Argumentative outlines

There are several ways to argue a point, depending on the topic.

 

Considerations on what to include
Audience and Purpose: To whom is your argument directed?

                                    What do you want to accomplish?
 

Background: Why is your issue important?

                   What is the history of the issue or problem?

                    What is the scope of the issue you will deal with?
 

 Introduction: How can you capture the reader’s attention? (A startling statistic or fact?

                    Narration of a pertinent incident?  Other? See EXP handout.)

 

Necessary components
What is the argument?
Be sure the reader knows what you are arguing about before taking a side to support
Brief Summaries of each side
It is helpful to a reader to understand both sides; therefore, writing a brief summary of each side is required.
Thesis:
What is your position on the issue in a concise and clearly stated sentence?
Evidence
Proof to support your position
 
Below are examples of possible organizational strategies
note:
When writing the actual outline everything must be in complete sentences

Example 1

 

Argument: What evidence, facts, proof, or reasoning do you have to support your

                   position on the issue?

           

A.     Your stronger argument:

B.     Your strong argument:

C.     Your strongest argument:

 

Refutation: What are the objections which oppose your position on the issue? How do

                   you show opposing arguments are faculty or invalid, or that your position is

                   better?

A.     Opposing argument:

Your refutation:

B.     Opposing argument:

Your refutation:

C.     Opposing argument:

Your refutation:

 

Conclusion: Restate your position.  What are the implications of your argument? What do

                    You want the reader to believe or to do?  What strong ethical or emotional

                    Appeal might be convincing?

 

Example 2

 

I. Broad theme for your catchy hook (avoid “Have you ever . . .”)

A.    Identify how your specific topic relates to “justice”

B.     List reasons why this topic is important

C.     Identify the topic’s place in history

D.    Identify “general” aspects of the topic; do NOT give specifics

E.     Identify the various positions (for and against)

THESIS STATEMENT: the only complete sentence in your outline (not a question); this should focus your argument and clearly present your position on the topic

 

II. Background about the issue

           A.   What it is

           B.   Beginnings in American “history”

                       1. when it first became an issue

                       2. how it has evolved as an issue

                       3. where “it stands” today

           C.   Why it is a controversial topic

 

III. State the position opposite of yours (clear topic sentence – not catchy hook or question)

A.   1st Reason people feel this way   

1. Specific evidence or example or statistic

2. Explain why this may be true BUT . . .

B.   2nd reason people feel this way

1. Specific evidence or example or statistic

2. Explain why this may be true BUT . . .

C.   Analysis of the contrary position – transitions to your position

 

IV. State your position as fact (needs clear topic sentence – not a catchy hook or question)

A.   1st Reason people feel this way   

1. Specific evidence or example or statistic

2. Explain why this is true

B.   2nd reason people feel this way

1. Specific evidence or example or statistic

2. Explain why this is true

 

V. Your Synthesizing Statement/Conclusion (do not include details in your conclusion)

A.    Synthesize specific causes of controversy, overview of topic (highlight)

B.     Transition from specific to “general” – how this specific topic has lasting effects

C.     Give your opinion about how the general effects impact injustice/justice

D.     Consider – concluding with your opinion or a “call to action”