Outline for an Essay

Essay Topic/ Question: ________________________________________

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I INTRODUCTION
A. Personal Comment, Statistic, Quotation, Anecdote, or Question
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B. General Discussion to lead from your Opening to your Thesis
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C. Thesis Statement
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II BODY
Main Topic #1 (refers back to thesis):____________________________
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A. Idea #1:
Specifics
Explanation

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B. Idea #2:
Specifics
Explanation

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C. Idea #3:
Specifics
Explanation

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Concluding Sentence for main topic # 1: ________________________

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III Main Topic #2 (refers back to thesis):____________________________

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A. Idea #1: _________________________________________________
Specifics _________________________________________________
Explanation _______________________________________________
B. Idea #2: _________________________________________________
Specifics _________________________________________________
Explanation _______________________________________________
C. Idea #3: _________________________________________________
Specifics _________________________________________________
Explanation ______________________________________________
_

Concluding Sentence for main topic # 2: ________________________

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IV Main Topic #3 (refers back to thesis):____________________________

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A. Idea #1: _________________________________________________
Specifics _________________________________________________
Explanation _______________________________________________
B. Idea #2: _________________________________________________
Specifics _________________________________________________
Explanation _______________________________________________
C. Idea #3: _________________________________________________
Specifics _________________________________________________
Explanation _______________________________________________
Concluding Sentence for main topic # 3: _________________________
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V. CONCLUSION:
A. Restate your thesis (perhaps as something proven): ________________
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B. Restate your main points that proved your thesis: __________________
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C. Readdress your opening quote/question/statistic: ___________________
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NOTE: Never put any new information in your conclusion.