Writing: The Writing Process
B2 Lesson 1: Developing Detailed Outlines
Model: A Detailed Essay Outline ✍️
An outline is a logical map of your essay. Let's look at an example for the topic: "What are the most significant impacts of social media on society?"
Essay Outline
Thesis Statement: Although social media can connect people, its negative impacts on mental health and user privacy are ultimately more significant.
I. Introduction
- Hook: Start with a surprising statistic about social media use.
- Background: Mention popular platforms in Cambodia.
- Thesis Statement.
II. Body Paragraph 1: Impact on Mental Health
- Topic Sentence: The constant exposure to curated, "perfect" online lives can lead to increased anxiety and lower self-esteem.
- Evidence: Mention studies or common examples of social comparison.
- Explanation: Explain how this comparison creates feelings of inadequacy.
III. Body Paragraph 2: Privacy Concerns
- Topic Sentence: Furthermore, users often share personal data without realizing the significant privacy risks.
- Evidence: Use the example of how data is used for targeted advertising.
- Explanation: Explain the danger of this data being sold or misused.
IV. Conclusion
- Restate Thesis in new words.
- Summarize Main Points (mental health, privacy).
- Final Thought: Recommend that users be more mindful online.
Breaking Down the Model
Your Writer's Toolkit 🛠️
From Idea to Outline
- Brainstorm: First, use techniques like listing or mind-mapping to generate raw ideas about your topic.
- Formulate a Thesis: From your ideas, create a clear, arguable thesis statement. This is your main point.
- Create an Outline: Structure your main points logically under the thesis, as shown in the model.
B2 Outline Checklist
- Does my outline begin with a strong thesis statement?
- Does each Roman numeral (I, II, III...) represent one full paragraph?
- Does the topic sentence of each body paragraph support my thesis?
- Have I included brief notes for my evidence and explanation?
Practice & Application 🎯
Quiz: Where Does It Go?
Read the thesis and new evidence below. In which body paragraph of our example outline would this evidence belong?
Thesis: Although social media can connect people, its negative impacts on mental health and privacy are more significant.
New Evidence: A news report about a company selling user phone numbers and locations to advertisers.
→ Answer: This evidence belongs in Body Paragraph 2: Privacy Concerns, because it is a specific example of the privacy risks involved with sharing personal data.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Writing Task: Create Your Own Outline
Choose one of the B2-level topics below and create a detailed, 4-paragraph outline in your notebook.
- Should all university students be required to learn a foreign language? Discuss the pros and cons.
- What is the single most effective way to reduce plastic pollution in Cambodia?
Your outline must include a thesis statement, a topic sentence for each of your two body paragraphs, and brief notes for your evidence and conclusion.
Key Vocabulary
- Outline A detailed, organized plan for a piece of writing, showing the main points and their order.
- Blueprint A detailed plan or design. Used as a metaphor for an outline.
- Thesis Statement The sentence that states the main argument of the entire essay.
- Topic Sentence The sentence that states the main idea of a single paragraph.