Sample Essay Outline

Here is a sample essay outline. I apologize for the formatting; the outline function isn't working properly!


OUTLINE OF “THE INTERNET”—our made-up example from class


1. Introduction
i. Hook, or Topic sentences
a. Function: Present subject of essay to audience and create context or support between the essay and the rest of the industry/issue
1. “The internet is the fastest way to communicate.”
2. Examples or other appealing or interesting facts or data… or perhaps a quote
ii. Sentences that bridge or connect part “a” to part “c”
iii. These sentences create detail and show relationships between ‘a’ and ‘c’.
iv. Thesis Statement (Opinion)
b. Statement of opinion that is worded as fact—you are the authority!
1. “Without the internet, it would be impossible to communicate with people on the other side of the world.
2. The internet enables communication between people who may never actually meet face-to-face.


2. Body
i. Issue #1
a. Topic sentence—transitions
ii. Overview of issue #1
a. advantages/disadvantages
b. examples
iii. Supporting research or details
a. Outside sources
b. Further details
c. Case studies
iv. Summary or Conclusion
a. Finalize your argument
b. Create a summary and address all points of the subject
v. Begin a transition into the next section or issue (repeat this format for each section or subject you address in the body.


3. Conclusion
1. Restate the Thesis
2. Explain how your research and argument prove the thesis to be correct
3. Answer the question “So what?”, keeping in mind why you wrote, and why you want someone to read your argument


For now, ignore all of the numbers and letters that are meant to organize the outline. Instead, focus on the "Introduction", "Body" and "Conclusion" sections and the order in which everything appears in the outline. Bear with me while I find a better outline model for us to use!