An outline is a map

     Think of an outline as a map to follow when you write your essay. If you are writing a five-paragraph essay, you can just start with a simple five-point outline on a piece of paper, with one point for each paragraph. In your outline, don't write sentences, just write words. Number 1 will be your introduction  paragraph. Think of an interesting hook,  some background information, and a thesis statement next to number one. For numbers 3-5, write down some ideas that you will write about in each of your body paragraphs. For number five, write down some ides about how you will summarize your essay and end it in an interesting way.

      Now you can follow your outline like a map to write your essay, adding some examples and details to support your main points. Some people compare an outline to a skeleton. You start with the skeleton and add muscles, organs, and flesh to the skeleton to make it into a complete body.