Writing an essay - outline first ?

Ahh, I know this one. :)

Short awnser: I make a thesis first, than an outline and try to keep a solid argument throughout the entire essay.

Here is the long awnser, my method I use in school currently:

First step, develop your thesis.  A thesis is a provocative statement that requires proof.  i.e. Yedda is a useful website that enables internet users an opportunity to share virtually limitless information.

Second step, decide on three points that prove your thesis.  Put these in an outline.

Third step, write your introduction, ending with your thesis.  Start each new paragraph (or section) with a new point from step two.  Put your most powerful argument last.

Fourth step, write a conclusion that sums up your three points and restates your thesis, but in different words.

Also, take a look at the following link.  There may be more information here than you're looking for, but it is worth a brief look anywho.

http://www.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/

And if your still looking for more, check this site out.  It has everything.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

More often than not I try to stick to something related to the "Inverted-Pyramid Style of Writing" method. You can read about that method at:

Following is a simple procedure that I follow when I have to write a letter, essay or any type of lengthy document.

I start with the idea, list the major points that are to be discussed and come up with a conclusion. The second step is to make an outline where the first item in the introduction. the next outline items cover the contents of the essay in a logical order. The last item of the outline is the conclusion. Now you can sit down and write a few sentences following the outline. This will ensure that your reader will follow the development of your idea.

This link really helps refresh the memory even as someone who should know better - even as an English major at UCLA this tutorial still helps out with the basics, which we all need refreshing on from time to time.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2040634_write-an-essay.html 

     I remember the first day i went to vocational school .It was august 31 2005  i went to a school in washington Dc .The school give education for student who don't graduate from high school.

   When first i wake in to center i was so surprise because the student were so weird the way the dress and how the talk and also they disrespect the staff member cursing each other they don't care for nobody they just do what ever the want .I  looke all around asked my self why i am heare but i said i have a gole. I need to get  education change my life style i had never seen like that before so for me it was new ,then they took me to my doorm it wasn't what i was expecting totally diffrent from what i heare from one of my friend who had been there but diffrent location. she told they will give me