How to Write an Outline


Social Studies essays tend to include a great deal of information, and it is easy to get off track or to forget some important information while you are writing the essay. That is why planning your essay is essential after you decide on a topic and position.
The outline is always written before you write the essay.

  • An outline is a list that organizes your arguments about an essay topic.
  • The outline should be in point form, not in complete sentences.
  • The outline acts like the foundation of a house and the essay acts like the walls and the roof.

Obviously, you need the foundation first before you can build the rest of the house.
Sometimes you will be asked to submit your outline before you write the essay. Your teacher may choose to see how you have structured your ideas and determine if pieces are missing or if you have errors in reasoning or gaps in logic. You can correct these before you write-and have a well- organized and polished essay that grades Proficient or Excellent!

Essay Title: (Name your essay. Your title should be descriptive and catchy, but it should not restate the essay question.)

A. Introduction: The first paragraph in your essay has the task of catching your reader's attention and providing direction for his or her thoughts. The introductory paragraph must

  1. make a general statement relating to the topic
  2. state your thesis or position on the essay question
  3. list the main arguments you will use to support your opinion

B. Body: Each main argument is a paragraph. Points should follow in the same order as they were stated in the introduction.

  1. First main argument supporting your thesis
    • Fact and/or example about this argument
    • Fact and/or example about this argument
  2. Next main argument supporting your thesis
    • Fact and/or example about this argument
    • Fact and/or example about this argument
  3. Next main argument supporting your thesis
    • Fact and/or example about this argument
    • Fact and/or example about this argument

C. Conclusion: The last paragraph in your essay should

  1. restate your thesis (...and that is not a simple repetition!)
  2. summarize the main arguments from the body of your essay
  3. make a concluding general statement on your theme

Be sure not to bring in any new ideas that were not discussed in the previous sections of your essay.