Essay Outline Builder
Choose your essay type, fill in guided boxes for the introduction, each body paragraph and the conclusion, and get a clean numbered outline with suggested word counts. Your work saves automatically in this browser.
Saved in this browser only. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
How to outline an essay
- Choose the essay type and how many body paragraphs you need. The boxes change to match: an argumentative essay gets a counterargument section, a compare and contrast essay asks about each subject.
- Write your thesis first, using the pattern shown as a guide, then give each body paragraph one main point with its evidence. Short notes are fine; an outline is a plan, not a draft.
- Watch the outline build on the right. Copy it, or download it as a Word-compatible .doc or plain text file to keep writing.
The basic essay structure
Almost every school essay follows the same shape. The introduction grabs attention with a hook, gives the background a reader needs, and ends with a thesis: one sentence stating your main point. Each body paragraph supports the thesis with one idea, opening with a topic sentence, giving evidence, and explaining how that evidence proves the point. The conclusion restates the thesis in fresh words, sums up the main points and leaves the reader with a final thought.
Writing a strong thesis
A good thesis is specific, arguable and previews your reasons. “Social media is bad” is too vague. “Schools should limit phone use during class because phones distract students, reduce face-to-face interaction and encourage cheating” tells the reader exactly what you will argue and in what order. Your body paragraphs then follow those three reasons.
How long should each part be?
As a rule of thumb, the introduction and conclusion are each about 10–12% of the essay, and the rest is split evenly between body paragraphs, with a little extra for a counterargument when you include one. Choose a target length and the outline shows a suggested word count for every section.
| Essay type | Goal | Body paragraphs focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Argumentative | Prove a claim with evidence | Reasons, evidence, counterargument |
| Persuasive | Convince the reader to act or agree | Reasons and appeals |
| Expository | Explain a topic clearly | Facts, examples, steps |
| Compare and contrast | Show similarities and differences | One point of comparison each |
| Narrative | Tell a story with meaning | Events in order with detail |
| Literary analysis | Interpret a text | Claims backed by quotations |
Need a different tool? Suggest it here — we read every message.
Frequently asked questions
Does this write my essay for me?
No. It organizes your own ideas into a clear plan. You supply the thesis, points and evidence; the outline shows where each piece goes and what is still missing.
Is my outline saved?
Yes, automatically, in this browser on this device. It stays until you click Start over or clear your browser data.
Can I open the .doc file in Google Docs?
Yes. Upload it to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs, or open it directly in Microsoft Word, Pages or LibreOffice.
How many body paragraphs should I have?
Three is standard for a five-paragraph essay. Longer essays of 1,500 words or more often need four to six.
Is anything sent to a server?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser, and nothing you enter leaves your device.