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): ____________________
Introduction
“Hook” (one-two sentences where you excite the reader to make them want to keep reading): ____________________________________________________________________________________
Thesis statement/Main idea (one sentence where you tell the reader the main idea/topic of your paper):
____________________________________________________________________________________
Overview and transition into first body paragraph (explain what will be covered in your body paragraphs, and transition into the first body paragraph):
____________________________________________________________________________________
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) : ________________________________________________________________________
Sources
List of sources used in paper (provide the citations or references for the sources you used in your paper):
1.
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4.
5.