How to Outline an Essay In 4 Steps (IELTS / TOEFL)

31/01/2021

English proficiency tests, such as the IELTS and TOEFL, include a written component to determine their evaluation. When preparing to write an essay, a useful tactic is to start out with an outline. An outline can help you to organize your ideas in a coherent fashion, allowing you to showcase your level of English within your essay more effectively.  Here I will show you how to do an outline for your essay in 4 easy steps!

What is an outline & why should I use one?

An outline is a tool used when writing an essay in order to help ensure flow and a good structure. When properly employed, being able to quickly and effectively write an outline can greatly improve your overall writing score on your essay. 

Typically an outline shouldn’t take a long time to make – for the TOEFL or IELTS exams it should take 5 minutes or less. Again, the main purpose of creating an outline is to ORGANIZE your ideas BEFORE you start writing your essay. This way, when you begin to write your essay, you already have a clear idea of what you want to say, and in what order.

How do I make an outline?

There are several different ways to make an outline – some people work better with the typical structure (discussed at length below with an example), while others prefer to use “mind maps” to flesh out their ideas. It is important that you experiment with a few different methods, and find which helps you to better organize your ideas in the most timely manner. 

Here I will go over how to make an outline (using the typical structure) step by step. For the purpose of this example we will use the following prompt (a TOEFL independent task):

TOEFL Example Question:

Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer?

Essay Outline Step #1:

For the TOEFL and IELTS often the topic is chosen for you to write about. You are given the prompt(s) and asked to discuss the content, or asked your opinion on a certain matter.

The first step is to decide on your thesis statement— in this case, this means your main opinion / position / argument / topic.

In most cases,  it is  better to just pick one side! (Although you are permitted to include both sides of the argument, generally there just isn’t enough time to fully explain your arguments in the depth required.)

Ex. I prefer to travel alone, and meet up with friends at the destination.

Essay Outline Step #2:

Think of a main idea for each body paragraph. Generally, you want to have at least 2 body paragraphs.

When writing the main idea, you can use 1 sentence (complete or incomplete), shorthand or even just 1 word– remember– what’s important here is that you remember what your idea is.  

(For the purpose of this exercise, I will use complete sentences in order to better illustrate the example.)

Body Paragraph 1: Travelling alone allows more freedom.

Body Paragraph 2:  Travelling alone is more relaxing.

Body Paragraph 3: Meeting with friends at the destination (or making new friends) allows you to decide which activities you want to partake in without feeling obligated.

Essay Outline Step #3:

Now, for each idea add a few supporting statements. Adding an example, or personal anecdote to further explain your point is also a great idea. 

Body Paragraph 1: Travelling alone allows more freedom.

  • Only need to eat / drink when and where you want
  • Don’t need to compromise

Body Paragraph 2:  Travelling alone is more relaxing.

  • You only need to worry about yourself and your needs
  • Can watch Netflix, listen to music, journal or whatever you want during the entire trip

Body Paragraph 3: Meeting with friends at the destination (or making new friends) allows you to decide which activities you want to partake in without feeling obligated.

  • Win win, you can still relax and have the freedom you want but not be lonely if you want to do an activity with someone else.
  • When I went to Peru in 2007.

Essay Outline Step #4:

Now for all intents and purposes, you are ready to start writing!

Some people find it easier to start with the body paragraphs while others start with the introduction. Personally, I generally write my opening statement and thesis statement for the introduction first, then my body paragraphs. After writing the body paragraphs I go back to finish writing the introduction. I then read through the entire essay, and lastly, write the conclusion.

Conclusion:

All in all, knowing how to quickly and effectively write an outline can help improve your writing score. As shown above, outlining enables you to organize your ideas before you begin writing your essay in order to maintain a good flow throughout your essay and helps ensure an overall coherence. 

If you would like to read about whether to take IELTS General or Academic, check out our blog article here.