Position essay outline

Essay Structure

Introduction

In your opening sentence, introduce the subject and capture your reader’s attention; then the

paragraph should gradually narrow to a very specific thesis sentence.

Opening Sentence

Thesis Statement

Body

Topic Sentence #1

Topic Sentence #2

Topic Sentence #3

Conclusion

The concluding paragraph, in direct contrast to your introductory paragraph, should begin with the

specific point and broaden to a general or universal application of your point.

Relevant Generalization

Summary

Five Paragraph Essay Outline

____________________________________________ TITLE

I. INTRODUCTION a. General statements

i. Lead-in Sentence___________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

ii. Narrowing (Supporting) Sentences)____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

b. Thesis Statement__________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

II. BODY a. Paragraph I Topic Sentence (Transition)_______________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

i. Subtopic 1: (Transition)______________________________________________ 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

ii. Subtopic 2: (Transition)______________________________________________ 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

iii. Subtopic 3: (Transition) 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

b. Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence (Transition)_______________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

i. Subtopic 1: (Transition)______________________________________________ 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

ii. Subtopic 2: (Transition)______________________________________________ 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

iii. Subtopic 3: (Transition) 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

c. Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence (Transition)_______________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

i. Subtopic 1: (Transition)______________________________________________ 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

ii. Subtopic 2: (Transition)______________________________________________ 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

iii. Subtopic 3: (Transition) 1. Detail 1:___________________________________________________ 2. Detail 2:___________________________________________________

III. CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH

a. Restatement of Thesis Sentence (in other words) – OR– Paraphrase of Main Ideas__________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________