Argumentative Essay Outline Templates: Copy, Fill, Done

INTRODUCTION (150-200 words)

• Hook (question, statistic, quote, anecdote)

• Background context (2-3 sentences)

• Thesis statement (your position + main reasons)

BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (200-250 words)

• Topic sentence (main argument #1)

• Evidence (facts, statistics, expert quotes)

• Analysis (explain how the evidence proves the point)

• Transition sentence to next paragraph

BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (200-250 words)

• Topic sentence (main argument #2)

• Evidence (supporting facts and data)

• Analysis (connect evidence to thesis)

• Transition to next point

BODY PARAGRAPH 3 (250-300 words)

• Counterargument (strongest opposing view)

• Acknowledgment (why others believe this)

• Refutation (evidence disproving counterargument)

• Transition to conclusion

CONCLUSION (150-200 words)

• Restated thesis (differently worded)

• Summary of main points (brief)

• Broader implications or call to action

• Strong closing sentence

TOTAL: 1,500-2,000 words

Rule: One main idea per paragraph. If you have 5 main arguments, you need 5 body paragraphs.

Recommendation: Sentence outlines offer the best balance of time investment and usefulness for most argumentative essays.

Fill-in-the-Blank Classical Template

Topic: _______________________________

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Hook (choose one): - Surprising statistic: _____________________________

- Provocative question: _______________________________

- Relevant anecdote: _______________________________

- Bold statement: _______________________________

B. Background context (2-3 sentences): - _______________________________ - _______________________________ - _______________________________

C. Thesis statement (your position + main reasons): ___________________________

II. NARRATION (Optional - can merge with intro) 

A. Why this issue matters: - _______________________________

B. Key terms to define: - _______________________________

C. Current situation: - _______________________________

III. CONFIRMATION - Body Paragraph 1 

A. Topic sentence (first main argument): - _______________________________

B. Evidence supporting this argument: - Fact/statistic: __________________________

- Expert quote: _______________________________

- Example: ________________________

C. Analysis (explain how evidence proves your point): - _________________________

D. Appeals used: - Ethos (credibility): _______________________________

- Logos (logic): _______________________________

- Pathos (emotion - use sparingly): _______________________________

E. Transition to next argument: - _______________________________

IV. CONFIRMATION - Body Paragraph 2 

A. Topic sentence (second main argument): - ____________________________

B. Evidence: - ____________________________ - _______________________________

C. Analysis: - _______________________________

D. Appeals used: - Ethos: ______________________

- Logos: _________________________

E. Transition: - _______________________________

V. CONFIRMATION - Body Paragraph 3 

A. Topic sentence (third main argument): - _______________________________

B. Evidence: - _______________________________ - _______________________________

C. Analysis: - _______________________________

D. Appeals used: - Logos (primary): _______________________________

E. Transition to refutation: - _______________________________

VI. REFUTATION 

A. Strongest counterargument: - Critics argue that ______________________________

B. Why some hold this view: - _______________________________

C. Acknowledge any validity: - While it's true that _______________________________

D. Refute with evidence: - However, this fails because ______________________________ -       Evidence: _______________________________

E. Transition to conclusion: - _______________________________

VII. CONCLUSION 

A. Restated thesis (use different wording): - _______________________________

B. Brief summary of 3 main arguments: - First: ________________

- Second: ________________

- Third: __________________________

C. Broader implications or call to action: - _______________________________

D. Strong closing sentence: - _______________________________

Fill-in-the-Blank Toulmin Template

Topic: _______________________________

I. INTRODUCTION 

A. Hook and background: - _______________________________

B. Claim (your thesis): - _______________________________

II. CLAIM (State your position clearly) 

A. Main claim: - _______________________________

B. Why this claim matters: - _______________________________

C. Scope of claim: - _______________________________

III. GROUNDS (Evidence Supporting Claim)

Body Paragraph 1 

A. Primary evidence #1: - _______________________________

B. Primary evidence #2: - _______________________________

C. Primary evidence #3: - _______________________________

D. How this evidence directly supports claim: - _______________________________

IV. WARRANT (Why Evidence Supports Claim)

Body Paragraph 2

A. Reasoning that connects evidence to claim: - __________

B. Underlying assumptions: - We assume that _______________________________

C. Logical principle at work: - _______________________________

D. Why this reasoning is valid: - _______________________________

V. BACKING (Support for Your Warrant)

Body Paragraph 3

A. Additional evidence supporting your reasoning: - ______________

B. Expert testimony or research validating warrant: - ___________________________

C. Real-world examples demonstrating principle: - _____________________________

D. Why your reasoning is credible: - _______________________________

VI. QUALIFIER (Acknowledge Limitations)

Body Paragraph 4 

A. Qualifying words for your claim: - "In most cases," "Probably," "Usually," "Likely"

B. Modified claim with qualifier: - _______________________________

C. Conditions under which claim holds: - _______________________________

D. Why qualifier strengthens rather than weakens: - ____________________________

VII. REBUTTAL (Address Counter-Conditions)

Body Paragraph 5 

A. Exceptions to your claim: - Your claim might not hold when _________________

B. Strongest counterargument: - Opponents argue that ________________________

C. Refutation of counterargument: - This objection fails because _______________

- Evidence: _______________________________

D. Why your qualified claim still stands: - _______________________________

VIII. CONCLUSION A. Restated claim with qualifier: - ___________________________

B. Summary of grounds-warrant-backing chain: - _______________________________

C. Significance of qualified position: - _______________________________

D. Implications for policy/action: - _______________________________

Fill-in-the-Blank Rogerian Template

Topic: _______________________________

I. INTRODUCTION (Establish Neutral Ground) 

A. Identify problem objectively: - _______________________________

B. Establish shared concern for both sides: - Everyone agrees that ______________

C. Why this issue matters to all: - _______________________________

D. NO thesis yet - just set up dialogue: - _______________________________

II. OPPOSING VIEW SUMMARY (Present Their Case Fairly) 

A. Introduce opposing position respectfully: - Many people believe that _______

B. Their strongest argument #1: - ____________

- Evidence they use: _____________

C. Their strongest argument #2: - ____________

- Evidence they use: _____________

D. Their strongest argument #3: - ____________

- Evidence they use: _____________

E. Why they hold this position: - They value _________

- They're concerned about __________

F. Present without judgment or bias:

Avoid words like "claim," "merely believe," and "unfortunately."

Use neutral language: "argue," "contend," "maintain."

III. STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING (Validate Their Concerns) 

A. Acknowledge validity in their position: - These concerns about _____________ are legitimate

B. Identify common values: - Both sides want __________

- We all value __________

C. Find shared goals: - Everyone seeks _______________________________

D. Show genuine understanding: - It's understandable why ____________________

E. Build trust through empathy: - Given ___________, their position makes sense

IV. YOUR POSITION (Now Introduce Your View) 

A. Present your position: - While respecting these concerns, ____________________

B. Frame as complementary not oppositional: - This perspective adds __________

- Rather than contradicting, it ________________

C. Your main argument #1: - __________________

- Evidence: ______________________

D. Your main argument #2: - __________________

- Evidence: ______________________

E. Your main argument #3: - ___________________

- Evidence: _____________________

F. Connect to shared values identified earlier: - This approach also achieves _________________

G. Maintain respectful tone: - Avoid attacking opposition - Use inclusive language ("we," "our")

V. COMPROMISE/MIDDLE GROUND (Propose Win-Win Solution) 

A. Middle ground solution: - What if we _______________________________?

B. How this addresses their concerns: - This solution protects __________________

- It prevents _______________________________

C. How this addresses your concerns: - While also ensuring _______

- And promoting ________

D. Benefits to both sides: - Opponents gain _____________

- Proponents gain _____________

E. Shared benefits to all: - Everyone benefits from _____________________________

F. Path forward together: - By working cooperatively ___________________________

VI. CONCLUSION 

A. Restate shared values: - _______________________________

B. Emphasize common ground found: - _______________________________

C. Proposed solution summary: - _______________________________

D. Call for dialogue and understanding: - _______________________________