Start from the question, not the topic
Open your brief and copy the exact question into your outline document. Everything you write should earn a place against that sentence.
The five-part outline
1. Introduction + thesis
2. Claim A with evidence
3. Claim B with evidence
4. Counterargument or limitation
5. Synthesis conclusion
For compare questions, swap “Claim A/B” for criteria (cost, ethics, effectiveness) and treat each criterion as a paragraph.
Link sentences matter
End paragraphs by tying the point back to the thesis. Readers should never wonder why a section exists.
Related guides
When the outline is solid, check a full draft.