Two Formats for Essays        Essay Outline #1

I. Thesis Paragraph                      

                  A. Hook (question, attention-grabbing quote, scenario)

                  B. Background

                  C. Thesis/Position

                  D. Plan : Supporting points : at least 2

II. First Supporting Paragraph

                  A. Restate first supporting point

                  B. Explain

                  C. Explain

                  D. Explain

                  E. Explain

III. Second Supporting Paragraph

                  A. Restate second supporting point

                  B. Explain

                  C. Explain

                  D. Explain

                  E. Explain

IV. Counter-Argument

                  A. Those who disagree argue that ….

                  B. However the truth is……

                  C. Explain

                  D. Explain

                  E. Explain

V. Conclusion

                  A. Restate thesis

                  B. Restate supporting points

                  C. What difference does this make?

                  D. Reflective question or strong call to action

Essay Outline #2

I. Thesis Paragraph

                  A. Hook (question, attention-grabbing quote, scenario)

                  B. Background

                  C. Thesis/Position

                  D. Plan : Supporting points : at least 3

II. First Supporting Paragraph

                  A. Restate first supporting point

                  B. Explain

                  C. Explain

                  D. Explain

                  E. Transition

III. Second Supporting Paragraph

                  A. Restate second supporting point

                  B. Explain

                  C. Explain

                  D. Explain

                  E. Transition

IV. Third Supporting Paragraph

                  A. Restate third supporting point

                  B. Explain

                  C. Explain

                  D. Explain

                  E. Transition

V. Conclusion

                  A. Restate thesis

                  B. Restate supporting points

                  C. What difference does this make?

                  D. Make global and/or personal connection

                  E. Reflective question or strong call to action