Outline and argumentative paper

Strategies for Outlining a Lengthy Argument Paper

It can be difficult to construct an outline for a longer, argument-based essay. Organizing your thoughts around a complex, detailed argument, however, is an essential part of the writing process. As you work on your argument essay outline, consider the following possible structure for your paper. This is one way to organize an argument essay, and this strategy can help you make sure you cover the important aspects of your issue.

I. Introduction: This section should include:

a. Purpose: State your topic and your position on the issue

b. Background Information: What do readers need to know about the history of your topic? Is any prior knowledge necessary to understand the argument you are making? Include the following:

i. Definition of key terms

ii. Explanation of key theories or perspectives on the issue

II. Body of Paper

a. Supporting Evidence Paragraph #1

i. Topic Sentence: What is the topic of the paragraph?

ii. Topic Sentence Explanation

iii. Evidence: What supporting details (reasons, examples, facts, stats, and/or quotes) can you include to support and prove your topic sentence?

iv. Explanation of Evidence: How should the reader interpret the evidence you have provided? How specifically does the evidence prove your point?

v. Concluding Sentence: Restate the topic sentence of your paragraph and indicate how this paragraph supports the overall claim of the paper (the main argument).

b. Supporting Evidence Paragraphs #2, #3, #4, etc.

i. Repeat the above steps.

c. Counterargument Paragraph: This paragraph helps you anticipate your reader’s objections to your argument, which allows you to sound objective and reasonable as well as persuasive. Include the objection(s) to your argument and refute them.

i. Topic Sentence

ii. Evidence

iii. Explanation of Evidence

iv. Concluding Sentence: End with a statement that reasserts your paper’s overall claim.

III. Conclusion Part I: Sum-Up

a. Remind readers of your argument and main supporting evidence.

b. Wrap up your argument.

IV. Conclusion Part II: So What?

a. Illustrate that you have thought critically and analytically about your issue.

b. Tell the reader why he/she should care about your claim. What is the significance of the issue you investigated? What information should the reader take away from your paper?

c. Your Conclusion Part II should indicate a more complex understanding of the subject of your paper than you had prior to writing.