Structure of an Essay: Outline

This is an outline of what a five-paragraph essay looks like. To view a “written text” version of a five-paragraph essay/outline, click here: Five Paragraph Essay Sample and Outline.

Introduction

• Introductory statements
• Thesis statement
• Introduce supporting ideas (optional)

II. Body

• First supporting idea
  • Transition, topic sentence
  • Discussion, examples, and analysis
  • Conclusion (optional)

• Second supporting idea
  • Transition, topic sentence
  • Discussion, examples, and analysis
  • Conclusion (optional)

• Third supporting idea
  • Transition, topic sentence
  • Discussion, examples, and analysis
  • Conclusion (optional)

III. Conclusion

• Transition, statement reflecting back on thesis
• Restate key points
• Ending statement that provokes thought (optional)