Creating an Outline from a Thesis Statement

So, let’s look at how you can use a thesis statement to help you form a quick outline. You are writing an essay about the dangers of cigarette smoking, and you have a thesis statement that says:

“Cigarette smoking should be illegal as smoking causes lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, and second hand damage in the form of asthma and allergies.”

Then, you could write supporting paragraphs on:

1. Lung cancer
2. COPD
3. Hypertension
4. Second hand damage

With an introduction and a conclusion, you now have a quick outline for a six-paragraph essay.

1. Introduction - set up the essay and establish the thesis statement.
   • Place thesis statement as the last sentence of the introduction.
2. First Body Paragraph
   • Lung Cancer – give evidence from sources to support claims.
3. Second Body Paragraph
   • COPD – give evidence from sources to support claims.
4. Third Body Paragraph
   • Hypertension – give evidence from sources to support claims.
5. Fourth Body Paragraph
   • Second hand damage – give evidence from sources to support claims.
6. Conclusion – wrap up the essay and discuss the significance of the claims.