Outline of an Argumentative Essay

1. Introduction

   • Hook: grab the reader's attention

   • Background Information: basic information so that your reader knows what your topic is about - do not argue anything yet

   • Thesis Statement: your position + reason 1 + reason 2

2. Reason/Argument 1 (main point #1) - body paragraph 1

   • Supporting evidence

   • Supporting evidence

3. Reason/Argument 2 (main point #2) - body paragraph 2

   • Supporting evidence

   • Supporting evidence

4. Сounterargument and Refutation - body paragraph 3

   • Mention an argument from the other side

   • Concede that the opposition has a point to consider

   • Politely refute the other side's argument with evidence

5. Conclusion

   • Restate the Thesis: do not rewrite it exactly, though!

   • Summarize Key Points: help the reader remember your points

   • Concluding Statement: provide a call to action or something that leaves the reader thinking about your argument

Attribution for this page: "Argumentative Essay Outline" by Laura Paciorek, CC BY NC SA 4.0 .