2. Essay Outline
Introduction
Grabber/Attention-Getter
○ Begin your essay with an interesting sentence or
two.
○ Engage the interest of your readers.
○ Try using a dramatic quote, a definition, a
surprising statistic, or use an interrogative or a
humorous approach.
○ The opening statement(s) must not be “too”
casual and must relate to your essay topic.
3. Essay Outline
Introduction
Thesis Statement
○ Thesis Statement consists of stating your topic and
providing a preview of several points or aspects of your
discussion (usually three or four points for a brief essay
350-450 words).
○ The Thesis Statement may be one sentence or several
sentences. The Thesis Statement is the heart of your
essay. It is the MAP of your essay.
○ If you don’t provide it, your readers will be lost before
they even begin to read your essay.
○ The Thesis Statement is the most important structural
component of an essay.
4. Essay Outline
BODY PARAGRAPH #1:
Topic Sentence introducing the main point
of your body paragraph must be provided.
○ Provide two to three supporting points to
develop your paragraph discussion.
○ Provide a concluding or transitional
sentence as you move on to the next
paragraph.
5. Essay Outline
BODY PARAGRAPH #2:
Topic Sentence introducing the main point
of your body paragraph must be provided.
○ Provide two to three supporting points to
develop your paragraph discussion.
○ Provide a concluding or transitional
sentence as you move on to the next
paragraph.
6. Essay Outline
BODY PARAGRAPH #3:
Topic Sentence introducing the main point
of your body paragraph must be provided.
○ Provide two to three supporting points to
develop your paragraph discussion.
○ Provide a concluding or transitional
sentence as you move on to your conclusion.
7. Essay Outline
CONCLUSION:
Restate/Summarize the central argument
(which is essentially the Thesis Statement –
your topic and three or four key points)
○ But don’t repeat the exact wording of your
Thesis Statement in the Introduction.
○ After all, by this time, your reader should have
a pretty clear sense of what you’ve been
trying to prove/explain.
8. Essay Outline
Memorable/Closing
Statement/Clincher must wrap up your
essay.
○ Try to compose a sentence or two which
suggests implications (either positive or
negative).
○ The Memorable Statement should be thought
provoking, carefully crafted and not too casual
(general/semi-formal level).
