Outline of an Argumentative Essay – Classical Pattern
I.
Introduction
A.
Background
Information: basic information about
the issue (i.e. euthanasia) and the position being argued (i.e. euthanasia
should/should not be allowed).
B. Thesis Statement: states the position to be argued in the essay
II.
Reasons that
Support the Thesis Statement
A. Reason/Argument 1 (main point #1)
1. Supporting paragraph 1
2. Supporting paragraph 2
B. Reason/Argument 2 (main point #2)
1. Supporting paragraph 1
2. Supporting paragraph 2
1. Supporting paragraph 1
2. Supporting paragraph 2, etc.
Notes about
reasons/arguments section:
1. Since this is a longer paper, you will most likely have more than one paragraph per main point. This means that your discussion will be more detailed.
2. Think
carefully about how you order your reasons/arguments. Possible ways to order your arguments include most familiar®least familiar
or least important (weakest)®most important (strongest).
A. Mention the arguments from the other side of the issue
(i.e. if you’re arguing that euthanasia should be legal in the US,
mention the arguments from the people who think that euthanasia should not
be legal.)
B. Briefly refute the other side’s arguments
Note: This section could be placed in the paragraph
following the introduction.