statement of your argument.

II. Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence: The main point of this paragraph.
• Supporting evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to support your argument.
• Explanation: Analysis of the evidence and its relevance to your thesis.

III. Body Paragraph 2

• Topic sentence: The second main point of your argument.
• Supporting evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions.

IV. Body Paragraph 3

• Topic sentence: The third main point of your argument.

V. Counterargument

• Acknowledge opposing viewpoint: Briefly mention a counterargument.
• Refute counterargument: Provide evidence or reasoning to disprove the opposing viewpoint.

VI. Conclusion

• Restate thesis: Reiterate your main argument.
• Summarize key points: Briefly recap the main supporting points.
• Final thought: Leave the reader with a memorable and impactful statement.

Expository Essay Outline

• A. Hook: Start with an engaging statement or fact to grab the reader's attention.
• B. Background Information: Provide context or background information necessary for understanding the topic.
• C. Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main point or purpose of the essay.
• A. Topic Sentence: Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the first point.
• C. Evidence/Example: Include evidence or examples to support the explanation.
• D. Analysis: Explain how the evidence or example supports the topic sentence.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the second point.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the third point.

V. Conclusion

• A. Restate Thesis: Restate the thesis in a new way, summarizing the main points of the essay.
• B. Summary of Main Points: Briefly summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• C. Final Thought: End with a concluding statement that reinforces the significance of the topic or provides a closing thought.

Persuasive Essays Outline

• Background information: Provide context or history related to your topic.
• Thesis statement: Clearly state your argument or position.
• Main argument: Present your strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Supporting evidence: Use facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to back up your argument.
• Counterargument: Briefly acknowledge an opposing viewpoint.
• Rebuttal: Refute the counterargument with evidence or reasoning.
• Main argument: Present your second strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Main argument: Present your third strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Restate thesis: Briefly rephrase your argument.
• Summarize key points: Recap the main supporting arguments.
• Call to action: Encourage the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint.

Final Words

As we sum up this article, let's recap the main steps for writing an outline:

• Determine the main argument or purpose of your essay.
• Break down your thesis into key ideas or arguments.
• Group related ideas together under clear headings.
• Include evidence, examples, and explanations for each main point.
• Arrange everything in a logical order, ensuring a smooth flow from one section to the next.

To ensure your writing is well-structured and effective, rely on EssayService, which is here to help with any type of essay.

Frequently asked questions

• Linford, J. (2014). Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose What Is an Outline? How Do I Develop an Outline? https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Essay%20Planning%20-%20Outlining.pdf
• ‌ Writing an Outline for your essay | MacOdrum Library . (n.d.). Library.carleton.ca . https://library.carleton.ca/guides/help/writing-outline-your-essay

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