There are two main ways to plan an essay.

The first being a mind

map and the second being a box plan. The only thing that should
differ is the format.

Mind Map Box Plan

Introduction Essay topic

Introduction
Essay topic

Paragraph topic

Points
Paragraph topic

Conclusion
Points Points

Each box represents a

Conclusion
Each big blue bubble represents a
paragraph, and the smaller blue
bubbles represent the ideas within
the paragraph. This layout is most
effective when manually writing
on paper or using an app. (I would
recommend the iOS app Popplet).
new paragraph and
points within the
paragraph. Each
paragraph should support
the conclusion. This
layout is most effective
when used on Microsoft
word as it allows you to
edit easily as you plan.

The Main difference between the mind map and the box plan is
the flow. The mind map makes it easier to brainstorm while
the box plan makes it easier to plan in a structured way. Both
are acceptable.