Creating an Outline -- an integral part of the pre-writing process

                                            

Once you have written your thesis statement,  it is time to start planning and organizing the essay, and collecting the support for your argument.    You can't begin doing your main research until you know the type of support you need.  (Or at least,  you shouldn't unless you want to waste your time and effort.)

An outline is an integral part of the pre-writing process.   The key word to notice here is "process", as opposed to "product".  Process is fluid, not static.    Just because you have written an outline as part of your writing plan,  doesn't mean you can't change it.   Plans are meant to be changed; they should not be straitjackets that fully restrict us.   They are a planning tool.


Two primary benefits of an outline are that:

1. You can build and  see the support for your thesis
2. You can see the logic of your argument

An outline exists in a middle state between structure and creativity.  Its focus ought to be on ideas and their organization.    It follows from brainstorming and precedes the written essay constrained by issues of grammar, vocabulary and style.   You should not be worried about these latter issues when working on an outline.

Your outline should also help you better plan your time as you write your essay.   For example,  you may spend one day on one section of the outline (i.e.  one of the paragraphs or sections) and another day on another section.     

Here is a good template for a typical 5 paragraph essay.

(Source:   https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/sites/default/files/global/documents/library/essay_outline_worksheet.pdf

Here is a blank template you can use:

Here is the same essential structure in a more graphic format:

Here is another graphic template you might want to use:

If your teacher asks you to hand in a formal outline using Roman Numerals,  here is what one looks like:

The Purdue OWL: Sample Outlines



How detailed your outline is depends on its purpose.   Are you submitting it to your teacher,  or is it only for your own use?       If it is for the writer only,  then point form will be enough.


Here are some web resources that will be helpful for preparing an outline.  


9 Different Types of Outlines for 9 Different Types of Essays