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Almost all essays can follow the same basic structure with variations based on the number of paragraphs or specific requirements. However, this outline template can provide you with a starting point to help you organize your thoughts and brainstorm the shape and flow of your paper. Sample Outline Template.
The Basic Five Paragraph Essay: Format and Outline Worksheet. Below is the pattern or format used to write a basic five-paragraph essay. Because it allows you to present information and ideas clearly and logically, it is applicable to many styles of essay for many types of academic disciplines.
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Essay Outline Template Introduction General Statement A short statement to give context to your reader on the subject you will cover Thesis Statement The main argument of your paper how Overview Your arguments you will use to support your thesis. Theses should be in the order you will present them in your essay Body Paragraph 1 Topic sentence
The following outline shows a basic format for most academic papers. No matter what length the paper needs to be, it should still follow the format of having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Read over what typically goes in each section of the paper. Use the back of this handout to outline information for your specific paper.
- Formatting Your Essay
- Outlining The Essay
- Structures That Work: Two Example Outlines
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You should keep the formatting as simple as possible. Admissions officers need to work very quickly, so fancy formatting, unnecessary flourishes, and unique fonts will come off as more distracting than individual. Keep in mind that, if you’re pasting your essay into a text box, formatting like italics may not transfer. Your essay will be easier for...
Once you’ve finished brainstorming topics but before you start writing, think about your writing’s trajectory: how you’ll start the essay, develop it, and end it. Do you want to organize it chronologically? Would you prefer to make a “sandwich” structure by introducing a topic or idea, moving away from it, and then coming back to it at the end? The...
Vignettes with a common theme
The vignette structure discusses several experiences that may seem unrelated, but the author weaves them together and unites them with a common theme. For example, a student could write an essay exploring various instances of their ability to make the best of bad situations. A rough outline for that essay might look like this:
Single story that demonstrates traits
The narrative structure focuses on a single overarching story that shows many aspects of a student’s character. Some such essays focus on a relatively short event that the author details moment by moment, while others discuss the story of a longer journey, one that may cover months or years. For example, a student might discuss trying out for a sports team as a middle schooler, high school freshman, and high school senior, using each of those instances to describe an aspect of their personali...
If you want to know more about academic writing, effective communication, or parts of speech, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Note: This outline is a basic structure and can be modified or expanded depending on the specific requirements or prompts of the college essay. It is important to tailor the essay to the specific college or university and to showcase the unique qualities and experiences of the individual applicant.
Aug 14, 2020 · Revised on July 23, 2023. 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.
