Not every assignment requires an essay outline, but often an outline--whether it is completed as you go or completed in reverse to help organize and develop content--is helpful in fleshing out a first draft.

The Purdue OWL offers advice on various methods of outlining.

Some examples of argument essay outlines are provided here, but additional outline templates are available on the Internet based upon many types of writing assignments

Beginning to write a paper can be difficult for many reasons. You may be nervous, feel as though you do not know what you are doing, or have bad memories of difficult papers from junior high or high school. The goal of this LibGuide is to make the actual writing as painless as possible.

If you followed the Guide tabs from left to right, you should already have completed most of your research, brainstorming, and organizing. Now it is time to start writing.

Here are some simple tips to make writing your first draft easy:

• Start writing your paper as though you are explaining your topic to a family member, friend, classmate, or instructor, using as much detail as you can. It may be helpful to record yourself verbally telling someone about your topic and then use the recording to type your first draft.
• Have your research notes and outline (or whatever organizational tool you used) available. As you begin writing (or talking), follow your outline and say everything you know about each point. You may need to refer to your notes for details or statistics that back up a point you are making.
• Don't worry about getting it "perfect". There is a reason the first draft is often called "rough draft" - it's okay to be a bit messy.
• Your introduction explains what you are going to write about in general but avoid announcing your topic with statements like "I am going to write about" or "I am going to talk about"... 
• Your thesis statement at the end of the introduction tells your readers why your topic is important and guides the reader to the main points you want to make in the rest of the essay.
• When you reach the end of your outline and run out of things to relate to your readers, sum up your points in the conclusion. Introduction: broad; conclusion: specific.
• If your paper is a specific type - proposal, research report, business plan, persuasive/argumentative, etc. - please refer to the Learning Resource Center Libguide for further guidance.

Congratulations!  Your first draft is done!

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Basic Definitions of Common Writing Projects: