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12-Point Outline

The 12-point outline is a miniature outline of a five-paragraph essay. It has 12 sentences in it. It has an introductory sentence followed by a three-pronged thesis statement. Afterward, there are three short paragraphs. Each paragraph has three sentences that support one prong of the thesis statement. The last sentence is a conclusion.

12-Point Outline Structure

1. Introduction (mentions topics)(indicate in parentheses which introduction type you will use)

2. Three-pronged thesis statement (contains “because” and three supports – A.B.C.)

3. First support of the thesis (states A) (topic sentence for first support paragraph)

4. First support of A

5. Second support of A

6. Second support of the thesis (states B) (topic sentence for second support paragraph)

7. First support of B

8. Second support of B

9. Third support of thesis (states C) (topic sentence for third support paragraph)

10. First support of C

11. Second support of C

12. Conclusion (indicate in parentheses which conclusion type you will use)

Here is an example of a VERY SIMPLIFIED 12-point essay. It is only to be used to show structure.

(1) Many people prefer traveling by airplane.

(2) However, I prefer traveling by car because I control my environment, experience the surroundings, and save money.

(3) First, when I drive, I can control my environment. (4) I can make the car as warm or as cold as I like. (5) I can travel with or without passengers, with or without music and noise.

(6) Second, I prefer driving because I can experience my surroundings. (7) Instead of seeing clouds, I can see fields, trees, rivers, homes, and interesting buildings. (8) Also, I can take different routes and experience new landscapes.

(9) Most importantly, I prefer driving to flying because I save money. (10) For example, I travel to the Miami area several times a month on short notice. (11) If I fly, it takes about three and a half hours and costs about $200 total; if I drive it takes a little longer but only costs $100 at most.

(12) To conclude, these are some of the reasons I prefer driving.