A formal outline of a five-paragraph essay looks like this: Formal Outline. Here is an example of a formal outline for a descriptive essay. Notice that the order of the essay follows the order established by the thesis statement.
Introductory Paragraph (Opener) Imagine a sparkling sea, swimming pool, or stream. (Background information) Describe water activities. (Thesis) Nothing can compare to the peace I feel when I am around water because my mind is at ease, my body relaxes, and my worries drift away. (First Body Paragraph) – first supporting point (Topic Sentence) When I am around bodies of water, my mind is at ease. (Supporting details) Describe ways that my mind is at ease. (Transition
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(Supporting details) Describe ways that my body relaxes. (Transition to the next paragraph) In addition to relaxing my body, water helps ease my worries. Third Body Paragraph – third supporting point (Topic Sentence) When I am around bodies of water, my worries drift away. (Supporting details) Describe ways that my worries drift away. (Transition to the next paragraph) Reducing my stress is just one of the many benefits I experience when spending my free time around water. Conclusion Paragraph One sentence summarizes the major details. Second sentence restates and expands thesis statement. Last sentence gives readers a sense of closure.
Putting the Pieces Together
Now that you know a bit more about the writing process, thesis formation, and basic essay format, it's time to think ahead. Your first essay for this class will be a descriptive essay. You will dig into the shape and form of this type of writing in the next couple of lessons, but for now, here are some ideas to get you started.
Prompt 1: VIP (Very Important