Making an Outline

A Plan That Builds an Essay

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© 2001 by Ruth Luman

References
 Introduction
What is an outline ?
Before you begin writing the first
draft of your essay, it is best to make
an outline. An outline is a general
plan of what you are going to write.
You can compare making an outline
to drawing plans to build a house.
Before one begins to build a house, it
is best to draw up plans to make sure
that a house is built in the way you
want. The same is true with writing
an essay and making an outline.
 Introduction
The Benefits of an Outline
An outline of an essay can be very helpful for two
reasons:
 An outline will help make your essay more
organized. A careful plan will help your body
paragraphs stay focused on the ideas in your
thesis statement.

 An outline saves time for writers. Preparing an

outline can take time, but when you are finished,
you will be able to write the rough draft of your
essay more quickly than if you didn’t have an
outline.
 Example
Outline
Here is an example of how a blank outline might look:
Essay Outline

III. Introduction Thesis: _____________________

V. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _____________

A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea
III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: ____________
A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea
IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: ____________
A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea
V. Conclusion
 The Process
Making an Outline
In a formal outline, Essay Outline

Roman numerals can I. Introduction Thesis: ____________________

be used to represent
II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _________
paragraphs. Capital A. supporting idea
letters can be used to B. supporting idea

represent supporting III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: _________

A. supporting idea
details for the B. supporting idea
paragraphs. IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: _________

Click here to see a A. supporting idea

B. supporting idea
list of Roman
numerals. V. Conclusion
 The Process
Thesis Statement
To begin an outline, you need to start with your thesis
statement. The thesis statement will be your guide
throughout the process of writing your essay. From the
thesis statement, you can begin writing the topic sentences
for the body paragraphs in the outline.
ESSAY OUTLINE

Thesis Statement

Topic Sentence #1

Topic Sentence #2

Topic Sentence #3
 The Process
Topic Sentences

The topic sentence for each body paragraph

should support the thesis statement. The topic
sentences need to agree with the main idea or
subpoints in the thesis statement; otherwise,
the essay could be confusing.
 The Process
Topic Sentences
Topic Sentence Paragraph #1:

Thesis Statement The way you dress can have a big

impact on an interview panel’s first
A job interview can often impressions of you.
make or break your chances
of getting your dream job. Topic Sentence- Paragraph #2:
There are several things that An interview is an opportunity for
you can do in an interview to potential employers to get to know you
increase the possibility of better, so it is important that you
your success such as answer each question as completely as
dressing properly, possible.
answering interview
questions thoroughly, and Topic Sentence- Paragraph #3:
asking good questions at the By preparing some thoughtful
end of the interview. questions for the end of the interview,
you can show the panel that you have
prepared for the interview and want
the job.
 The Process
Supporting Details

Under the topic sentence for each paragraph,

list some of the supporting details, examples,
or ideas you want to include in each paragraph.
 The Process
Supporting Details

II. Body Paragraph #1:

Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a big
impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you.
A. Men and women should consider wearing
dark suits.
B. Conservative dress will show the interview
supporting details, panel you are serious about what you do.
examples, and ideas C. Don’t carry too many things into the
interview. A notebook, pens, and/or
laptop computer should be carried in a
briefcase.
D. Hair and nails should be clean and neat.
 for potential employers to get to know you
Example Outline better, so it is important that you answer each
question as completely as possible.
• Introduction- Thesis Statement: A job
A. Ask interviewers to repeat questions
interview can often make or break your
you don’t understand.
chances of getting your dream job. There are
several things that you can do in an interview B. Take some time to think about the
to increase the possibility of your success questions before you answer.
such as, dressing properly, answering
C. A notebook to write down key words
interview questions thoroughly, and asking
in interview questions is sometimes
good questions at the end of the interview.
helpful.
• Body Paragraph #1:
IV. Body Paragraph #3:
Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a
Topic Sentence: By preparing some thoughtful
big impact on an interview panel’s first
questions for the end of the interview, you can
impressions of you.
show the panel that you have prepared for the
A. Men and women should consider
interview and want the job.
wearing dark suits.
A. Research the job and/or company
B. Conservative dress will show the
before you go to the interview.
interview panel you are serious
about what you do. B. The interview is your opportunity to
get to know your potential employer.
C. Don’t carry too many things into the
Ask questions about company goals,
interview. A notebook, pens, and/or
mission, expectations of employees,
laptop computer should be carried in
etc.
a briefcase.
C. Don’t ask questions about benefits or
D. Hair and nails should be clean and
salary during the interview. You
neat.
should try to get this information
III. Body Paragraph #2: before you apply for the job.
Topic Sentence: An interview is an opportunity • Conclusion: Don’t underestimate the
importance of a good interview.
Practice Exercise

Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. Click on

the button below to go back to Unit B. Print and complete the
worksheet for Practice Exercise Two.
Roman Numerals

I=1 XI= 11
II= 2 XII= 12
III= 3 XIII= 13
IV= 4 XIV= 14
V= 5 XV= 15
VI= 6
VII= 7
VIII= 8
IX= 9
X= 10
References
 Presentation by Ruth Luman: Modesto Junior College.

 This project incorporates portions of copyrighted works.

These items are included under the fair use exemption of
the U.S. Copyright Law and have been prepared according
to the educational fair use guidelines. They are restricted
from further use.