Essay Outline Template

Free essay outline templates: 5-paragraph, argumentative, compare and contrast and research paper. Fill one in online, then copy, download or print it.

Free, no account and no AI. Fill in an outline below: it is saved only in this browser, and you can copy it as text, download it as a .txt file or print it.

How it works

Choose the outline that matches your assignment: 5-paragraph, argumentative, compare and contrast, or research paper.
Write your thesis first, then fill in each section with a few words or a sentence.
Copy the outline as text, download it, or print it. Your work is saved in this browser as you type.
Draft the essay one section at a time, following the outline.

Why outline an essay

An outline is the plan of the argument before you write the sentences. It shows whether each paragraph supports the thesis, whether the order makes sense, and whether you have evidence for every point, while it is still quick to change. Writing from an outline is usually faster than reorganising a finished draft.

5-paragraph essay outline

The standard school essay: an introduction that ends with a thesis naming three reasons, one body paragraph for each reason, and a conclusion.

I. Introduction: hook, context, thesis statement with three reasons.
II. Body paragraph 1: topic sentence (reason 1), evidence, explanation of how it supports the thesis.
III. Body paragraph 2: topic sentence (reason 2), evidence, explanation.
IV. Body paragraph 3: topic sentence (reason 3), evidence, explanation.
V. Conclusion: thesis restated in new words, what the reasons add up to, a closing thought.

Argumentative essay outline

An argumentative essay takes a position someone could oppose, supports it, and answers the strongest objection.

I. Introduction: hook, background on the issue, thesis stating your position.
II. Reason 1: claim, evidence, why the evidence supports your position.
III. Reason 2: claim, evidence, why it supports your position.
IV. Counterargument and rebuttal: the opposing view stated fairly, then why your position still holds.
V. Conclusion: position restated, implications, closing thought.

Compare and contrast essay outline

The point-by-point structure below discusses both subjects under each point, which keeps the comparison in view. The other common structure, block by block, covers everything about subject A and then everything about subject B; it suits short essays but makes the reader hold A in mind while reading about B.

I. Introduction: hook, the two subjects, thesis on the key similarity or difference and why it matters.
II. to IV. One section per point of comparison: the point, how subject A handles it, how subject B handles it, what the similarity or difference shows.
V. Conclusion: the comparison in one sentence and its significance.

Research paper outline

A research paper adds a research question, a review of what sources already say, and a discussion of limits. Check your assignment: some disciplines expect set headings such as Methods and Results.

I. Introduction: topic and research question, background, thesis or main finding, roadmap.
II. Background or literature review: what sources say, grouped by theme, and the gap your paper addresses.
III. to V. Main sections: claim, evidence and sources, analysis.
VI. Conclusion: answer to the research question, limitations, further research.
VII. References: the sources you cite, formatted in the required style.

How to write an essay outline

Start with the thesis. Every other line of the outline should support it; if a point does not, cut it or change the thesis. The thesis statement format guide shows the claim, reasons and scope structure.
Write topic sentences as claims, not topics. Uniforms do not reduce bullying is a claim; uniforms is a topic.
Match each claim with evidence before you start drafting. A point with no evidence yet is a research task, not a paragraph.
Put your strongest point first or last, not in the middle, and keep the order the thesis promises.
Note the source next to each piece of evidence so you can cite it later without searching again.

From outline to draft

Need a thesis to start from? The thesis statement generator writes one plus three alternatives for your topic and essay type (your first one needs no account). Finding sources: the research workbench searches OpenAlex, Crossref and arXiv. Citing them: the citation generator formats APA, MLA and Chicago, and the works cited generator builds an MLA list.

While drafting, the word counter keeps you on length. More free tools are on the tools page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the format of an essay outline?

Roman numerals for the main sections (I. Introduction, II. first body paragraph, and so on) and capital letters for the points inside each section, such as the topic sentence, evidence and explanation.

What are the parts of a 5-paragraph essay outline?

An introduction with a hook, context and thesis; three body paragraphs, each with a topic sentence, evidence and an explanation; and a conclusion that restates the thesis and closes the essay.

How is an argumentative outline different?

It includes a counterargument and rebuttal section: the strongest objection to your position, stated fairly, followed by why your position still holds.

Can I save or print my outline?

Yes. It is saved automatically in this browser as you type. You can copy it as text, download it as a .txt file, or print it. Nothing is sent to a server.

Should I write full sentences in an outline?

Full sentences help for the thesis and topic sentences, because they force you to state the claim. For evidence and explanation, a few words or a short note is enough.

Is the essay outline template free?

Yes. It is free with no account and no limit, and it runs in your browser.

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