Sample Outline Template

This is here for guidance. This is a general template of essay outlining. This outline illustrates the main elements of every essay which are introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section includes specific important details. However, this is still a rhetorical analysis essay.

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.

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). 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.

C. Paragraph 3 (third 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 or conclusion.

Conclusion

A. Summarize key points and pull it all together. 1. Don't introduce new information/ evidence. 2. Don't repeat your writing verbatim from previous parts of the paper.

B. Offer closing thoughts and give the reader something to think about. 1. Suggest a call-to-action. 2. Provide a look into the future related to your topic.