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Academic Help: An Essay Paragraph Outline Example


A paragraph outline is the best means of ensuring a proper paragraph structure, which is vital to your essay’s success. The first reason to outline your paragraphs is that it will help you master the skill of essay writing and planning. The second is that it can simplify your work. If you are new to academic writing, it may be easier to write an outline before elaborating on it. This way, you don’t have to rack your brain trying to produce a strong paragraph from scratch.

Essay Paragraph Outline Elements

All essay paragraphs, except for the introduction and the conclusion, should follow the same basic structure. This includes:

  • Topic sentence. This is the main idea of your paragraph. Write it down first. Make it as concise as possible – for example, “Renaissance art was more advanced than medieval art.”
  • Main points. They explain the paragraph’s idea more specifically. If your topic sentence is “Renaissance art was more advanced than medieval art,” your main points can be “Renaissance art was more realistic” and “Renaissance art explored a broader range of topics.” Your paragraph may have two to four main points. Write them down under your topic sentence, leaving three to five lines in between.
  • Supporting evidence. Each main point should be supported by at least one example, either fact or argument. List your evidence in bullet points under your main points.
  • Concluding/transitory sentence. A concluding sentence is a restatement of the topic sentence. In a very long paragraph, you may also include main points. However, in small paragraphs, a concluding sentence is often not needed. Consider writing a sentence that transitions into the next paragraph instead.

Use the step-by-step guide above to write an outline for your paragraph. Do not bother only writing in complete sentences. You may use short phrases if you find it more convenient, or combine both styles. The result should look like the example below.

Paragraph Outline Example

Topic sentence: Renaissance art was more advanced than medieval art.

Main point 1: Renaissance art was more realistic.

  • The use of perspective.
  • More realistic human proportions.
  • Example: Virgin of the Rocks by Da Vinci vs. Bayeux Tapestry.

Main point 2: Renaissance art explored a broader range of topics.

  • The themes of medieval art were limited to Christianity and actual events (wars, deaths of rulers, etc.).
  • Renaissance artists painted portraits and mythological scenes, looking for beauty and perfection.
  • Example: Birth of Venus by Boticelli.

Concluding sentence: Renaissance art was more realistic and diverse than medieval art.

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