Have you been asked to write an argumentative essay by your instructor? If yes, then before you begin writing an argumentative essay, first select a good topic and create a well-structured argumentative essay outline. In general, it is not necessary to sketch an outline, but experts recommend creating an outline because of the several benefits it provides. Suppose, you are unsure how to create a neat outline for an argumentative essay, then continue reading this blog. Here, we have explained in detail how to write an argumentative essay outline with examples.
But before moving to the outline preparation steps, first, let us see what an argumentative essay is.
What is an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay is a common type of academic essay that strongly presents an argument on an issue or topic with valid supporting evidence. Especially, to support your position on a topic, you may include evidence from personal experience, literature, and research findings.
When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, you should evaluate all the sides of an issue, and explain why the side you support is regarded as the best by backing up with valid proofs, statistics, or facts.
A good argumentative essay must:
- Engage the readers with an intriguing topic or issue.
- Looks at a problem from all angles.
- Presents the counterarguments from the author’s point of view.
- Persuades readers to accept the new perspective.
With all of these considerations in mind, you should write an outstanding argumentative essay with a compelling thesis statement and logical supporting arguments. In a typical argumentative essay, you should try to support your thesis statement with appropriate examples or evidence.
What is an Argumentative Essay Outline?
An argumentative essay outline is essentially a plan for your academic paper. Most importantly, you can structure and organize your ideas with the help of an essay outline by breaking them up into sections that readers can easily understand. Additionally, it will assist you in presenting all of your essay’s important points in an orderly manner.
Standard Argumentative Essay Outline Template
This is the standard template you can follow while you draft an argumentative essay outline.
I. Introduction
- Hook: Grab the reader’s attention
- Background information: Provide context for the topic
- Thesis statement: Clearly state the main argument
II. Body Paragraph 1
- Topic sentence: Present the first main point
- Evidence: Support the point with data, statistics, or quotes
- Analysis: Explain and interpret the evidence
- Linking sentence: Connect to the next paragraph
III. Body Paragraph 2
- Topic sentence: Present the second main point
- Evidence: Support the point with data, statistics, or quotes
- Analysis: Explain and interpret the evidence
- Linking sentence: Connect to the next paragraph
IV. Body Paragraph 3 (and so on)
Repeat the same structure as Body Paragraphs 1 and 2
V. Counterargument and Refutation
- Acknowledge the opposing view
- Refute the opposing view with evidence and analysis
VI. Conclusion
- Restate the thesis statement
- Summarize the main points
- Final thought: Leave a lasting impression on the reader
Note: This is just one common template, and you can modify it depending on the specific requirements of your essay or instructor.
Learn How to Write an Argumentative Essay Outline
One of the most crucial steps in writing an essay is creating an outline. A well-organized argumentative essay outline is essential if you want to write persuasive content. In a nutshell, an outline for an argumentative essay is a strategy for effectively tracking key points and structuring raw data. In short, it will give your essay a clear path to follow.
If you want to create an argumentative essay outline, keep in mind to follow the above-suggested standard five-paragraph format, which includes the following essential sections.
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
Argumentative Essay Outline – Introduction
Precisely, the introduction is the first thing that the readers might notice while reading your essay. Hence, you ought to offer an appropriate background to the readers and enlighten them about the topics. Moreover, it’s the first sentence of your essay, which might persuade the readers to comprehend further. Let’s explore a few points that might help you to write a good introduction for your argumentative essay outline.
Hook
Always start the introduction of your argumentative essay with a hook sentence so that you can easily connect with your readers. Moreover, a catchy hook will make your essay more impactful and push your readers to read the whole essay. Never compose the entire introduction as the hook. Instead, write only the opening sentence as the hook. Interesting facts, statistics, quotes, funny stories, or controversial statements relevant to the topic are some types of essay hooks that you may include at the beginning of your essay to grab your readers’ attention. When choosing the hook sentence, give importance to the characteristics of the term paper and the target readers of your essay.
Viewpoints
- Simultaneously, you ought to consider developing your thoughts on the topic and thereby explain its relevance to the audience.
- Perhaps, express your viewpoints as per your knowledge in a couple of lines.
- Also, provide the background information of your topic and ensure to update the readers about the topic.
- However, make sure you don’t provide excessive information to the readers as you might not want to confuse them.
Thesis Statement
In short, a thesis statement provides the essence of the whole essay and it’s written towards the end. Moreover, a thesis statement needs arguments and pieces of evidence to support it, as you may want to make it strong. Also, be sure to explain the key points and purpose of your essay in the thesis statement. On one hand, your essay revolves around the thesis statement and makes it logical. While the body paragraph shares information and evidence to support your thesis statement.
Example: Introduction
In recent times, students get up from bed, check their phones and instantly leave for college without having breakfast. Also, a few students believe that it’s not essential to start your day with a healthy breakfast. While few studies depict that breakfast is the most important meal for students.
Argumentative Essay Outline – Body
Meanwhile, the body of your argumentative essay consists of the following components:
- Evidence
- Claims
- Counter-Arguments
Besides, you might need to adhere to the following points, while you write the body of your essay.
- Firstly, each body paragraph contains a topic sentence as you ought to explain it further in the paragraph. Also, you ought to provide evidence to support your discussion.
- Secondly, ensure to separate paragraphs as you might want to negate or even support your thesis statement.
- Thirdly, consider using evidence that might support your claim and thereby present your argument in one paragraph. However, avoid merely making statements, instead, use facts that might convince your audience.
- Fourthly, conduct proper research and present your opposing viewpoints in the next paragraph. In brief, if you present both sides of an argument, perhaps your essay will sound more impactful. Alternatively, you may consider making use of all the evidence to back up the argument.
Ultimately, it’s your decision, so choose an approach that you feel might better convince the readers. However, consider choosing credible sources to back up the claims that you have made in the research paper.
Example
Claim: Shutting down the fast-food chain can regulate the number of diabetic kids in the United States.
Evidence: “As per the analysis of numerous studies in 2017, it is depicted that the percentage of diabetic kids has risen 11 times from the year 1975.”
Argumentative Essay Outline – Conclusion
Lastly, focus on writing a strong conclusion as you ought to close the entire arguments of your essay. Let’s explore a few important points and thereby understand the relevance of writing a conclusion.
- Most importantly, help the readers understand why you have selected a topic and thereby explain its significance.
- Consequently, consider restating your thesis statement and your ultimate stand on the topic.
In a nutshell, make sure to write an impressive conclusion, perhaps it’s the last thing the readers might remember about your topic. Moreover, let the audience understand your viewpoints as they ought to remember them, even when they finish reading the essay.
Examples
- Sports play a significant part in maintaining health. Also, will have a healthy society, if people participate in sports. Yet, we need to ensure that the sports we play don’t pose any challenge to our health. In brief, a sport needs to have both excitement and challenges.
- Thus, we can restate that children are better learners than adults. However, the quality may vary based on motivation as well as enthusiasm. Furthermore, the learning potential of individuals cannot be generalized based on their age.
Related Post – UNDERSTANDING REFLECTIVE ESSAY, TIPS OF WRITE A REFLECTIVE ESSAY
Wrapping Up
Writing an effective argumentative essay outline is the first step toward crafting a convincing essay. By following the template and steps suggested above and taking the time to carefully plan and organize your ideas, you will be well on your way to producing a clear, coherent, and compelling argument in your essay. When writing an argumentative essay, remember to stay focused on your thesis statement, anticipate counterarguments, and use evidence to support your claims. With a solid outline in hand, you can compose an argumentative essay that has the power to engage, persuade, and leave a lasting impression on your readers. In case, you find it troublesome to prepare an outline for your argumentative essay, approach us immediately and get assistance from our finest essay writers.
