Essay Outline Template

# Essay Outline Template

Title:
Prompt or question:
Audience:
Due date:
Required length:
Citation or source rules:

## Working Thesis
[Write one sentence that answers the prompt and names the main direction of the argument.]

## Section Plan
| Section | Claim | Evidence or source need | Drafting note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Introduction | Frame the problem and thesis | brief context | avoid broad opening claims |
| Body 1 | [first claim] | [source, example, data, quote, or gap] | explain how it supports thesis |
| Body 2 | [second claim] | [source, example, data, quote, or gap] | connect to previous section |
| Body 3 | [third claim or counterpoint] | [source, example, data, quote, or gap] | show why it matters |
| Conclusion | Restate practical answer | no new evidence | leave reader with final implication |

## Revision Checks
- Does every body section support the thesis?
- Does each section have evidence or a clear source need?
- Is any section just a topic label without a claim?
- Are citations, allowed help, and source rules verified?
- Is the introduction still accurate after the body is drafted?

## Variants
School essay:
Add prompt language, class rules, citation style, and source requirements at the top.

Work memo:
Replace thesis with recommendation, and replace evidence with data, examples, owners, or risks.

Personal post:
Use claim, scene, lesson, and limitation instead of academic sections.

Short response:
Use claim, evidence, explanation, and final sentence.

## Filling Notes
- Write claims before polishing sentences.
- Use evidence gaps honestly instead of pretending research is done.
- Move weak sections around before drafting full paragraphs.
- Keep the outline short enough that it guides writing instead of becoming a second essay.

## Boundary Reminders
- This template does not verify facts, citations, originality, grading rules, or source quality.
- Follow academic honesty, workplace, and allowed-help policies before using outside tools or examples.