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)