Paragraps plan: Information about paragraphs Opinion paragraphs Couse and effect paragraphs paragraps

Write an Outline

Step 2: Create an outline. An outline provides a map for your writing and you should never try to write an essay without one. Some teachers even require you to write an outline before you are allowed to start an introductory or body paragraph because they improve the quality of writing so significantly.

Use ideas from your brainstorming session to "jot down", or quickly write, ideas for how your whole essay might progress (these do not have to be in complete sentences). An outline makes organizing much easier but does not have to be rigid—feel free to make changes as needed. See the following cause and effect essay outline example for help.

Title: How Fighting Fast Food Can Help End Obesity

I. Introduction

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  Hook: Statistic about obesity
  
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  Thesis statement: Obesity has become the number one threat to good health in developed countries.
  

II. Body Paragraph 1: Availability and overeating

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  Availability
  
  • 
    Fast food is everywhere
    
  • 
    Impossible to ignore
    
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  Health Problems
  
  • 
    Buy too much fast food too often because it's everywhere
    
  • 
    Obesity, heart problems, diabetes, etc.
    
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  Plan ahead
  
  • 
    Easier to resist when you have a plan
    
  • 
    Meal prep, take different routes, etc.
    

III. Body Paragraph 2: Affordability and overspending

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  Affordability
  
  • 
    ...
    
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  Overspending
  
  • 
    ...
    
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  Educate
  
  • 
    ...
    

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Convenience

...

V. Conclusion

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  End obesity by teaching people how dangerous fast food can be