Argumentative Essay Structure

Argumentative Essay Outline

• Argumentative essays require a clear introduction, body, opposition, and conclusion.
• Introductory Paragraph
  • Start with a hook that draws the reader in.
  • Provide a body sentence to expand on the hook.
  • End with a strong thesis statement that outlines the essay's main argument.
  • Every point in the body must relate back to the thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs
  • Present supporting details to defend each argument made in the thesis statement.
  • Use evidence like:
    • Published articles
    • Generalized facts from studies
    • Statistics and results from studies
    • Brief narratives from interviews
    • Quotations from authorities on the topic
• Opposition Paragraph
  • Address the opposing side's viewpoint on the argument.
  • Present the counter-arguments and then refute them with evidence.
• Conclusion Paragraph
  • Summarize the main idea of the argument.
  • Don't repeat the thesis statement verbatim, but refer back to it.
  • Briefly summarize the claims and close the essay with a thought-provoking statement or rhetorical question.

Sample Argumentative Essay Outline

• The example outlines the argument that all college students should study abroad.
• Introduction
  • Hook: Learning outside the classroom is important.
  • Thesis Statement: Studying abroad is crucial for undergraduate students, as it provides more learning than a regular semester.
• Body
  • Claim: Studying abroad increases graduate school acceptance rates.
  • Evidence: 90% of students who studied abroad got into their first or second choice graduate program. (Source: IES Abroad)
  • Claim: Studying abroad makes students more desirable job candidates.
  • Evidence: 97% of students who study abroad find employment within 12 months of graduation. (Source: IES Abroad)
  • Claim: Studying abroad broadens a student's worldview and makes them more successful in the workplace.
  • Evidence: 25% of students who study abroad have higher starting salaries. (Source: IES Abroad)
• Opposition
  • Opposition: Studying abroad is expensive.
  • Refutation: The cost of studying abroad is often comparable to the cost of a regular semester at the student's university, including tuition, housing, textbooks, transportation, and meals. (Source: Diversity Abroad)
• Conclusion
  • Summary: Studying abroad has long-term positive implications for academic and professional success, opening new opportunities.
  • Closing Statement: Encourages readers to contact their university's study abroad center for more information.

This quiz focuses on the essential structure of an argumentative essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, opposition, and conclusion. Understand the components needed to craft a compelling argument and effectively present both sides of an issue.