Video games

Basic argumentative paper outline

Introduction:

Include a hook of some sort (rhetorical question, quotation, anecdote, etc.).

Introduce your topic on a broad level. What is it? Why is it an issue?

Narrow the focus to what you will be arguing.

Your initial claim (with qualifiers) is your thesis, and, theoretically, should be the final sentence of your intro.

Body paragraphs for the argument portion:

Following the Toulmin outline, and using the exemplar paper at the end of your packet, your body paragraphs should include supplementary claims, reasons, warrants, backing, evidence, and authority. The backing, evidence, and authority can be a quote from a reliable source, so don’t stress too much. You should have, at minimum, 2 body paragraphs arguing your side of the issue.

Body paragraph(s) for the counterargument/rebuttal portion:

Again, following the Toulmin outline, and using the exemplar paper, your counterargument or rebuttal section should include both the conditions of rebuttal and responses. Hint: this is where your qualifiers can be reintroduced. You should have, at minimum, 1 body paragraph acknowledging and responding to the other side of the issue. Pretend I’m next to you asking you questions about the other side, and you have to answer them. This section MUST contain information from outside, reliable sources.

Conclusion:

Why is your issue important? Why are people still arguing about your issue? What should people do about this issue? How can people see eye-to-eye on this issue?

Notes:

The introduction and conclusion are the hardest. Write them last.

An outline before you start drafting your paper is not a bad idea.

Use sentence starters (you have two handouts of these) to incorporate quotations.

Use all of the resources you’ve received to help you craft an argument that cannot be picked apart. I suggest you check your argument against the rhetorical fallacies handout to make sure you aren’t committing those fallacies.

Use third person pronouns only. That means you are not using: I, me, my, mine, we, us, our, ours, you, your, or yours. Ever. At all.

MLA format is a must! This includes a header, heading, title, proper indentation and spacing, the correct font and font size, and a works cited page.