Sample Outline for the Basic Five-Paragraph Essay

Title: __________________________________________________
Thesis:

I. Introduction
A. Attention Grabber (Introductory Statement)
B. Brief Background Information (2-3 sentences)
C. Three-Part Thesis Statement
II. First Supporting Point (Transition and Topic Sentence)
A. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
B. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
C. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
III. Second Supporting Point (Transition and Topic Sentence)
A. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
B. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
C. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
IV. Third Supporting Point (Transition and Topic Sentence)
A. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
B. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
C. Supporting Detail Evidence or Example
V. Conclusion (Transition)
A. Briefly restate thesis and main points.
B. Statement of relevance
C. Call to action (if applicable)