Outlines | Mr. Skipper dot Com

Lesson 1: What’s an Outline and Why Use One?

We will identify the purpose and structure of outlines in academic writing.
I will explain how an outline helps organize thoughts and clarify arguments before writing.
Content:
- Show the difference between a well-organized paper and a rambling one.
- Use a simple metaphor: “An outline is the skeleton of your paper—the bones hold it up.”

What Is an Outline and Why Do We Use One?

An outline is a plan for your writing. It’s a way to organize your main ideas and supporting details before you start writing the actual paper or response.

Think of it like a map—it helps you stay on track, so your writing doesn’t wander off topic or become confusing.

Why use an outline?

It helps you organize your thoughts clearly.
It shows you what to say first, next, and last.
It saves time by giving your writing structure before you begin.
It makes sure you answer the prompt completely.

Good writers don’t just start writing—they plan first.

An outline is a plan for your writing. It helps you organize your thoughts before you begin drafting. Some outlines are written in list form, while others are visual, like the house or hourglass graphic organizers. These diagrams help you see the structure of your essay—introduction, body, and conclusion—and remind you what belongs in each part. No matter the format, all outlines serve the same purpose: to help you write clearly and stay on track.

Graphic Organizers as Outlines

The house-shaped graphic organizer is a great starting point for understanding essay structure: the roof represents your introduction or thesis, the walls are your body paragraphs with supporting details, and the foundation is your conclusion. As students grow as writers, it’s important to move beyond the house and start using a traditional outline, where ideas are listed in order using Roman numerals, letters, and numbers. This format helps organize more complex thoughts and prepares students for high school, college, and beyond.

Why I Use the Hourglass Essay Organizer

I like to use the hourglass organizer.

Why?

Because it reminds us that good writing starts broad (introducing the topic), gets narrow and specific (with clear, detailed support), and then widens out again (restating the big idea in a fresh way). Just like the shape of an hourglass.

This approach helps you:

Focus your thesis
Support it with clear evidence or examples
Avoid repeating your introduction word-for-word in the conclusion

The hourglass shape also shows that all parts of the essay are connected—and that strong writing needs both structure and flow.

Lesson 2: The Basic Outline Structure

We will label and organize the parts of a formal outline.
I will explain the parts:
- Introduction (hook, background, thesis)
- Body Paragraphs (topic sentence, evidence, explanation, link)
- Conclusion (restated thesis, reflection, final thought)

As you move beyond visual organizers, it’s important to learn the structure of a formal outline. A traditional outline uses Roman numerals, capital letters, and numbers to show how your ideas are grouped and supported. This type of outline is often used in high school and college, and it gives your writing a clear, logical flow. Each main idea has its own Roman numeral, and each supporting detail is listed underneath. Think of it as a blueprint for your entire essay.

Formal Outline Template with Explanations

I. Introduction
A. Hook – Begin with an interesting statement to get the reader’s attention (but not a rhetorical question).
B. Background Information – Briefly explain the issue or topic so the reader understands the context.
C. Thesis Statement – Clearly state your main argument or point; this will guide the entire essay.

II. Body Paragraph 1 – First Main Point
A. Topic Sentence – Introduce the main idea (from your thesis) of this paragraph.
B. Supporting Detail 1 – Provide a reason, example, or fact that supports the topic sentence.
C. Supporting Detail 2 – Add another example, fact, or explanation.
D. (Optional) Closing Sentence – Wrap up the paragraph or connect to the next idea.

III. Body Paragraph 2 – Second Main Point
A. Topic Sentence – Introduce the second main idea (also from your thesis).
B. Supporting Detail 1 – Support it with evidence, facts, or examples.
C. Supporting Detail 2 – Continue building the argument.
D. (Optional) Closing Sentence – Transition smoothly into the next paragraph.

IV. Body Paragraph 3 – Third Main Point (optional)
A. Topic Sentence – State your third reason or argument.
B. Supporting Detail 1 – Back it up with details or examples.
C. Supporting Detail 2 – Add depth or another angle to the same point.
D. (Optional) Closing Sentence – Prepare the reader for the conclusion.

V. Conclusion
A. Restate Thesis – Say your main argument again using different words.
B. Summary of Main Points – Briefly remind the reader of the reasons you gave.
C. Final Thought – Leave the reader with a strong closing sentence (call to action, reflection, or broader insight).

Example Outline

Topic: School cafeterias should serve healthier and better-tasting food

I. Introduction
A. Hook: Many students avoid cafeteria meals because they find them unappetizing or unhealthy.
B. Background: Poor-quality school lunches often go uneaten, wasting food and money.
C. Thesis: School cafeterias should improve their meals by offering fresher ingredients, giving students more choices, and involving students in menu planning.

II. Body Paragraph 1 – Use fresher, healthier ingredients
A. Replace processed foods with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
B. Healthier food supports learning and reduces health issues.

III. Body Paragraph 2 – Offer more variety and choice
A. Include vegetarian, cultural, and allergy-sensitive options.
B. Give students a say in what’s offered to increase satisfaction.

IV. Body Paragraph 3 – Involve students in planning
A. Create a student food committee to give feedback.
B. Let students help design sample menus or vote on meal ideas.

V. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis: Better cafeteria food benefits everyone—students, staff, and schools.
B. Final thought: Positive changes to school meals can improve health, morale, and performance.

Lesson 3: Practice as a Group

We will collaborate to create an outline from a shared text or CERCA prompt.
I will help build a group outline and explain how each part supports the thesis.
- Roman numerals = main ideas
- Capital letters = supporting details
- Numbers = examples or commentary

Lesson 4: Student Pairs Create a Sample Outline

We will use a ThinkCERCA prompt to build an outline in partners.
I will choose a clear claim and support it with reasons and evidence in an outline.

Lesson 5: Individual Outlining

We will create our own outlines before drafting ThinkCERCA essays.
I will organize my ideas into a complete outline before writing my essay. Remember: “You can’t build your house until the blueprint is clear.”