Essay outline formats can vary according to the writer's preferences, but in general, each outline will contain many of the same features. A topic as well as a thesis statement should be present in the outline, as well as general topics for supporting paragraphs. The length and the details included in the essay outline formats can vary, and while more detail may be helpful for some writers, other writers may get bogged down or confused with too much information. A very simple format will include a thesis statement, supporting paragraph points, and any sources from which the writer intends to pull information.
One of the simplest essay outline formats allows the writer to get started writing the opening paragraph during the outlining process. The first item in the outline is the general topic of the essay, which may be as broad as "Common Medical Devices." From that topic, the writer may choose to do a brainstorming cloud or web; this is a separate piece of paper on which the writer can write the topic in the center of the page and write related ideas and concepts around that idea. This will help the writer develop a more specific focus for the paper. Once the writer has a specific idea, he or she will write the thesis statement, or main argument, of the paper in the outline. The writer will then write down a numbered list of main points for supporting the thesis.
Other essay outline formats are a bit more in depth. The essay can be broken down by paragraph, and the specific details or examples that will be included in each paragraph will be included in the outline. This very detailed document will help the writer form specific paragraphs with little room for deviation from the established plan. The outline might look something like this:
PARAGRAPH 1
A) Hook
B) Introductory information
C) Thesis statement
PARAGRAPH 2
A) Point 1
B) Example 1
C) Example 2
PARAGRAPH 3
A) Point 2
B) Counter-argument 1
C) Response to counter-argument 1
PARAGRAPH 4
A) Summation
B) Main point
C) Main point
The individual bullet points or numbered or lettered items can vary according to the specific essay being written, but these essay outline formats will allow the writer to keep track of specific points and arguments regardless of how long or short the essay ends up being. A writer who needs to write a very detailed essay with a specific focus might want to choose this essay format.