1. Essay Writing Outline Essay Writing The Introductory Paragraph The introduction prepares the reader for what the rest of the essay will be about. It should both inform and capture his or her interest. Parts of an Introductory Paragraph: A hook: An interesting fact, controversial statement, or question that is intended to draw the reader’s attention to the essay and pique their interest. A general topic sentence: This sentence sentence simply states what topic will be covered over the course of the essay. It does not provide any clues or directly state the details, but simply serves as a transition to the writer’s thesis. The thesis statement: The thesis statement is one sentence usually found in the introductory paragraph that directly states the writer’s claim or belief about a particular topic. Where the topic sentence tells you the general subject of the conversation, the thesis statement informs the reader what particular direction the conversation will take with regards to that given topic. It may also hint at which details will be covered or directly name them as well.

2. Essay Writing Outline Essay Writing The Main Body Paragraphs These paragraphs make up the majority of the essay and provide in-depth discussion and explanation of the writer’s thesis through focusing on one major supporting idea per paragraph to validate the thesis. Parts of a Main Body Paragraph: A topic sentence: This sentence sentence simply states one of the three (minimum) supporting ideas that will validate the claim of the thesis statement. At least three details: These detail sentences serve to introduce (lead off sentences) and explain (follow up sentences) the supporting idea. You will need at least three details to introduce and explain your supporting detail. A clincher sentence: The clincher sentence serves to sum up the information covered in the paragraph and also act as a transition from one supporting paragraph to the next.

3. Essay Writing Outline Essay Writing The Conclusion Paragraph This paragraph serves to close out the essay by providing the reader with a brief summary of the thesis statement and naming those details covered over the course of the essay. The conclusion is not the place to introduce any new information!

4. Essay Writing Outline Introductory Paragraph Concluding Paragraph Supporting Paragraph #1Supporting Paragraph #2Supporting Paragraph #3 Clincher & Transition Detail #1 Detail #2 Detail #3 Detail #2 Detail #3 Detail #1 Now, brainstorm the following topics...

5. Essay Writing Outline Topic: The Ideal Job Opportunity Supporting Details: 3 Reasons to Hire You

6. Essay Writing Outline Topic: College Supporting Details: 3 Reasons You Want a Degree