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Writing Structure and Outlines

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Writing Structure and Outlines

A youth council in Aotearoa is collecting student ideas about improving the local community. Study the sample plan, then build and check a clear outline of your own. Write in full sentences where asked.

Read the sample outline

Question: Should the local council create more safe, sheltered places for young people to spend time? Working thesis: The council should create more safe, sheltered hangout spaces because they give young people a welcoming place to meet, provide protection from bad weather, and make better use of existing community areas. Introduction: Introduce the need for welcoming places and state the thesis. Body paragraph 1 — Belonging: A shared space can help young people meet and feel included. Example: a free drop-in area near public transport. Body paragraph 2 — Practical shelter: Covered seating is useful in rain or strong sun. Example: a roof and benches beside a recreation centre. Body paragraph 3 — Community use: Improving an existing site may be more practical than building a new facility. Example: adding lighting and seating to an underused park shelter. Conclusion: Restate the recommendation and invite the council to consult local young people.

Read the structure

Use the sample outline to answer Questions 1–5.

1.What is the main job of the working thesis in the sample outline?

To tell a personal story about visiting a park
To state the recommendation and preview its main reasons
To provide every detail that will appear in the article
To introduce the writer to the council

2.Match each body paragraph focus to its supporting example.

Belonging
Practical shelter
Community use

A roof and benches beside a recreation centre
Adding lighting and seating to an underused park shelter
A free drop-in area near public transport

3.True or false: The sample outline’s three body paragraphs each develop a different reason that supports the thesis.

TrueFalse

4.The conclusion proposes consulting local young people. Explain how this suggestion connects to the article’s purpose.

5.Put these parts in a logical essay order: conclusion, body paragraphs, introduction.

Build a useful outline

Choose one issue to write about: more trees and shade in public spaces; later opening hours for the local library; or reducing food waste at school. You may choose another community issue you can explain clearly. Plan an opinion article for the youth council.

6.Name your chosen issue and write a focused thesis that states your position and gives at least two reasons.

7.Plan three body paragraph focus points for your thesis. Each point should give a distinct reason, not repeat another point.

8.Develop one of your body paragraph points by adding two specific details, examples, or pieces of evidence. Explain briefly how each detail supports that point.

9.Number your three body paragraph points in the order you would use them. Then explain why this order would help a reader follow your argument.

Test and strengthen your plan

A strong outline is logical, focused, and detailed enough to guide a first draft.

10.A writer’s thesis is: “The council should improve the library because it is important.” Identify one weakness and rewrite it so it gives a clearer position and previews reasons.

11.One planned body paragraph is about the writer’s favourite music, but the thesis argues for reducing food waste. What should the writer do, and why?

12.Write a one-sentence conclusion plan for your article. It should return to your recommendation and leave the youth council with a clear final thought or next step.