Nova A.
Nova A.

Argumentative Essay Outline: How to Structure Your Argumentative Essay

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Published on: Feb 11, 2018

Last updated on: Feb 23, 2023

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Having a defined outline makes the essay writing process much simpler. It helps you logically present your ideas and saves you from getting stuck with writer's block. If you follow the basic guidelines for writing an argumentative essay, you can easily craft a perfect essay.

In this article, we are going to provide you with a ready-made structure for your essay. All you need to do is fill out the sections with information and ideas relevant to your topic.


How To Write An Argumentative Essay Outline?

An argumentative essay follows the same structure as any other type of essay. The only difference is, it has an additional paragraph that states the opposing arguments and their refuting reasons. There are three types of argument models used to outline an argumentative essay: Classical, Toulmin, and Rogerian.

The most common structure to craft an argumentative essay is as follows:

1. Argumentative Essay Introduction

The introduction paragraph introduces the main argument and provides a brief background of the argumentative essay topic you chose. Essay introductions act as a roadmap for the entire essay. For an argumentative essay, this is where you lay the foundation for your argument.

An introduction comprises the following essential components:

  • Hook Statement

    A hook statement is written to grab the attention of your reader immediately. It should intrigue the reader and make them read the complete essay.

    For example, if you are writing an argumentative essay on animal testing, your hook statement could be:

    "Medical researches that involve animals for testing drugs have significantly improved human health."

  • Background Information

    Provide brief background information about your argument and the main claim of your essay. It will make it easier for the reader to understand the argument you will make in your essay.

    For example:

    “Without animal testing, we haven’t been able to find a cure for polio. And, the diabetes patients would have died from the disease.”

  • Thesis Statement

    An argumentative essay thesis statement should highlight your perspective, stance, and reason for your position. A thesis statement must be clearly defined, arguable, and defendable. It should express the importance of your argument and a reason why the reader should read your essay.

    An example could be:

    “Animal testing should continue to benefit medical research as it helps in the improvement of insulins, antibiotics, and other medicines.”

2. Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs

In the body paragraph, you present your point of view and provide evidence that supports your argument. The goal here is to explain how valid your claim is by providing evidence that strengthens your argument.

An example of a claim could be:

"Animal testing allows scientists to test and create new drugs."

Here are four basic things that a body paragraph should state.

  1. The purpose: Why are you making an argument about a particular issue? >

    For example: “Animal testing should be allowed in medical research because...”

  2. Topic sentence: This is a fact or an example that helps the reader better understand your argument. The topic sentence of a paragraph should focus on just one point only.

    An example could be:

    “Animal testing allows the scientist to test the effects of certain drugs.”

  3. Provide evidence: State facts with examples and statistics that support your thesis statement and the topic sentence. Make sure that you have collected authentic evidence from credible sources.

    An example could be:

    “According to [source], Scientists found out that most animals have the same physical processes as humans, i.e. monkeys or rabbits.”

  4. Concluding sentence: The concluding sentence should reassert how the topic sentence helps the reader better understand the claim.

    Such as:

    “Therefore, if a drug has a bad effect on animals, it is also not suitable for human use.”

3. Argumentative Essay Counter Arguments Paragraph

The counter-argument is the other side of the issue that you will prove wrong by stating the specific reasons. In this paragraph, you mention the opposing argument(s) that the reader might pose against your argument and refute them. Conclude this paragraph by reasserting the central idea of your essay.

See an example below:

Counter argument: "Many people believe that animal testing is cruel. They argue that medical techniques and drugs should not be tested on animals."

Refuting reason: "However, it is much crueler to test new drugs on humans. And, let people die because of not having appropriate information about the drug."

Concluding remarks: "Furthermore, many countries have legislation that sets animal treatment standards, and laboratories follow guidelines to prevent cruelty."

4. Argumentative Essay Conclusion

A good argumentative essay conclusion summarizes the entire discussion of the essay and provides a call to action. It holds the same significance as the introduction paragraph. Here, you restate your thesis statement to remind the reader of your essay's overall argument.

Tell the reader that you have critically analyzed both sides of the argument. And based on the evidence, you have proved your side of the argument right. Explain the importance of your argument and bring your discussion to the logical end.

You can propose a solution if your claim has specified a problem or make future predictions about the claim. Tell your reader the consequence if your argument is not believed and what good will happen if it's believed.

Here is an example:

"Animal testing is the need of the hour. However, we need to manage animals with care and try to balance the suffering and the good that comes from them."

Use the following argumentative essay outline graphic organizer to structure your essay efficiently.

Argumentative Essay Outline Examples

Here are some sample argumentative essay outline formats you can follow to compose an argumentative essay:

Hire An Experienced Argumentative Essay Writer

If you are unable to craft a perfect outline, you can always seek the help of an argumentative essay writer

At MyPerfectWords.com, we can help you create an argumentative essay that will result in an A-grade paper. We provide the most affordable argumentative essay writing service with additional benefits!

Our professional essay writers will help you craft an impressive argumentative essay in no time. They will help you understand how to support your claim with facts and evidence. They are capable of crafting all types of essays, be it an argumentative essay or persuasive essay. 

Reach out to us today to place your order for an argumentative essay from our online essay writing service.

Nova A.

WRITTEN BY

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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