How to write an essay outline

Published on August 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield. Revised on January 8, 2021.

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.

You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate assignment before you start writing an essay—but even if you don't have to hand one in, it's a good idea to create an outline as part of your writing process.

Organizing your material

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?

Presentation of the outline

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.

Essay outline template

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.

What can proofreading do for your paper?

Scribbr editors not only correct grammar and spelling mistakes, but also strengthen your writing by making sure your paper is free of vague language, redundant words and awkward phrasing.

See editing example

Examples of essay outlines

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.

Argumentative essay outline

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.

Expository essay outline

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.

Literary analysis essay outline

Frequently asked questions about essay outlines

When do I need to write an essay outline?

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.

Should I use full sentences in my essay outline?

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.

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