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.

I.  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)