Argumentative essays require using relevant evidence and factual data to present a stand on a particular issue. Due to its dependence on structure and organization, it is essential to develop a comprehensive outline. The drafting stage requires meticulousness to make the actual writing stage easier. Otherwise, you might get stuck and look for an argumentative essay writing service. A good outline makes it much easier to create a flow and relate your reasoning with the supporting evidence.
Top Things to Include in an Argumentative Essay Outline
Depending on the prompt, students must craft a paper from scratch, which is usually intimidating. Argumentative essays need one to find solid supportive evidence to make their claims credible. But with a comprehensive outline, you can hack it. Let’s review what makes up an excellent outline to ensure the writing process is more straightforward.
Breakdown the Introduction
It becomes easier to write a quality paper once you break down the complexities of an argumentative essay into an outline. Therefore, an outline should briefly highlight the items discussed in the introduction. Under the introduction outline, you can include the following:
- An anecdote you will use or the opening hook.
- Brief background of the topic.
- Thesis statement briefly explaining your position on the matter.
The introduction section sets the pace for what will be discussed in the main body. Therefore, when writing an outline for the introduction, it is best to research keenly and come up with a position that will be easy to defend and create points around.
Write Down Your Reasoning and the Supporting Evidence
The writer’s thoughts and supporting evidence are primarily used in the essay body. The evidence and factual proof should support your reasoning to give it more credibility. Thus, in the outline, you should include all the supporting evidence you’ll use to maintain your claims.
Supporting every claim with factual evidence from scholars is essential to make the argument more substantial. Also, note where the supporting evidence has been retrieved and all the information required for citation to avoid plagiarism. Getting all the details of the sources you will be citing is essential since a small mistake can easily cause plagiarism.
The first section of your body should give the reader a clear picture of what you stand for and why you support or are against the topic. Present your argument concisely and precisely, with all points relating to the thesis statement. The thesis statement forms a base for the essay; therefore, one should not deviate from it. The paragraphs can take the following format:
- The first sentence should highlight an idea supporting the thesis statement.
- First factual evidence that supports the claim in the first sentence.
- A second piece of evidence that supports the claim in the first sentence.
- Third supporting evidence that sheds more light on the first sentence.
- Give a closing sentence.
Outline an Opposing View
Since it is an argumentative essay, you should also include an opposing view that an opponent can give. An outline gives an individual more insight into a topic since you will see the paper in different dynamics before coming up with the final draft. Therefore, exploring different perspectives in the planning stage and creating an outline highlighting arguments for and against the topic is essential.
The last body of the paragraph should contain the opposing views; however, they should not overpower the proposed points. So, in the outline, try and find a few points and supporting evidence. Also, you can highlight faults in these opposing views to prove the opponent wrong and add more weight to your reasoning. You can break down how the paragraphs will appear by describing and supporting the opposing views and finding fault in the opponent’s views.
Create a Conclusion Outline
After coming up with the structure of the introduction and body, it is time to give the paper a deserving conclusion that will reinforce the arguments made in the paper. The conclusion should briefly highlight the points discussed in the paper and increase the reader’s curiosity about the paper. Ideally, it is best to avoid introducing new information, in conclusion, to prevent confusion and give the reader ample time to understand the last section of the paper.
Also, you can add a brief personal experience relevant to the presented arguments to spur the reader’s emotions. Also, note that the conclusion should be as straightforward as possible thus, one needs to give brief highlights of the points discussed and a closing sentence.
Interesting Related Article: “How Do You Write a Business Essay?“