1. Argument Essay Outline

2. Introductory Paragraph
Hook
Purpose: capture the reader’s attention
Ideas: unusual statement or question, vivid description, quotation, story
Context
Purpose: write what your reader needs to know about the subject
Ideas: definitions, background information, historical information, general information, transition from hook to claim
Claim
One sentence that includes position and reasons

3. Body Paragraph #1
Transition and Topic Sentence (restate claim with 1st reason)
Examples of Transitions for Body Paragraph #1
The first reason
Initially
In the first place
One reason
Evidence – Data, Statistics, and Anecdotes from the text

4. Evidence Transitions to introduce evidence The author states/explains
The article explains/maintains
(Title of Article) illustrates
According to (author)/(the article)/ (title of article)
The text explicitly states
In the text it states

5. Body Paragraph #1
Transition and Topic Sentence (restate claim with 1st reason)
Examples of Transitions for Body Paragraph #1
The first reason
Initially
In the first place
One reason
Evidence – Data, Statistics, and Anecdotes from the text
Elaboration – Explain how the evidence supports the claim (the “so what”, what you think about the evidence)

6. Elaboration Transitions for elaboration For example In my experience
In other words
The evidence illustrates/ provides/ proves
This quote explains/describes
Based on what I read
Based on the evidence in the text

7. Body Paragraph #1
Transition and Topic Sentence (restate claim with 1st reason)
Examples of Transitions for Body Paragraph #1
The first reason
Initially
In the first place
One reason
Evidence – Data, Statistics, and Anecdotes from the text
Elaboration – Explain how the evidence supports the claim (the “so what”, what you think about the evidence)
2nd piece of Evidence
2nd Elaboration

8. Body Paragraph #2
Transition and Topic Sentence (restate claim with 2nd reason)
Examples of Transitions for Body Paragraph #2
The second reason
Furthermore
In addition to (first reason, another reason)
Another reason
Additionally
In addition
Not only (first reason), but also
Evidence – Data, Statistics, and Anecdotes from the text
Elaboration – Explain how the evidence supports the claim (the “so what”, what you think about the evidence)
2nd piece of Evidence
2nd Elaboration

9. Counterclaim Paragraph
On the other hand, some people say (counterclaim). This point of view makes sense because (evidence to support counterclaim). However, (paraphrase of original claim) because (new piece of evidence to support original claim). Therefore, (restate original claim).

10. Concluding Paragraph Transitions for conclusion: In conclusion Finally
In final analysis
Transition and restate claim and summarize reasons
Clincher (tie to hook, call to action, significance of argument, the end of the anecdote)