writing a thesis statement outline

Research Paper: A step-by-step guide: 3. Thesis Statement & Outline

• 1. Getting Started
• 2. Topic Ideas
• 3. Thesis Statement & Outline
• 4. Appropriate Sources
• 5. Search Techniques
• 6. Taking Notes & Documenting Sources
• 7. Evaluating Sources
• 8. Citations & Plagiarism
• 9. Writing Your Research Paper

About Thesis Statements

Qualities of a thesis statement.

Thesis statements:

• state the subject matter and main ideas of a paper.
• appear in the first paragraph and announces what you will discuss in your paper.
• define the scope and focus of your essay, and tells your reader what to expect.  
• are not a simple factual statement.  It is an assertion that states your claims and that you can prove with evidence.
• should be the product of research and your own critical thinking.
• can be very helpful in constructing an outline for your essay; for each point you make, ask yourself whether it is relevant to the thesis.

Steps you can use to create a thesis statement

1. Start out with the main topic and focus of your essay.

youth gangs + prevention and intervention programs

2. Make a claim or argument in one sentence.  It can be helpful to start with a question which you then turn into an argument

Can prevention and intervention programs stop youth gang activities?  How?  ►►►  "Prevention and intervention programs can stop youth gang activities by giving teens something else to do."

3. Revise the sentence by using specific terms.

"Early prevention programs in schools are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement by giving teens good activities that offer a path to success."

4. Further revise the sentence to cover the scope of your essay and make a strong statement.

"Among various prevention and intervention efforts that have been made to deal with the rapid growth of youth gangs, early school-based prevention programs are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement, which they do by giving teens meaningful activities that offer pathways to achievement and success."

5. Keep your thesis statement flexible and revise it as needed. In the process of researching and writing, you may find new information or refine your understanding of the topic.

You can view this short video for more tips on how to write a clear thesis statement.

An outline is the skeleton of your essay, in which you list the arguments and subtopics in a logical order. A good outline is an important element in writing a good paper. An outline helps to target your research areas, keep you within the scope without going off-track, and it can also help to keep your argument in good order when writing the essay.  Once your outline is in good shape, it is much easier to write your paper; you've already done most of the thinking, so you just need to fill in the outline with a paragraph for each point.

To write an outline: The most common way to write an outline is the list format.  List all the major topics and subtopics with the key points that support them. Put similar topics and points together and arrange them in a logical order.    Include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. 

A list outline should arrange the main points or arguments in a hierarchical structure indicated by Roman numerals for main ideas (I, II, III...), capital letters for subtopics (A, B, C...), Arabic numerals for details (1,2,3...), and lower-case letters for fine details if needed (a,b,c...). This helps keep things organized.  

Here is a shortened example of an outline:

Introduction: background and thesis statement

I. First topic

1. Supporting evidence 2. Supporting evidence

II. Second Topic

III. Third Topic

I. Summarize the main points of your paper II. Restate your thesis in different words III. Make a strong final statement

You can see examples of a few different kinds of outlines and get more help at the Purdue OWL .

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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Home » Thesis Outline – Example, Template and Writing Guide

Thesis Outline – Example, Template and Writing Guide

• Table of Contents

A well-structured thesis outline is a critical step in the research process. It serves as a roadmap, organizing ideas and guiding the writing process to ensure clarity and coherence. Whether you are writing a dissertation, master’s thesis, or undergraduate research paper, a strong outline provides a clear framework for presenting your arguments, evidence, and findings. This article explains how to create a thesis outline, offers a template, and provides practical tips to craft a comprehensive and effective thesis.

Thesis Outline

A thesis outline is a detailed plan that organizes the structure and content of a thesis or dissertation. It breaks down the document into sections and subsections, specifying the main points and supporting details for each part. This structured approach ensures that the thesis has a logical flow and that all required elements are included.

For example, a typical thesis outline might include an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion, with subheadings for key aspects of each section.

Importance of a Thesis Outline

A well-developed thesis outline offers several benefits:

• Clarity: Provides a clear structure for organizing ideas and arguments.
• Efficiency: Saves time by streamlining the writing process.
• Focus: Helps maintain alignment with research objectives.
• Consistency: Ensures that all required sections are included and logically connected.
• Professionalism: Reflects a structured and disciplined approach to research.

Components of a Thesis Outline

1. title page.

The title page includes essential information such as the thesis title, your name, institution, department, and submission date.

2. Abstract

A concise summary of the research, highlighting the objectives, methods, key findings, and conclusions. Typically 150–300 words.

3. Table of Contents

Lists all sections, subsections, and page numbers to provide a navigational guide for readers.

4. Introduction

• Purpose: Introduce the research topic, provide background information, and state the research problem or question.
• Research objectives and significance.
• Research questions or hypotheses.
• Scope and limitations of the study.

5. Literature Review

• Purpose: Summarize and critically evaluate existing research related to your topic.
• Identification of gaps in the literature.
• Theoretical frameworks or models.
• Relevance to the research question.

6. Methodology

• Purpose: Describe how the research was conducted to ensure replicability and validity.
• Research design (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
• Data collection methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews).
• Data analysis techniques.
• Ethical considerations.
• Purpose: Present the findings of the research objectively.
• Tables, charts, or graphs to illustrate data.
• Summary of key results.

8. Discussion

• Purpose: Interpret the results and relate them to the research questions or hypotheses.
• Explanation of findings.
• Comparison with previous studies.
• Implications of the results.
• Limitations of the study.

9. Conclusion

• Purpose: Summarize the main findings and their significance.
• Restate research objectives and outcomes.
• Recommendations for future research.
• Final thoughts or implications.

10. References

A comprehensive list of all sources cited in the thesis, formatted according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

11. Appendices

Supplementary material such as raw data, questionnaires, consent forms, or detailed calculations.

Thesis Outline Template

Below is a standard thesis outline template that can be customized for specific disciplines:

• List of Figures and Tables (if applicable)
• Background and context
• Research problem and objectives
• Research questions or hypotheses
• Scope and limitations
• Overview of existing research
• Identification of gaps
• Theoretical framework
• Research design
• Data collection methods
• Data analysis techniques
• Ethical considerations
• Presentation of data (tables, charts, etc.)
• Key findings
• Interpretation of results
• Implications
• Limitations
• Summary of findings
• Recommendations
• Final thoughts

Example of a Thesis Outline

Title: The Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity

• Brief summary of research objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions.
• Background on remote work trends.
• Problem statement: Productivity challenges in remote work.
• Research objectives: Identify factors influencing productivity.
• Research questions: How does remote work affect employee productivity?
• Scope: Focus on IT companies.
• Summary of existing studies on remote work.
• Theoretical framework: Work-life balance and job satisfaction theories.
• Gap: Limited research on long-term productivity effects.
• Research design: Mixed methods.
• Data collection: Surveys and interviews with IT professionals.
• Data analysis: Statistical analysis and thematic coding.
• Ethical considerations: Informed consent and confidentiality.
• Survey results: Productivity trends across demographics.
• Interview insights: Common challenges faced by remote employees.
• Interpretation: Factors like time management and communication influence productivity.
• Comparison: Findings align with prior research on remote work benefits and drawbacks.
• Implications: Recommendations for companies to improve remote work policies.
• Limitations: Focused on IT sector; may not generalize to other industries.
• Key findings: Remote work can enhance productivity with proper support systems.
• Recommendations: Implement regular feedback and robust communication tools.
• Future research: Explore cross-industry differences in remote work impacts.
• Survey questionnaire.
• Interview guide.

Guide to Writing a Thesis Outline

• Understand the Requirements: Review your institution’s guidelines and format requirements.
• Define Your Research Objectives: Clearly articulate your research problem, questions, or hypotheses.
• Organize Your Ideas: Use brainstorming or mind-mapping techniques to structure your main points and subpoints.
• Use Headings and Subheadings: Break down each section into manageable components.
• Prioritize Logical Flow: Arrange sections in a sequence that logically supports your argument.
• Be Specific: Include key points and details under each heading to ensure clarity.
• Revise and Refine: Review your outline for completeness and coherence before you start writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Lack of Detail: An overly vague outline can lead to confusion during the writing process.
• Inconsistent Structure: Ensure that all sections align with the overall flow of the thesis.
• Overloading Sections: Avoid cramming too much information into a single section; distribute it logically.

A well-crafted thesis outline is essential for guiding the research and writing process. By structuring the thesis into clearly defined sections and subsections, researchers can ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with their objectives. Using the provided template and example as a guide, students can create a comprehensive outline that simplifies the writing process and enhances the quality of their work.

• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Turabian, K. L. (2018). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations . University of Chicago Press.
• Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The Craft of Research . University of Chicago Press.
• Glatthorn, A. A., & Joyner, R. L. (2018). Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide . Corwin Press.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Thesis Outline: Step-by-step Guide To Write Thesis Outline

Writing a thesis can be daunting, but starting a well-organised outline and a strong thesis statement is the first step to success.

This guide offers a step-by-step approach to developing a clear and effective thesis statement and structuring your research in a logical manner.

Whether you’re writing a master’s thesis or a doctoral dissertation, these foundational steps will help you articulate your ideas and lay the groundwork for a compelling piece of academic writing.

Step-by-Step Guide To Write A Thesis Statement

Creating a thesis statement.

The very first step in writing a PhD thesis is to create and define your thesis statement.

A thesis statement clearly expresses the main idea of a paper and outlines the writer’s stance or argument in one sentence.

Creating a thesis statement for a PhD thesis demands a methodical approach that begins with a solid understanding of your research topic. Then, you decide on a concise declaration of your research aims and objectives.

As you start writing your thesis, remember that your thesis statement is more than just a sentence; it’s the blueprint for your dissertation and guides every chapter you write.

When you start to draft your thesis statement, think about the core message of your research. What are you trying to prove?

If your research is on preventive measures for youth gang involvement, your thesis statement could be: “Effective family support and educational programs are essential in preventing youth gang involvement.”

This statement not only outlines the scope of your research but also introduces the key hypothesis you intend to explore.

Next, take your initial statement and refine it as needed throughout the course of your writing. You may find new information that either supports or contradicts your initial hypothesis, requiring you to revise your thesis statement.

This flexibility is crucial; a preliminary thesis statement can evolve, highlighting your adaptability and growth as a scholar.

Remember, the thesis outline helps you not just to list all your arguments and subtopics in a logical order but also to ensure that every paragraph drives home how your findings contribute to the field.

Create A Thesis Outline For Your Research

Now that you have a thesis statement, now is the time to plan, and map out your thesis outline. Organising your thesis starts with planning what to write about in each chapters:

Thesis Statement

Start strong with a clear and precise thesis statement. For instance, if your research is on the impact of digital marketing on consumer behaviour, your thesis statement might be:

“Digital marketing has transformed consumer behaviour by personalising customer interactions and enabling continuous consumer engagement.”

Introduction

Introduce the scope and importance of your research. This section should hook your readers, providing a compelling reason to delve into your study.

The introduction sets the stage, so include some background information and the research question your thesis aims to answer.

Literature Review

This is where you summarise and analyse previous research related to your topic. This may be a section where many dread doing, since you need to do a lot of reading. But, if you are smart about it, you can use AI tools to help:

Organise this section by themes or methodologies to provide a comprehensive overview of what has been done and where your research fits in.

Here, citations are vital; they lend credibility and a scholarly touch to your work. Make sure you get your citations done properly, using the right format.

Methodology

Detail the methods you used to conduct your research. This part not only involves the technical aspects, such as data collection and analysis but also justifies why these methods are appropriate for your study.

You must distinguish your approaches clearly, showing their relevance to addressing your research question.

In this section, think about how you want to present what you discovered during your research. Organise your findings logically, possibly by: 

• hypothesis, or
• the structure of your study. 

Each major finding can be a subtopic under this chapter. The key is to deliver the findings in a way that is easily understood.

Analyse your results here. Discuss what each specific findings mean in the broader context of your field, their implications, and how they relate to existing knowledge. 

You can also compare that you found with similar studies you mentioned in your literature review. Mention if the results are similar or contrasting.

Connect these insights back to your thesis statement, reinforcing how your research contributes new understanding or evidence.

Summarise the key points of your research and restate your thesis in light of the evidence provided. This section should not only wrap up your thesis but also point out its significance and potential for future research.

Best Practices When Creating Thesis, Chapter Outlines

Creating a thesis outline is a strategic step in academic writing that structures your extensive research into a coherent, logical flow. Here are four best practices to guide you through the process:

1. Start with a Clear Thesis Statement: You must craft a precise thesis statement that clearly states your claims. This will serve as the anchor for your entire research paper. 

2. Organise Major Topics with Roman Numerals: Use Roman numerals to outline each major chapter, ensuring you cover all necessary sections of your thesis. This helps maintain a structured approach.

For instance, I could be the introduction, II the literature review, III the methodology, followed by the results and discussion.

3. List Arguments and Subtopics Logically: Within each chapter outline, list all the major topics and subtopics in a logical order. This ensures that every part of the chapter supports the main ideas effectively and maintains continuity. 

4. Regularly Revise Your Outline: As you write, be flexible and revise your outline as needed. This practice helps you refine your arguments and integrate new information, ensuring your thesis remains relevant and robust.

By following these best practices, you’ll create an outline that not only simplifies writing your thesis but also enhances the clarity and impact of your final document. This methodical preparation pays dividends, paving the way for a well-organised, compelling thesis.

Organise Your Thesis Chapters

Crafting a thesis outline is essential for organising your research and articulating a clear thesis statement. By following a step-by-step guide, you ensure that your work is structured logically from the introduction to the conclusion.

This method not only simplifies the writing process but also strengthens your argument, making your thesis both compelling and academically rigorous.

Remember, a well-planned outline is your roadmap to a successful thesis that effectively communicates your research findings.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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18 Thesis Outline Templates and Examples (Word | PDF)

Most people have come across thesis in college or high school. However, you might be needed to write a thesis several times or once in your entire lifetime. Therefore, a thesis is an essential document that significantly impacts your high school or college success. Furthermore, it can promote you to your next academic level or acquire a referral.

Therefore, you need to exercise sufficient care and diligence when writing your thesis. To ensure that you are always at the top of the game when developing a thesis, you must incorporate a thesis outline template to help you focus on your thesis. Suppose you are not familiar with the thesis outline template, worry less because this article has you covered.

What is a Thesis Outline?

A thesis outline is a list of critical points of your essay. It is made to make sure that the plans for your thesis are gathered together so that the entire variables necessary to your study scope are considered correctly. In addition, a thesis outline is an excellent way of creating a perfect research paper because it enables you to organize your data appropriately.

What Is a Thesis Outline Template?

A thesis outline template is a fillable or editable document that guides the researchers through the entire process, which they require to complete the whole research planning, gathering of data, assessment of results, and finally implementation.

Thesis Outline Examples & Templates

How to Write a Thesis Outline?

Below are a few steps that will guide you on writing a thesis outline:

• Put your thesis statement at the start
• State the primary points that support your thesis and label them using Roman numerals
• List arguments and ideas that support every central point and label them using capital letters
• If possible, continue sub-dividing every supporting idea until you confirm that your entire outline is fully created and label them in numbers or small letters.

Types of Thesis Outline

There are four types of thesis outline. They include:

• Clustering- It is a random outline form
• Index card outlining- This outline allows continuous reorganization of ideas
• A summary outlining- Here, the researcher estimates the sum chapters in their manuscript
• Classical outlining- It entails numbers, letters, and roman numerical for subheadings and headings

Sample Thesis Outline

Thesis Outline Template

Thesis Outline Template (PDF)

An thesis essay outline template is a template containing how an essay ought to be drafted, stored in a PDF version. As expected, such templates are stored in such a portal so as to enable ease of sharing among the interested parties [could be students, researchers, tutors etc].

Thesis Outline Template (Word)

Masters Thesis Proposal Outline Template

A master’s thesis outline is a document that contains a guideline on how to write a thesis for those students undertaking a master’s degree program. The document resembles any thesis outline in its general outlook, only that the expected level of research is a bit more technical. The basic components of this outline include an Introduction, Review, Research Questions, Methodology and a Conclusion.

Senior Thesis Outline

Thesis Statement & Outline Template

Thesis statement outline examples are examples that project the rough idea of what a researcher’s viewpoints are. Such examples usually contain the declarations officially made by the researcher just before they conduct their research. The examples show what the researcher is confident about fulfilling out of the research.

Thesis Proposal Outline Template

Honors Thesis Outline Template

Thesis Essay Outline Template

Academic Thesis Outline Template

Thesis Paper Outline (Word)

A thesis paper outline example is a draft that details all the key points that would normally go in a thesis paper. Such an example has an introduction, the content body and a conclusion in rough draft. These would later be used by the writer in composing the actual thesis paper.

What is a good thesis outline?

A good thesis outline is a specific strong thesis statement that showcases what your research is all about. Furthermore, it helps you keep your paper to a topic you can easily handle without any problem.

What are the different parts of a thesis?

Here are different parts of a thesis:

Introduction and problem statement

The introduction of your thesis usually sets out the context and locates a particular problem that you as the researcher address. In addition, it includes relevant technical, geographical, and historical information, which is relevant to your specific problem and wide field. On the other hand, it clearly articulates the issue you seek to address. Therefore, ensure you state your primary problem in your introduction.

Literature review

This section of your thesis shows you have accomplished relevant research, reading, and coming up with sensible external research. Literature review needs you to include some tips, such as putting together related research and organizing your scholarship in chronological order.

Methodology section

The methodology section gives you a chance to talk about the kind of field you work in. It would help if you mentioned how researchers in your field accomplish their work. It can either be historical, theoretical, close reading, or data-intensive.

The analysis depends on the needed length of your thesis and field. It makes an essential part of your research. On the other hand, your analysis has to make sense, whether scientific evaluation findings or theoretical analysis. A doctoral-level project, this portion features multiple chapters. Additionally, this section gives you a chance to showcase why your research is crucial.

Here you need to summarize the essential elements of your entire findings as you demonstrate how your entire research can be advanced further.

How do you write a strong thesis statement?

Below are several steps you need to follow to write a strong thesis statement:

• State the topic
• State your primary idea concerning the topic
• Offer a reason, which supports your major idea
• Provide another reason which supports your primary idea and add more reasons
• Involve an opposing viewpoint to your primary idea, where applicable

How many chapters should a thesis have?

A thesis should feature 4 to 6 chapters in a commonly used structure.

Final Thoughts

You now clearly understand the thesis outline based on the comprehensive post above. The outline usually helps you to organize your information in a logical order and hierarchical manner. For example, suppose you are working on research papers; a formal outline will assist you in recording sufficient information. Use this post for guidance, and you will come up with a perfect thesis outline.

How did our templates helped you today?

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Research Paper Menu

• 1. Overview
• 2. Finding Topic Ideas 

3. Creating a Thesis Statement & Outline

• 4. Choosing Appropriate Resources
• 5. Using Butte College Library Resources
• 6. Scholarly Journals
• 7. Online Search Techniques
• 8. Taking Notes and Documenting Sources
• 9. Evaluation of Resources
• 10. Citation and Plagiarism

I.What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is usually a sentence that states your argument to the reader. It usually appears in the first paragraph of an essay.

II. Why do I need to write a thesis statement for a paper?

Your thesis statement states what you will discuss in your essay. Not only does it define the scope and focus of your essay, it also tells your reader what to expect from the essay.

A thesis statement can be very helpful in constructing the outline of your essay.

Also, your instructor may require a thesis statement for your paper.

III. How do I create a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is not a statement of fact. It is an assertive statement that states your claims and that you can prove with evidence. It should be the product of research and your own critical thinking. There are different ways and different approaches to write a thesis statement. Here are some steps you can try to create a thesis statement:

1. Start out with the main topic and focus of your essay.

Example: youth gangs + prevention and intervention programs

2. Make a claim or argument in one sentence.

Example: Prevention and intervention programs can stop youth gang activities.

3. Revise the sentence by using specific terms.

Example: Early prevention programs in schools are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement.

4. Further revise the sentence to cover the scope of your essay and make a strong statement.

Example: Among various prevention and intervention efforts that have been made to deal with the rapid growth of youth gangs, early school-based prevention programs are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement.

IV. Can I revise the thesis statement in the writing process?

Sure. In fact, you should keep the thesis statement flexible and revise it as needed. In the process of researching and writing, you may find new information that falls outside the scope of your original plan and want to incorporate it into your paper. Or you probably understand your thoughts more and shift the focus of your paper. Then you will need to revise your thesis statement while you are writing the paper.

V. Why do I need to make an outline when I already have a thesis statement?

An outline is the "road map" of your essay in which you list the arguments and subtopics in a logical order. A good outline is an important element in writing a good paper. An outline helps to target your research areas, keep you within the scope without going off-track, and it can also help to keep your argument in good order when writing the essay.

VI. How do I make an outline?

You list all the major topics and subtopics with key points that support them. Put similar topics and points together and arrange them in a logical order.

Include an Introduction , a Body , and a Conclusion in your outline. You can make an outline in a list format or a chart format .

Next Chapter: 4. Choosing Appropriate Resources

How to Write a Thesis Statement & Essay Outline

• Posted on February 29, 2024 December 9, 2024

Writing your thesis statement and planning out your essay outline are two of the most important things you can do if you want to have a concise, accurate, and interesting argumentative essay. In addition, the time you spend brainstorming your research paper will save you hours of edits in the long run.

A good thesis statement is the backbone of your entire essay. Fortunately, writing thesis statements is easy if you follow our step-by-step guide that walks you through crafting a robust argumentative thesis statement.

The main point of your essay should be highlighted in your thesis statement. You can further expound upon this central theme in your introductory paragraph, letting your audience know exactly what they can expect from your paper. It’s essential to make your thesis statement as straightforward as possible, laying out the case for the rest of your paper.

What is a Thesis Statement?

A strong thesis statement gives your audience a clear understanding of what to expect from your essay. Think of it like a micro-roadmap that efficiently lets your readers know where the essay will take them.

Most thesis statements revolve around proving a point or making a specific claim. While it can be based upon your opinion, it’s also vital to remember that you need to substantiate any claims that you make with facts.

It’s important to have one significant theme in your thesis statement. If you try to express too many things, you will confuse the reader. Thesis statements need to be concise, crystal-clear and express a statement of fact. Therefore, mastering a thesis is a crucial part of all essay writing.

You can also use your thesis statement to address a specific issue and explain how you’ll break it down in your essay. If you’re talking about something controversial, you should substantiate your claims with facts and logic. The best essays tackle complex topics by  breaking them down into logical and easily understandable chunks.

If you’re dealing with a hot-button topic, it’s a good idea to mention that there are other viewpoints. Then, you can dissect these viewpoints and explain why you disagree with them later on in your essay.

What to Include in a Thesis Statement

Start off with a working thesis. Give some thought to your thesis statement’s significant points, and condense them until you have a very compact but straightforward statement about the issue. Make sure that you include plenty of supporting evidence to back up your thesis.

Although all thesis statements are different, there are some general qualities that you should strive to include. First, spend some time crafting your thesis because the clearer you are on your objectives, the easier your essay will be to write.

• Your thesis statement should be concise, direct, and clear
• It should encapsulate your essay as much as possible
• The thesis should contain a combination of opinion and support

You also need to brainstorm the critical components of your essay. What are you trying to achieve? Who is your audience? Think about what the reader would want to learn from the essay and distill it down into one very powerful line.

It’s completely natural to spend a significant amount of time on your thesis statement. You might be tempted to jump right into your essay without ironing out the finer points, but this can make the writing muddied or challenging to read. So instead, spend as much time as you need to come up with a good thesis statement that you can back up with facts.

What is an Outline?

Once you have your thesis statement, it’s time to jump into your outline. Good outlines combine logical frameworks with plenty of brainstorming and act as a template for the whole essay. Your outline is an integral part of the writing process, as it allows you to look at all of the subtopics of your essay in logical order.

Every subtopic should reflect your thesis statement and bolster your position. Start with your introductory paragraph and then drill down into the finer points of the essay. Finally, address conflicting viewpoints and explain why you’ve taken the position you have.

A constructive way of coming up with opposing viewpoints is to write down bullet points from the other side. Then, think of all of the counterarguments that you’ve heard and write down logical rebuttals to them. If you’re having trouble coming up with counterarguments, search for your topic online and read a few papers that express differing views.

The best outlines are analytical, expository, and argumentative. They teach the audience something new through a logical process. Although your thesis statement can be based on opinion, it’s vital that you back it up with facts and explain why the audience should trust your authority.

Drafting Your Essay Outline

Now, it’s time to draft your essay outline. The more prep work you do in the beginning, the fewer edits that you’ll need to do later on. Identify what will go into your first paragraph and what the key points of your essay will be.

Write down these points and organize them into a logical framework. Try to blend the points into each other, guiding the reader on a comprehensive overview of why your thesis statement is important and correct. Every subtopic should echo your thesis statement.

All outlines should contain an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

Your introduction is a brief overview of your essay. Give your reader a general idea of what you’ll be covering and why it’s crucial. You don’t have to go into too much detail here, as your essay body will undoubtedly elaborate on your key points.

Your body will be the longest part of the essay and contain all of your subtopics. Please spend some time crafting and organizing your body so that it’s as straightforward as possible with a strong focus on accessibility. Remember, each body paragraph should bring something new to the essay.

The conclusion is where you wrap everything up. Make sure that you restate your thesis and hit on any critical points the essay addressed. You will want to write a powerful closing statement too.

Final Thoughts

Once you have your thesis statement and outline done, it’s time to start writing your essay. At this point, you should think about what style you want to use. Some high schools and colleges prefer  APA style , whereas others want you to write your essay in  AP style . If you don’t know which one your school is looking for, ask your professor or inquire at your writing center. There are guides for both online.

After you’re done writing your essay, read it through to ensure that it coincides with your thesis statement. If you’ve written your thesis statement and outline properly, there should be minimal content edits.

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