Making an Outline

A Plan That Builds an Essay

FIVE STEPS IN OUTLINING A TEXT
1. Read and comprehend the text.
2. Write a clear thesis statement.
3. Create an outline.
4. Organize the outline using the supporting
details.
5. Adjust your outline as needed.
 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.
"The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic in the
Philippines"
 Example
Outline
Here is an example of how a blank outline might
look:
Essay Outline

I. Introduction Thesis:

II. 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:
 The Process
Making an Outline
Essay Outline
In a formal
outline, I. Introduction Thesis:

Roman numerals can II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence:

A. supporting idea
be used to B. supporting idea
III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence:
represent A. supporting idea

paragraphs. Capital B. supporting idea

IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence:
letters can be used
to A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea

represent supporting V. Conclusion

details for the

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