What is an essay outline?
An essay outline is the skeleton form (basic
structure) of your essay written in
single sequenced sentences. It compromised of the title, the introduction
(Frame of reference), a thesis statement, a topic idea labelled as 1., a supporting idea labelled as 1.1., a minor idea labelled as 1.1.1. And finally, a conclusion.
What is Title?
According to the Encarta dictionary, a title is
“a descriptive heading for something such as a book chapter, a magazine
article, essay or a speech”
What is the introduction?
An introduction or rather a frame of reference
is part of the outline where a writer gives a reader the context or the general
background of the topic.
What is a topic idea, supporting idea and
minor idea?
A topic idea declares what the main idea of a specific
paragraph is.
A supporting idea provides evidence or
explanations to back your topic idea.
A minor idea provides particular examples or
further explanations that back the supporting idea.
Why is an essay outline important?
v It
ensures that the content is in the best possible order.
v It
aids in gaining a more complete understanding of the essay.
v It
aids with the structure of the essay
v A
well-thought-out outline will aid you in determining whether your transitions
are smooth and your material is presented logically.
What is a thesis statement?
This is a type of sentence that expresses the main
idea of the whole essay. It should therefore summarize your points and declare
your position on the topic.
What are the common elements of a thesis statement?
v It
must always contain one single focus
v It
should always answer the question directly
v It
must always make a disputable claim
Types of thesis statements
There are two types of thesis statements
1 . Informative
thesis statement
This one just guides the reader or informs the leader of
the conclusion you will reach in your essay.
For example, to cook chunks you need to get water,
cooking oil, tomatoes and find a heat source.
2. Persuasive
thesis statement
Is the most used type of thesis statement in academic
writing when writing compare/contrast essays, narrative essays, to mention just
a few. it compromised the writer’s opinion and it can take to form that
Firstly, it can list two
or more points that the essay will cover, thus making it ideal for short essays.
Secondly, it can be in form of an all-encompassing point that will allow a writer to
write as men body paragraphs as he pleases.
A Template of a thesis statement
(Your Opinion) is
true because of (reason)
A
Demonstration
1. Step
one
Let’s assume your lecture or instructor comes in class
and give us the assignment to create an essay outline on ‘Education is a Key to
Success)’ and that it should only
contain two topic ideas.
Firstly, look at the theme
Education is a Key to Success are you supporting it or opposing it. In this
instance, we opposite and claim ‘it is not the only way an individual can
succeed in life.’ However, we need to acknowledge the positivity of it as it
brings about one to have a clear perspective in life.
· Secondly,
what do you know about education? What is its background?
Education is a very ancient human
practice that provides means by which human knowledge is shared from one generation
to the next. In Ancient Greek times, education was mainly popularized by Philosophers
such as Socrates, who emphasized that an examined life is not worth living. In modern
times the new emphasis on education is based on the idea that education is the
only way a person can succeed in life.
· Thirdly,
what other ways do you think one can succeed in life? In this case, Becoming a
farmer or a businessman or woman.
· Fourthly
figure out the ideal title for your essay in this case we say Education is a
scam.
· Lastly,
merge these ideas to come up with your introduction that includes your thesis.
2. Step
two
· Firstly, come up with an all-encompassing topic idea from the reason you state in the thesis statement. In this case, becoming a farmer can lead to success how can it do that, any example? , individuals who opt to become businessmen or women succeed in life. How do they do that? Any example.
· The
Final step: Now you need to either restate, repeat, review, evaluate,
interpret, show the consequences or suggestions to the issues raised in your
essay. However, never introduce anything new in your conclusion
An Example for an essay outline
Education
is a scam
Education
is a very ancient human practice that provides means by which human knowledge
is shared from one generation to the next. In Ancient Greek times, education
was mainly popularized by Philosophers such as Socrates who emphasized that an
examined life is not worth living. In modern times the new emphasis on
education is based on the idea that education is the only way a person can
succeed in life. Even though attaining education changes one perspective in
life, it is not the only way an individual can succeed in life, as one can opt
to become a farmer or businessman or woman.
1. Becoming a farmer can lead to
success.
1.1 Farmers
produce cash crops and dairy products.
1.1.1 The
demand consumers for farm products in Zambia is at 80 per cent.
1.
Individuals who opt to become
businessmen and women succeed in life.
1.1 Business
unlike formal jobs for educated people has multiple sources of income.
1.1.1 Most
businessmen and women in Lusaka own various own grocery and, liquor stores.
In conclusion,
the modern generation should move away from the idea that education is the key
to success as this is an outdated principle that cannot be upheld anymore.
Success is possible even without education evidently in business and farming.
Reference
"Title." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD].
Redond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.