Outline for Researched Argument

Sample Outline for Research Essay

Title of Sample Essay - Argumentative Paper on Obesity and Government Intervention

Introduction Paragraph(s)

· The introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing for.

· This introduction should end with a thesis statement that provides your claim (what you are arguing for) and the reasons for your position on an issue.

· Your thesis:

· states what your position on an issue is;

· usually appears at the end of the introduction in a short essay;

· should be clearly stated and often contains emphatic language (should, ought, must)

· Sample Argumentative Thesis

· The obesity epidemic needs government intervention because the medical costs associated with obesity cost taxpayers money, unhealthy foods need tighter regulations, and schools need to provide healthier options.

Body Paragraphs

· Begin with providing background information

· This section of your paper gives the reader the basic information they need to understand your position. This could be part of the introduction, but may work as its own section.

· Then, in the following paragraphs, present your reasons or evidence to support your claim(s)

· 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.

· Each paragraph should include the following

· A topic sentence;

· Supporting evidence (as a quote or as paraphrase);

· Explanation of how evidence relates proves topic sentence or thesis;

· Explanation of why it matters - the So What?

· Sample Body Paragraph 1 -

· Topic Sentence

· Sample topic sentence

· The medical cost associated with weight-related issues has significantly contributed to individual taxes.

· Supporting Evidence

· Sample evidence statement

· “…the costs of obesity arising from individuals’ poor nutritional choices are borne by society as a whole through taxes, lost productivity, and an overburdened healthcare system. In 2008, the medical costs associated with obesity and obesity-related illnesses totaled US $147 billion in the United States” (Franck et al., 2013, p. 1951).

· Explanation - of how the quote relates back to the topic sentence or thesis.

· Sample explanation

· This quote demonstrates not only the connection between obesity, medical costs, and increased taxes, but also shows the exact costs from a fairly recent year.

· So What? - every paragraph should end with you explaining why the information you shared in this paragraph matters.

· Sample So What?

· This quote supports the claim that weight-related medical issues contribute to increased taxes for all taxpayers by explaining the connection and demonstrating the high dollar costs to show that this is a current problem affecting a government process (taxation) and therefore could appropriately be addressed by government intervention.

· Sample Body Paragraph 2:

· Topic Sentence

· Sample topic sentence

· Another reason that weight should be considered a governmental issue is that the market for unhealthy food in America has overtaken the general food market and the government needs to actively curb the incentives to frequent these establishments.

· Supporting Evidence

· Sample evidence statement

· “[M]eals are increasingly being consumed outside the home, and these meals tend to be higher in fat. A literal fat tax… theoretically would encourage individuals to opt for low-fat or nonfat alternatives” (Franck et al., 2013, p. 1951).

· Explanation

· Sample explanation

· This quote alludes to many of the main problems with fast food consumption and explains what a fat tax would attempt to do to curb the consumption of junk food.

· So What?

· Sample So What?

· Showing that a fat tax would be able to curb overconsumption of obesity-causing fast food demonstrates the need for the government to impose such a thing.

· Sample Body Paragraph 3

· Topic Sentence

· Sample topic sentence

· Finally, the government is responsible for ensuring that children have access to healthy food and exercise while in school.

· Supporting Evidence

· Sample evidence statement

· A connection between Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign and a reduction in overall childhood obesity across America has been demonstrated (Tucker, 2013, p. 5).

· Explanation

· Sample explanation

· This information shows the effectiveness of government backed programs, with “Let’s Move!” as the specific example. (Page numbers are not required when citing paraphrased

information. However, you may include them if doing so would better direct readers to the information cited or if you’re worried about plagiarism.)

· So What?

· Sample So What?

· Demonstrating the effectiveness of the “Let’s Move!”

campaign supports the concept of government involvement in school food and exercise initiatives to help curb childhood obesity and provide children with the foundation for establishing healthy habits.

· Sample Body Paragraph 4 (Address Opposing Viewpoints)

· Address Opposing Viewpoints

· Any well-made argument must anticipate and address positions in opposition to the one being argued.

· Pointing out what opposing views are likely to say in response to your argument, shows that you have thought critically about your topic. Addressing the opposing views makes your argument stronger.

· Generally, this takes the form of a paragraph that can be placed either after the introduction or before the conclusion.

Conclusion

· The conclusion should bring the essay to a logical end. It should explain the importance of your issue in a larger context.

· Your conclusion should also reiterate why your topic is worth caring about.

· Some arguments propose solutions or make predictions 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.

· Sample Rephrased Thesis

· Obesity is causing taxpayers more money. Unhealthy foods are not regulated and inadequate nutrition and exercise in schools are leading to a rise in obesity. Therefore, the government needs to intervene in order to decrease the rates of obesity.

· Sample Strong Closing

· The government’s intervention is important so that we can reduce the rates of obesity before they soar to an uncontrollable level.

Works Cited

Franck, C., Grandi, S., & Eisenberg, M. (2013). Taxing Junk Food to Counter Obesity. American Journal of Public Health, 103(11), 1949-1953.

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301279

Tucker, C. (2013). Q&A with First Lady Michelle Obama: How the Let’s Move! Campaign is Changing the Way Kids Eat, Move. Nation’s Health, 43(9), 5.

http://thenationshealth.aphapublications.org/content/43/9/5.full