How to outline an essay

Introduction

a) Introduce a topic
b) State a thesis

II. Body. Paragraph-1

a) Write a topic sentence (the argument for your thesis)
b) Support this argument: data, facts, examples
c) Explain how they relate to your thesis

III. Body. Paragraph-2

a) Write a topic sentence (another argument for your thesis)
b) Support this argument: data, facts, examples
c) Explain how they relate to your thesis

IV. Body. Paragraph-3

a) Write a topic sentence (another argument for your thesis, or a counterargument)
b) Support this argument, or explain why the counterargument doesn’t work: data, facts, examples
c) Explain how they relate to your thesis

V. Conclusion

a) Summarize all main points
b) Restate your thesis
c) Add a call to action: what you want readers to do after reading your essay