Research ArgumentativeEssay structure (OUTLINE)
FIRST PARAGRAPH – Introduction : 1-2 sentences about the topic in general, 1-2 sentences about the debate, 1-2 Sentences stating your thesis. The thesis should say what you will argue and the three main points you will use to support your argument.
SECOND PARAGRAPH – Background Information: gives relevant info about the topic by answering what, when, where, who, how, how much/many/long. It does not answer “why” questions, and it does not have opinions or examples.
THIRD PARAGRAPH – First main point to support your thesis: supports your thesis and is stated in the topic sentence ie. the first sentence of the paragraph. The next sentence can explain/elaborate on your main point found in the topic sentence. Next, you give 3 pieces of evidence to support the point in your topic sentence such facts, examples, statistics and/or quotation. Try to use as many different sources as you can.
FOURTH PARAGRAPH – Second main point to support your thesis: supports your thesis and is stated in the topic sentence ie. the first sentence of the paragraph. The next sentence can explain/elaborate on your main point in the topic sentence. Next, you give 3 pieces of evidence to support the point in your topic sentence such facts, examples, statistics and/or quotation. Try to use as many different sources as you can.
FIFTH PARAGHRPH – Third main point to support your thesis: supports your thesis and is stated in the topic sentence ie. the first sentence of the paragraph. The next sentence can explain/elaborate on your main point in the topic sentence. Next, you give 3 pieces of evidence to support the point in your topic sentence such facts, examples, statistics and/or quotation. Try to use as many different sources as you can.
SIXTH PARAGHRPH – Counter-argument: summarizes one of the other sides in the debate, gives their main reasons, and critique it.
SEVENTH PARAGHRPH Conclusion: answers three questions: what I have done in this essay, what I have found, and what can/ should be done by x, y, or z.