Writing Explanatory Text Outline Template

Question

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

Answer 1

List of sources used in paper (provide the citations or references for the sources you used in your paper):

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.