Writing Explanatory Text Outline Template
Directions: To successfully complete this outline, delete the underlines and fill in those areas with the information for the topic you chose.
Topic
(Must choose one of these topics- Marine Habitats, Ocean Pollution, Invasive Ocean Species, or Inland Seas):Ocean Pollution
Introduction
“Hook” (one-two sentences where you excite the reader to make them want to keep reading): Did you know that our oceans are facing a major crisis of pollution that threatens marine life and ecosystems?
Thesis statement/Main idea (one sentence where you tell the reader the main idea/topic of your paper):
Ocean pollution is a pressing environmental issue that has detrimental effects on marine habitats and species.
Overview and transition into first body paragraph (explain what will be covered in your body paragraphs, and transition into the first body paragraph):
In this paper, we will explore the causes and consequences of ocean pollution, as well as potential solutions to mitigate its harmful effects.
Body Paragraph #1
Heading (Title of the Paragraph): _____________________________________________
A. First major point (topic sentence): __________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 1: ____________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 2: ____________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 3: ____________________________________________
Transition to next paragraph: ____________________________________________
Body Paragraph #2
Heading (Title of the Paragraph): _____________________________________________
B. Second major point (topic sentence): __________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 1: ____________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 2: ____________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 3: ____________________________________________
Transition to next paragraph: ____________________________________________
Body Paragraph #3 (Optional- Delete this Section if Not Using)
Heading (Title of the Paragraph): _____________________________________________
C. Third major point (topic sentence): __________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 1: ____________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 2: ____________________________________________
Supporting detail idea 3: ____________________________________________
Transition to next paragraph: ____________________________________________
Conclusion
Reworded thesis/main idea (one or two sentences- reword your thesis statement/main idea from your introduction):_________________________________________________________________
Summary of main points (two or more sentences that restate what you discussed in your body paragraphs): __________________________________________________________________________________
Closing statement (one sentence that wraps up your paper) : ________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Ocean Pollution
Introduction
"Hook": Did you know that our oceans are facing a major crisis of pollution that threatens marine life and ecosystems?
Thesis statement/Main idea: Ocean pollution is a pressing environmental issue that has detrimental effects on marine habitats and species.
Overview and transition into first body paragraph: In this paper, we will explore the causes and consequences of ocean pollution, as well as potential solutions to mitigate its harmful effects.
Body Paragraph #1
Heading: Causes of Ocean Pollution
A. First major point (topic sentence): Industrial and sewage runoff contributes to ocean pollution.
Supporting detail idea 1: Industrial waste, such as chemicals and heavy metals, is discharged into waterways and ultimately reaches the oceans.
Supporting detail idea 2: Untreated sewage from cities and coastal communities is often discharged directly into the ocean.
Supporting detail idea 3: These sources of pollution introduce harmful substances into the marine environment.
Transition to next paragraph: Despite these causes, there are additional factors that contribute to ocean pollution.
Body Paragraph #2
Heading: Consequences of Ocean Pollution
B. Second major point (topic sentence): Ocean pollution leads to severe impacts on marine life and ecosystems.
Supporting detail idea 1: Toxic chemicals can accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms, leading to health problems and even death.
Supporting detail idea 2: Oil spills and plastic waste can entangle or suffocate marine animals.
Supporting detail idea 3: Disruption of marine ecosystems can occur, affecting the balance of species and biodiversity.
Transition to next paragraph: While the consequences of ocean pollution are dire, there are potential solutions that can help address this issue.
Body Paragraph #3
Heading: Potential Solutions to Ocean Pollution
C. Third major point (topic sentence): Various measures can be taken to mitigate the harmful effects of ocean pollution.
Supporting detail idea 1: Implementing stricter regulations and improving waste management practices can reduce the amount of pollution entering the oceans.
Supporting detail idea 2: Promoting sustainable fishing practices and establishing marine protected areas can help preserve marine habitats and species.
Supporting detail idea 3: Raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of ocean conservation can inspire individual actions to reduce pollution.
Transition to next paragraph: By implementing these solutions, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier ocean environment.
Conclusion
Reworded thesis/main idea: Ocean pollution poses a significant threat to marine habitats and species and must be addressed to protect the health of our oceans.
Summary of main points: In this paper, we discussed the causes of ocean pollution, the consequences it has on marine life, and potential solutions to mitigate its harmful effects.
Closing statement: It is our collective responsibility to take action and make changes to ensure the preservation and sustainability of our oceans for future generations.
Writing Explanatory Text Outline Template
Directions: To successfully complete this outline, delete the underlines and fill in those areas with the information for the topic you chose.
Topic
(Must choose one of these topics- Marine Habitats, Ocean Pollution, Invasive Ocean Species, or Inland Seas): Ocean Pollution
Introduction
“Hook” (one-two sentences where you excite the reader to make them want to keep reading): Did you know that our oceans are facing a major crisis of pollution that threatens marine life and ecosystems?
Thesis statement/Main idea (one sentence where you tell the reader the main idea/topic of your paper):
Ocean pollution is a pressing environmental issue that has detrimental effects on marine habitats and species.
Overview and transition into first body paragraph (explain what will be covered in your body paragraphs, and transition into the first body paragraph):
In this paper, we will explore the causes and consequences of ocean pollution, as well as potential solutions to mitigate its harmful effects.
Body Paragraph #1
Heading (Title of the Paragraph): Causes of Ocean Pollution
A. First major point (topic sentence): Industrial waste and chemicals are significant contributors to ocean pollution.
Supporting detail idea 1: Discharge of untreated industrial wastewater directly into the oceans.
Supporting detail idea 2: Improper disposal of toxic chemicals from factories and oil spills.
Supporting detail idea 3: Runoff of agricultural chemicals into rivers and eventually reaching the ocean.
Transition to next paragraph: Despite efforts to regulate and prevent industrial pollution, the volume of contaminants entering the oceans remains alarmingly high.
Body Paragraph #2
Heading (Title of the Paragraph): Consequences of Ocean Pollution
B. Second major point (topic sentence): Ocean pollution poses severe threats to marine life and ecosystems.
Supporting detail idea 1: Destruction of coral reefs and loss of habitat for many species.
Supporting detail idea 2: Contamination of food sources for marine animals, leading to bioaccumulation of toxins in the food chain.
Supporting detail idea 3: Negative impacts on reproductive capabilities and overall health of marine organisms.
Transition to next paragraph: The consequences of ocean pollution extend far beyond individual species and can have cascading effects on entire ecosystems.
Body Paragraph #3 (Optional- Delete this Section if Not Using)
Heading (Title of the Paragraph): Potential Solutions to Ocean Pollution
C. Third major point (topic sentence): There are various approaches to address and reduce ocean pollution.
Supporting detail idea 1: Implementation of stricter regulations on industrial waste management and treatment.
Supporting detail idea 2: Promoting sustainable fishing practices and reducing overfishing.
Supporting detail idea 3: Raising awareness and encouraging participation in beach clean-up activities.
Transition to next paragraph: By implementing these solutions and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility, we can strive to restore the health of our oceans.
Conclusion
Reworded thesis/main idea (one or two sentences- reword your thesis statement/main idea from your introduction): Ocean pollution is an urgent environmental concern threatening the delicate balance of marine habitats and species.
Summary of main points (two or more sentences that restate what you discussed in your body paragraphs): In this paper, we explored the causes of ocean pollution, including industrial waste and chemicals. We also discussed the consequences of this pollution, such as habitat destruction and threats to marine life. Lastly, we highlighted potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of stricter regulations, sustainable practices, and raising awareness.
Closing statement (one sentence that wraps up your paper): It is imperative that we take immediate action to reduce ocean pollution and protect the health and biodiversity of our oceans for future generations.