1. Writing an outline

2. What is an outline?
An outline is like step-by-step directions you make to guide yourself through writing the whole essay later.
It helps you map out what you will write about and in what order.
When you start your full draft, you will have this to guide your thoughts and keep your writing on track.
It also helps you decide where to put your information from your research.

3. How do I write one?
Only write your thesis statement and topic sentences in FULL sentences.
Other parts, like the supporting details, can be written in fragments.
Basically, you are showing what you are PLANNING to write LATER. You are just organizing it now.

4. Topic Sentence
For your topic sentence for each paragraph, write a sentence introducing what your paragraph will be about.
For body paragraphs 1,2, and 3, it will be one of your supporting reasons for your thesis.
For body paragraph 4, you will introduce a possible opposing argument.
Use your essay map to help you – it is basically like an outline, just not as detailed.

5. Supporting Details
For your supporting details, write what reasoning, details, research, quotes, you will include in the paragraph to support the topic sentence of your paragraph.
Make sure you decide what you will use from your research (source pages) and where you will put it in your essay.