Q&A for How to Write an Essay Outline

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How long should I outline my essay?

Jake Adams
Academic Tutor
Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University.

Jake Adams

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Dedicate a single day to outlining your essay and don't work on any other parts of your essay that day if you can. Outlining your essay is one of the most important steps, so try not to rush through it!

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Question

What is an outline used for?

Emily Listmann, MA
Academic Tutor and Life Coach
Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools.

Emily Listmann, MA

Academic Tutor and Life Coach

Expert Answer

Outlines are a great way to organize your ideas! They are essential when you're writing an essay or other written assignment. They help you plan out your ideas and research prior to writing your final paper.

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Question

What is the difference between an outline and a structure?

Community Answer

The structure is the frame on which to build your outline: Intro, Body 1, Body 2, Body 3, and Conclusion is a structure. Your outline fills in the structure. Use the Intro to state your topic and let your reader know what you'll be discussing. The body paragraphs go into detail on each of your points, and the conclusion sums up and reiterates your points.

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Question

How do I start the essay?

Community Answer

Like the article says, determine your purpose, topic, and audience and develop some points that relate to the question. You might find that planning your essay before you begin to write it makes it easier. Make sure you have a strong thesis statement.

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Question

Are a rough draft and an outline the same thing?

Community Answer

An outline is what you will base the rough draft on. After finishing an outline, you add in details and turn what are point form ideas into full sentences.

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What would be a sample outline of an essay?

Community Answer

There is a good one mentioned earlier in the article. Generally you want an introduction, at least 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

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