An essay outline is probably the most important friend you will have while writing your essay. It is the scaffolding of your paper and the skeleton of your ideas. It is the framework by which you will write a killer essay. And frankly, it is difficult to write one without an outline.

When you begin writing an essay outline, use the following model as a guide:

I. INTRODUCTION:

• Thesis:_____________________________________________________.

  II. BODY PARAGRAPH 1:

• Opening Sentence:___________________________________________.

• Detail 1:____________________________________________________.

• Detail 2:____________________________________________________.

• Detail 3:____________________________________________________.

  III. BODY PARAGRAPH II:

• Transition/Opening Sentence:_________________________________.

• Detail 1:____________________________________________________.

• Detail 2:____________________________________________________.

• Detail 3:____________________________________________________.

  IV. BODY PARAGRAPH III:

• Transition/Opening Sentence:_________________________________.

• Detail 1:____________________________________________________.

• Detail 2:____________________________________________________.

• Detail 3:____________________________________________________.

  V. BODY PARAGRAPH IV:

• Transition/Opening Sentence:_________________________________.

• Detail 1:____________________________________________________.

• Detail 2:____________________________________________________.

• Detail 3:____________________________________________________.

  VI. CONCLUSION:

• Reconfirmed Thesis:_________________________________________.

If you use this rough guide and fill in the blanks as you are researching your essay, you will find writing the essay so simple. You have all you need in front of you. It is researched and organized. All you have to do now is fill in the blanks with transition words and smooth language.