OUTLINE WORKSHEET

Outline Worksheet for Essay #2 Argument

You may copy & paste this into a Microsoft Word document OR download the .doc version of this worksheet posted within this Learning Unit.

I. Intro: Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing for.

What is the argumentative question you are exploring based on a theme, or a combination of themes to be explored Please phrase this as a question.

Should alcohol advertising be forbidden?

a. Hook: This is an attention grabber. Which theme, current event or story illustrates the issue you are exploring in your essay?

Did you know that 20 million people in the U.S are alcoholics? A study conducted by………………………………

b. Background information: This section of your paper gives the reader the basic information he or she needs to understand your position. This could be part of the introduction but may work as its own section.

Alcoholism in the world has been a problem………

c. Thesis: What is the stance you are taking on the topic based on your research?  The answer to this question will be your THESIS STATEMENT: (Do not write your entire introductory paragraph here. Just write the thesis statement itself) Make sure to state at least 3 claims (Claim#1 Claim#2 and Claim#3)

Alcoholism is a big problem for the following reasons

1

2

3

Hint: the 3 key words, claims or reasons on your thesis must be the same key words on your topic sentences (claims 1, 2 and 3)

II. Develop Your Argument: All evidence you present in this section should support your position. This is the heart of your essay. Generally, you begin with a general statement that you back up with specific details or examples. Depending on how long your argument is, you will need to devote one to two well-developed paragraphs to each reason/claim or type of evidence.   

a. Make a claim 1: Give one major detail that supports your thesis

i. Evidence 1a: Give one minor detail as to why claim 1 supports the thesis

ii. Evidence 1b: Give a second, minor detail as to why claim 1 supports the thesis

b. Make a claim 2: Give a second major detail that supports your thesis

i. Evidence 2a: Give one minor detail as to why claim 2 supports the thesis

ii. Evidence 2b: Give a second, minor detail as to why claim 2 supports the thesis

c. Make a claim 3: Give a third major detail that supports your thesis

You may add more claims and evidence if needed Refuting Opponents’ Arguments: Any well-written argument must anticipate and address positions in opposition to the one being argued. Pointing out what your opposition is likely to say in response to your argument shows that you have thought critically about your topic. Addressing the opposite side actually makes your argument stronger! Generally, this takes the form of a paragraph that can be placed either after the introduction or before the conclusion.

d. Opposing view 1: Give a valid counter argument to your stance

i. Refutation 1: Give reason as to why opposing view 1 is inferior to your stance

e. Opposing view 2: Give a second counter argument to your stance

i. Refutation 2: Give reason as to why opposing view 2 is inferior to your stance

III. Conclusion: The conclusion should bring the essay to a logical end. It should explain what the importance of your issue is in a larger context. Your conclusion should also reiterate why your topic is worth caring about. Some arguments propose solutions or make prediction on the future of the topic. Show your reader what would happen if your argument is or is not believed or acted upon as you believe it should be.

a. Restate the importance of your issue

b. Paint a picture of the world depicting what would happen if your argument is (or is not) implemented.

A strategy might be to refer back to the original hook you used from the topic analysis as your illustration but impose a different outcome.