Argumentative Essay Template printable pdf download

Name:__________________________________________

OUTLINE FOR AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Introduction -- (sets the tone for the entire essay -- be serious, formal, convincing)

A. Lead (hook, attention-getter, motivator)

 2-4 well-developed sentences

 Use an anecdote (a little story), startling facts, surprising statistics, a quotation, a

contrary opinion, an emotionally charged statement, or any combination of the

above.

B. Background information (2-3 sentences to explain the history or background or

seriousness of the issue)

C. Thesis statement/Claim (strong, clear statement of your position on the issue)

Samples:

 Participation in school athletics builds character.

 Children up to the age of ten and pregnant women should receive free medical

care.

 A class in multicultural literature should be required for graduation.

(The thesis always includes the topic + position.)

D. Blueprint (a sentence that offers 2-3 lines of argumentation that will support the thesis

statement)

Sample:

 Jogging is an overrated form of exercise. (Thesis statement)

 Few joggers consider that jogging can be hazardous to one’s emotional, financial,

and physical health. (Blueprint)

II.

First body paragraph (use order of importance and start with your weakest argument)

A. Transition + Topic sentence (begins each body paragraph; your first line of

argumentation in your blueprint)

B. Support/Evidence

 facts/statistics

 examples/observations

 expert’s/authority’s opinion

C. Concluding sentence (ties the above together and leads into next paragraph)

III.

Second body paragraph (stronger argument-the second line of argumentation in your

blueprint) Include transitions.

A. Transition + Topic sentence

B. Support/evidence

C. Concluding sentence

IV.

Third body paragraph (the strongest argument—the third line of argumentation in

your blueprint.) Include transitions and points A, B, and C above.

Counterclaims/Concessions --the opposing point of view (admitting they have a point)

and rebuttals/counter arguments/refutations (countering the opposing view). Not

necessarily a separate paragraph but may be structured that way. May be included in the

intro, the body, or the conclusion.

Sample:

 Some people argue that teenagers are better drivers than older people. It’s

true that young people have faster reflexes, but they also have less experience

on the road….

Argumentative Essay Template

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