Essay Outline Template, Fall 2020. 1 of 2
San José State University Writing Center
Written by A. Zvargulis R.
Essay Outline Template
What is an outline?
When writing an academic essay, an outline can help you structure and plan your arguments
and ideas, while creating a guide for how to organize your paragraphs. 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
I. Introduction
A. Hook/ Attention Grabber
1. Provide a sentence that will catch the reader’s interest.
2. Try not to make a broad/generalized statement.
3. Offer something concise and catchy.
B. Background Information
1. Provide general background information.
2. Offer some more specific background information (as needed).
3. Provide the title of the piece and the author’s name if the essay is about a
specific book/poem/article/passage.
C. Thesis Statement
1. State your topic and position. Remember that a thesis = claim + reasons.
2. Outline your main points and ideas.
II. Body
A. Paragraph 1 (first main point)
1. Topic sentence: what is this paragraph about?
2. Supporting evidence and ideas
a) Give reasons, facts, proof, statistics, quotes (with citations).
b) Analyze your supporting evidence.
(1) Why does your evidence matter? What does it mean?
(2) Transition to the next point.
3. Summarize and transition to your next main idea.
B. Paragraph 2 (second main point)
1. Topic sentence: what is this paragraph about?
2. Supporting evidence and ideas
a) Give reasons, facts, proof, statistics, quotes (with citations).
