outline argumentative essays

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/argumentative-essay/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, how to write an expository essay, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

Outline for an Argumentative Essay: Structure, Tips & Examples

The outline for an argumentative essay is a structured plan that outlines the key points, arguments and evidence that will be presented in an argumentative essay.

It serves as a roadmap for the writer and helps ensure all necessary information is included and presented logically and coherently.

Before we delve any further, here is an argumentative essay definition.

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay is a written composition that presents a clear and concise argument on a particular topic.

This essay aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s perspective on the discussed issue. The argument is supported by evidence, facts, and examples that are presented in a logical and organized manner.

The writer must also consider and address counterarguments, providing additional evidence to strengthen their argument.

The argumentative essay is a common assignment in many academic settings, as it helps to develop critical thinking skills and communicate an argument effectively.

Choosing a relevant, interesting, debatable topic and conducting thorough research before writing the essay is important.

Creating an outline is a crucial step in the writing process, as it helps to organize the writer’s thoughts and evidence and ensures that the essay is structured and well-supported.

Outline for an argumentative essay: is it important?

The importance of creating an outline for an argumentative essay cannot be overstated. An outline helps to ensure that the argument is well-organized and presented logically and concisely.

Some of the key benefits of creating an outline include the following:

• Clarity and Focus: A good outline for an argumentative essay helps the writer to focus their argument and ensures that they present their ideas clearly and concisely. The outline acts as a roadmap, guiding the writer through the writing process and keeping them on track.
• Evidence and Support: An outline allows the writer to organize their evidence and support logically and effectively. This helps to strengthen the argument and ensures that the essay is well-supported.
• Organization and Structure: An outline helps to ensure that the essay has a clear structure and organization. It provides a clear introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion, which helps the reader to understand and follow the argument.
• Time Management: Creating an outline helps writer manage their time effectively and ensures they do not waste time on irrelevant information or arguments. The outline acts as a guide, helping the writer to focus on the most important points and evidence.

How to create an argumentative essay outline

Step 1: Choose a Topic

• Identify relevant and debatable topics such as the plastic bag ban, gun control, animal testing, etc.
• Research to gather information and facts to support your argument.
• Determine your position on the topic and make sure it is clear and concise.

Step 2: Develop a Thesis Statement

• A thesis statement is the main argument of your essay .
• It should be clear, concise and debatable.
• For example, if your topic is a plastic bag ban, your thesis statement could be “The use of plastic bags should be banned in all grocery stores to reduce environmental pollution.”

Step 3: Organize Your Thoughts and Evidence

• Make a list of the main points that support your thesis statement.
• Provide evidence to support each point, such as statistics, expert opinions, examples and facts.
• Ensure that the evidence is relevant and supports your argument.

Step 4: Create the Outline

Introduction

• Start with a background on the topic.
• Introduce your thesis statement.

Body Paragraph 1

• Present your first main point and provide evidence to support it.

Body Paragraph 2

• Present your second main point and provide evidence to support it.

Body Paragraph 3

• Present your third main point and provide evidence to support it.
• Restate your thesis statement.
• Summarize your main points.
• Provide a final thought or suggestion.

Step 5: Fill in the Outline

• Use the outline to write the argumentative essay.
• Ensure each body paragraph is focused and presents one main point with evidence to support it.
• The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis statement .

Outline for an argumentative essay sample

I. Introduction

A. Background information on plastic bags

B. Thesis statement: The use of plastic bags should be banned in all grocery stores to reduce environmental pollution.

II. Body Paragraph 1

A. The impact of plastic bags on the environment

1. Littering of plastic bags

2. Harm to wildlife

B. Evidence to support the point

1. Statistics on plastic bag litter

2. Studies on the impact of plastic bags on wildlife

III. Body Paragraph 2

A. Alternatives to plastic bags

1. Reusable bags

2. Biodegradable bags

1. Examples of cities that have banned plastic bags

2. The success of reusable bags in reducing plastic waste

IV. Body Paragraph 3

A. Arguments against banning plastic bags

1. Convenience of plastic bags

2. Job loss in the plastic bag industry

1. Surveys on consumer preferences for plastic bags

2. Reports on the impact of plastic bag bans on the plastic bag industry

V . Conclusion

A. Restate thesis statement

B. Summarize main points

C. Final thoughts and suggestions on reducing plastic waste.

Needs help with similar assignment?

We are available 24x7 to deliver the best services and assignment ready within 3-4 hours? Order a custom-written, plagiarism-free paper

You might also like

We provide reliable and top-quality writing services with a great balance of affordability and professionalism with all types of academic papers.

Quick Links

• College Admission Essay Writing Services FAQ
• Nursing Case Studies Writing Services
• Buy Custom Research Papers
• Best Nursing Writing Services
• Literary Analysis Essay Writers
• Nursing Paper Writers for Hire
• Professional Paper Writers
• Cheapest Essay Writing Services
• Write My Essay for Me
• The Best Research Paper Writing Services
• Admission Essay Writing Services!
• Shakespeare Essay Writing Services!
• Rewriting Services
• Term Paper Writing Service

Useful Resources

Dissertation Writing Services

Essay Writer For Hire

Free Essay Maker

How to Study

How to Write an Argumentative Essay Outline with Examples

Working on this type of academic task, students are free to share their personal opinion on a particular topic. Even if their point of view does not match the most popular one in society, they can state it in their writing. Nevertheless, the point of view has to be supported with solid evidence. A learner needs to assure readers that their opinion deserves to be heard by other people.

This type of academic task is usually assigned to college and high-school students. It helps tutors evaluate the ability of learners to state their point of view with convincing arguments. Also, they examine the writing skills of students. Trying to get the highest grade, undergraduates always do their best to create top-notch writings. However, only a low number of students know that the key to creating an exceptional paper is a professionally created argumentative essay outline for college. In case you want to create a top-grade assignment, you need to compose a detailed structure. Having a lack of skills for creating papers' structure, look no further. Scroll down and discover how to create a stunning outline.

Importance of Argumentative Essay Outline

The question, "Why don't I merely start writing an essay from scratch?" always appears in the minds of freshmen. Students who don't have vast experience composing academic papers don't understand why they need to waste their time creating a plan for their writings. They consider this step useless and time-consuming. Consequently, they create well-structured assignments that don't deliver thoughts concisely.

It's very important to spend a lot of time and effort on creating an APA argumentative essay outline. For starters, it will help create a well-thought-out paper that delivers all your claims professionally. You won't miss any crucial points, having all of them noted in your blueprint for writers. Furthermore, it will increase your efficiency because you won't be required to waste your time trying to figure out what exactly you need to write. In simple words, it will almost erase the chance of getting yourself into a corner. Also, it will help you follow all the provided requirements and maintain consistency over a document.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay Outline

Even though a structure is one of the parts of the paper composing process, it implies many stages. Having zero paper creation experience, you may experience a lot of issues with creating a top-grade structure. If you don't know how to start a paper's structure and what it has to imply, keep reading the post and check out the comprehensive instruction on argumentative essay outline creation.

• Introduction

It is the main part of an argumentative paper. It's recommended to write it after composing all the paragraphs. This hint will help you to pay close attention to every point that is:

• opening sentence;
• background information;
• thesis statement.

Does the question, "Which of the following parts of an argumentative essay belongs in the introduction?" bother you? If so, you need to understand that all of them have to be included. Moreover, every one of these points is crucial for creating an outstanding beginning of your article. It should be used to draw readers' attention and force them to check your paper. Usually, it's a quotation, interesting facts, or a joke. Following, you need to provide background data. There is no need to provide any claims. Next, you have to write what your topic is about to narrow the focus. Lastly, you should specify your main argument. If you experience any issues forming it, feel free to use an online generator that helps compose an effective thesis statement with no hassle. Check out a sample below.

• Essay hook: specify the larger difference in the minimum hourly pay in various countries.
• Background information: tell about the problems of unfair money distribution around the world.
• Thesis statement: Rich countries need to support poor ones by investing in their economies and providing aid.

Body Paragraphs

It is the central part, where you have to present all the facts that support your point of view. On average, it consists of three paragraphs. Every idea, along with evidence, has to be presented in separate indents. There are no solid instructions on what types of supporting information should be used. Nevertheless, it needs to be relevant, actual, and credible. Statistics, studies, and quotations are the best. Note all claims and confirming facts, writing an argumentative essay outline for college. 

Each of the paragraphs needs to imply a claim along with confirming facts. In addition, you will be required to state an opposite side. Unlike persuasive paper writing, you should review the flip side of a reviewed problem from an opponent's perspective. It should include at least two well-supported opposing views. Finally, you have to arrange all the ideas in a particular order to keep a logical flow of your essay. Note, you will be required to write transition phrases that will connect all the paragraphs. The example below will help you understand how the structure of the body should look like.

• Body paragraphs
• #1 Supporting paragraph: Rich nations use developing countries for getting cheap raw materials and labor.
• #2 Supporting paragraph: Unfair money distribution can lead to a social crisis.
• #3 Supporting paragraph: Rich countries should support globalization by helping developing countries.
• Counter-argument paragraph: External aid and help from rich countries eliminates the need to compete, which can slow development.

If you don't know how to conclude an argumentative essay properly, you need to reiterate your thesis statement to bring a logical ending. Feel free to highlight the main idea of your article. Also, you need to share some facts that state the importance of your topic. In the end, you should rewrite your claims and supporting facts briefly to make sure that any significant part of your essay won't be missed.

Argumentative Essay Outline Sample

It's always easier to understand how to outline an argumentative essay by checking out a paper’s structure sample. Therefore, you'll be able to find a sample below. Check out a generic paper's structure that can be easily adjusted to any topic.

• Opening sentence
• Background information
• Thesis statement
• #1 Claim that supports the main idea
• #2 Claim that supports the main idea
• #3 Claim that supports the main idea
• Opposing side paragraph

This plan will help you compose a well-thought-out argumentative paper . However, you ought to check the instructions provided by your tutor first. They may need you to include additional paragraphs in your paper. Note, if your essay doesn't match the provided requirements, it may be refused by an instructor.