Essay Outline Template (Markdown)
A structured outline for academic essays. Includes thesis statement, introduction, body paragraphs with evidence, counterarguments, and a conclusion.
# Essay Outline
**Title:**
**Course:**
**Due date:**
## Thesis Statement
One sentence that states the main argument.
## Introduction
- Hook
- Background context
- Thesis statement
- Roadmap of arguments
## Body
### Argument 1
- Main point
- Evidence
- Analysis
- Transition
### Argument 2
- Main point
- Evidence
- Analysis
- Transition
### Counterargument
- Opposing view
- Rebuttal
## Conclusion
- Restate thesis
- Summarize arguments
- Broader implications
- Call to action or closing thought
## References
- Source 1
- Source 2How to Use This Outline
Thesis statement first. Everything in your essay should support this one sentence. If a paragraph doesn't connect to the thesis, cut it or rewrite the thesis.
Each argument needs evidence. The "Evidence" line under each argument is the most important one. Without evidence, you just have opinions.
Include a counterargument. Addressing opposing views strengthens your position.
The conclusion is not a summary. Restate the thesis in fresh language, then zoom out to broader implications.
Related Academic Templates
Research Paper Template — Formal academic paper
Thesis Proposal Template — For thesis committees
Literature Review Template — Source synthesis
Study Notes Template — Lecture notes