Essay planning guide
Build an outline that connects every claim to evidence and analysis
An essay outline is the reasoning structure beneath the final prose. It interprets the prompt, states a defensible thesis and orders claims so each section advances the argument. Evidence does not speak for itself: the outline should explain what a source shows, why it supports the claim and how that claim contributes to the thesis.
Paste the assignment prompt, preliminary thesis, reading notes and citation details. AI can group related material and suggest an order, but it may misread a source or invent a connection. Verify every quotation and reference against the original. Keep source wording distinct from your own analysis and follow the required citation style and academic integrity policy.
Classify notes by argumentative function rather than by source alone. Evidence may establish context, support a causal claim, provide a counterexample, define a concept or limit the scope of a conclusion. Recording that function prevents the outline from becoming a sequence of book summaries. It also reveals when several sources repeat the same point while an important claim still has no direct support.
Core parts of an essay outline
Include the prompt, working thesis, introduction purpose, main claims, evidence, analysis, transitions, counterargument, response and conclusion. For research essays, record source and page details beside each evidence note.
Outline ideas, not just paragraphs
A heading such as ‘Body paragraph three’ gives no logical guidance. Name the claim and its role, then decide later whether it needs one paragraph or a larger section.
