Argumentative Essay Outline

Essay Structure Outline – (point form only)

Introduction
INTRODUCTION
 Hook
 One sentence to introduce the difficult
issue
 One sentence to introduce the side you
agree with and general reason (no details)
 One sentence to introduce side you do not
agree with and general reason (no details)
 Thesis (topic + position + 2supporting
points)
 Over the years, many governments and
international organizations have thought about
adopting the idea of providing universal basic
income for people. As well as making it a human
right. This decision has been a huge center of
debate among people for a long time.
 Some people are in favor of implementing this
idea because they believe it should be a human
right and could precipitate the evolution of the
country.
 Others assume that it is a bad idea because it could
influence society negatively.
 I think that providing universal basic income
should be dealt with as a human right because it
could contribute in the evolution of the country
and create a civilized society.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1:
Body paragraph # 1  It contributes in the evolution of the country
 Topic Sentence: Supporting by building educated and upscale societies.
Supporting Point # 1 argument 1  Ex: increases the number of educated people
o Explanation sentence by helping people afford education.
 Two details or examples

Body paragraph # 2  2. It could create a civilized society and a

BODY PARAGRAPH 2:  Topic Sentence: Supporting harmonized environment based on adopting
argument 2 ethical values.
Supporting Point # 2
o Explanation Sentence  Ex: everyone will be treated equally and fairly
 Two details or examples in the society where there will be no injustice.

Body paragraph # 3: • Could cause corruption in society and

Counter argument problems between people.
• Ref 1: Increases the percentage of
BODY PARAGRAPH 3:
Option A: unemployment, laziness, and negligence of
• 1 supporting point for the opposite side responsibilities.
Your
• 2 refutations (logical reasons the • Ref 2: Some people think that others with
Counter-argument counter argument is incorrect and/or high financial abilities do not deserve it
how it can be solved) which causes jealousy and hatred
+
Option B:
Refutation • 2 supporting points for the opposite
side
• 2 refutations (logical reasons the
counter points are incorrect and/or how
they can be solved)
 Conclusion
Option A:
• Paraphrased thesis
• Restate counter-argument & 1
refutation
• Final Thought / Comment
Option B:
• Re-state main argument & position
• Summary of body paragraphs 1, 2, & 3
CONCLUSION
• Final Thought / Comment
• I believe the provision of universal basic
income should be considered a human right
since it could contribute to the evolution of
countries and create civilized societies.
• However, it is also likely to cause jealousy
among people, which creates dysfunctional
societies.
• Many thoughts could be made regarding this
matter, but applying it in real life must take
both sides into account.

Useful Argumentative Phrases

PRESENTING ARGUMENTS FOR

The (main/most important) advantage of …
One point of view is … / One point of view/argument in favor of …
It is often argued…
Some suggest/argue …

PHRASES TO SHOW DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

From a (political/social/business/economic) perspective…
Looking at the (economic/social/political/public/private) aspect of …
“From a broader perspective,…” (follow with a more specific point) “More specifically,…”
Looking through the lens of …
In the larger scheme of things …
In the long run/short term …

PHRASES TO INTRODUCE ALTERNATIVE VIEWS

One may argue that …
Critics claim that …
While [Subject/Example] is commonly cited by opponents of … to prove that … (E.g. While reality
TV is commonly cited by opponents of television programmes to prove that …)
Skeptics often justify their arguments by stating that …
Pragmatists would argue / Idealists would argue

PHRASES TO REFUTE ALTERNATIVE VIEWS (Counter-arguments or Refutations)

However, such a view fails to consider that…

In spite of … there still is/are …
This argument / view does not take into account …
This perspective / approach is untenable because
This argument is based on shaky grounds …
However, practically speaking / in reality …
Such an argument / This is a blanket generalization because …
It is certainly unfair to conclude that …
Unfortunately, the truth is far more complex.
Such a perspective is far too simplistic …
The flawed assumption here is that …
However, the evidence is insufficient to conclude that …
Ultimately, it is premature to conclude that …
This perspective is increasingly unfeasible today because…

PHRASES THAT RECOGNIZE THE OPPOSING VIEW (CONCESSION)

While … is true, one must recognize that there are limitations …
Although it is undeniable that …, it is more reasonable to suggest that …
Even though one must acknowledge …, the more convincing/logical claim is that…
Nonetheless, an exception lies in those … (E.g. Nonetheless, an exception lies in those countries which are unable
…)

PHRASES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR ARGUMENT

Moreover, it can be asserted that …
Besides, this is further reinforced by …
Furthermore, one should realize that …
In fact, even … (E.g. In fact, even technology created unexpected benefits that have surprisingly led to..)
However, in spite of the flaws, X still remains more desirable …
Ultimately, X is more important (e.g. - in terms of its ability to…)

e
Phrases
PHRASES TO SHOW DIFFERENT
PERSPECTIVES
Looking through the lens of …
Adopting a more macro perspective …
In the larger scheme of things …
In the long run/short term …
In the political realm…
Looking at the (economic) aspect of
…
PHRASES TO INTRODUCE
ALTERNATIVE VIEWS
One may argue that …
Critics claim that …
Naysayers decry… (E.g. Naysayers
decry the loss of culture in society)
Ultra pragmatists / conservatives /
radicals / luddites may assert that …
While [Subject/Example] is
commonly cited by opponents of … to
prove that … (E.g. While reality TV is
commonly cited by opponents of
television programmes to prove that
…)
Detractors often bemoan the state of
…
Skeptics often justify their arguments
by stating that …
PHRASES TO REFUTE
ALTERNATIVE VIEWS (Counter-
arguments)
However, such a view fails to consider
that…
In spite of … there still is/are …
This argument / view does not take
into account …
This perspective / approach is
untenable because
This argument is based on shaky
grounds …
However, practically speaking / in
reality …
Such an argument / This is a blanket
generalization because …
This seemingly impregnable argument
is easily broken down by examining
how…
It is certainly unfair to conclude that
…
Unfortunately, the truth is far more
complex.
Such a perspective is far too simplistic
…
The flawed assumption here is that …
However, the evidence is insufficient
to conclude that …
Ultimately, it is premature to conclude
that …
This perspective is increasingly
unfeasible today because…
PHRASES TO MAKE
CONCESSIONS
While … is true, one must recognize
that there are limitations …
Although it is undeniable that …, it is
more reasonable to suggest that …
Even though one must acknowledge
…, the more convincing/logical claim
is that…
Nonetheless, an exception lies in those
… (E.g. Nonetheless, an exception lies
in those countries which are
unable … )
PHRASES TO REINFORCE YOUR
ARGUMENT
Moreover, it can be asserted that …
Besides, this is further reinforced by
…
Furthermore, one should realize that
…
In fact, even … (E.g. In fact, even
technology created for frivolous ends
has surprisingly led to..)
However, in spite of the flaws, X still
remains more desirable …
Ultimately, X is more important (e.g. -
in terms of its ability to…)
Source: https://www.studocu.com/en-au/document/national-university-of-singapore/writing-academically-arts-and-social-sciences/lecture-notes/argumentative-language/2315163/view