Argumentative Essay Outline

Introduction
1. Hook

2. Background Information about the topic

3. Connecting information from background information to the thesis

4. Thesis Statement:
● Although + opposing point of view + your argument + because + the reasons
your argument is right.

***NOTE! Instead of using “although,” you could also use “even though, in spite of,
despite, while, whereas” to show the same meaning. Never use “but” with any of
those words in the same sentence!

Body Paragraph 1

1. POINT (Topic Sentence): This is the first REASON for your argument, listed in
thesis.)

● One of the primary reasons why _______is because _______.

INTEGRATE at least one quote or paraphrase from Hidden Figures or one of the
two articles on destiny for support

● Method 1: According to name of author, “something something

something” (page number).
OR
● Method 2: As name of author mentions in her article, something
something something (page number).

2. TRANSITION to the explanation of this quote or paraphrase

● What this means is that . . .

● In other words, . . .
● Clearly, . . .

3. EXPLAIN how this quote or paraphrase proves your point (from topic sentence of
this paragraph)

● Use this helper phrase: This evidence proves my argument is true because it
shows that . . .
● Then remove the helper phrase and keep only the last part of it.
4. CONCLUDE by restating the topic sentence in different words (Not always
necessary)

Body Paragraph 2

1. POINT (Topic Sentence): This is the second REASON for your argument, listed in
thesis.)

● Furthermore/Additionally/In addition, _____________.

2. INTEGRATE at least one quote or paraphrase from Hidden Figures or one of the
two articles on destiny for support

● Method 1: According to name of author, “something something

something” (page number).
OR
● Method 2: As name of author mentions in her article, something
something something (page number).

3. TRANSITION to the explanation of what this quote or paraphrase means

● What this means is that . . .
● In other words, . . .
● Clearly, . . .

4. EXPLAIN how this quote or paraphrase proves your point (from topic sentence of
this paragraph)
● Use this helper phrase: This evidence proves my argument is true because it
shows that . . .
● Then remove the helper phrase and keep only the last part of it.

5. CONCLUDE by restating topic sentence (not always necessary to have this)

Body Paragraph 3

1. COUNTERARGUMENT: Point out what other people are saying that opposes your
argument.
● Some may argue that _________________.

2. CONCEDE + REFUTE Show that you respect what the opposing point of view says
by acknowledging it but then prove that it is wrong and that you are right.
● Despite the fact that + “opposing point of view,” + “your argument”
● In spite of the fact that + “opposing point of view,” + “your argument”
 ● Although/Even though/Though + “opposing point of view,” + “your
argument”

3. ARGUE YOUR POINT (reason you are right and opposing point of view is wrong)
● In fact, ________________________
● As can be seen in (studies, research, etc.) ___________

INTEGRATE at least one quote or paraphrase from Hidden Figures or one of the two
articles on destiny for support

● Method 1: According to name of author, “something something

something” (page number).
OR
● Method 2: As name of author mentions in her article, something
something something (page number).

4. TRANSITION to the explanation of what this quote or paraphrase means

● What this means is that . . .
● In other words, . . .
● Clearly, . . .

5. EXPLAIN how this quote or paraphrase proves your point (from topic sentence of
this paragraph)
● Use this helper phrase: This evidence proves my argument is true because it
shows that . . .
● Then remove the helper phrase and keep only the last part of it.

6. CONCLUDE by restating point (but not always necessary)

Conclusion

● Restatement of thesis or summary of main points (taken from list in thesis)

● End hook: Discussion of future outcomes or consequences of the situation

TRANSITIONS AND CONNECTORS FOR ARGUMENTATAIVE PAPERS

Adding Support Examples

● Additionally ● Additionally, studying abroad can

● Furthermore improve our social lives.
● In a similar way ● What is more, studying abroad
● Moreover expands our understanding of the
● Similarly world.
● What is more
● Likewise

Adding a Counterargument/Opposing Examples

Point of View
● Even though study abroad can be
● Although costly, the benefits outweigh that
● Though negative factor.
● Even though ● While it is true that studying abroad
● While it is true that is costly, the benefits outweigh the
● Some might say/argue that negatives.

Adding a Refutation Examples

● Despite this ● Some might say that the costs of

● In spite of this studying abroad are high. Despite
● However this being true, the benefits
● In fact outweigh the costs.
● Nevertheless ● Studying abroad is expensive;
● Nonetheless however, not going abroad only
● On the other hand because of the high cost is a mistake.
● yet

EXAMPLE OF THIS SEQUENCE

● Explanation of It has been argued that the police should be able to locate
opposing point of anyone’s cell phone at any time and be given the power to
view listen in to cell phone conversations whenever they want.
(Counterargument)
● Concession AND It is obvious that this particular use of technology could
Refutation give the police a tremendous tool in solving crimes quickly
and efficiently. However, we must also consider the fact
that individuals in society have an important right to
privacy.

● Argue your point There have been many cases over the years in which the
police have been given great powers and then have used
those powers in a corrupt way.