Elements Of An Argumentative Essay Outline In College

College students often fail to write good argumentative essays. Most college students never learn the basics, leading to poor grades and frustration. Writing an argumentative essay is hard, and it’s even harder when you don’t know where to start.

This blog post will teach you the basics of writing an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay outline can help you write a great essay quickly and easily.

What Is An Argumentative Essay? 

An argumentative essay is a type of persuasive essay that presents arguments in favor of a particular position. Students usually find this essay challenging, as they must defend their viewpoints against opposing ones. 

While an argumentative essay can be considered a form of debate, it is important to remember that its purpose is not necessarily to convince the reader or to adopt the writer’s point of view. Rather, it is to present a well-reasoned argument in support of a particular position.

Argumentative essays are often assigned in college classes, providing valuable skills for writing effective arguments. However, if you are not familiar with this type of essay, it can be easy to get confused or lost while writing one. 

Example Argumentative Essay Outline 

Here is a sample outline you can follow. 

Introduction

• Your argumentative essay introduction needs to start with a Hook, which will grab the reader’s attention and make them want to continue reading.
• Give some background information on your topic so that the reader can better understand your argument.
• State your thesis statement clearly and concisely.

Body Paragraphs

• Begin each body paragraph with a Topic Sentence, which will introduce the paragraph’s main idea.
• Support your Topic Sentence with specific evidence from reliable sources.
• Conclude each body paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main point and reinforces your thesis.

Conclusion

• Restate your thesis statement more forcefully than you did in the introduction.
• Leave the reader with something to think about, such as a call to action or a final thought on the topic.
• End on a strong note that will stick in the reader’s mind. 

Sample argumentative essay outline for college students PDF

How To Structure Your Argumentative Essay Properly

To write an argumentative essay, you need to first decide on what position you want to take. After deciding, you must ensure that your essay is well-structured and flows smoothly.

Here are some tips on properly structuring your argumentative essay:

• Introduce the issue in your opening paragraph. Make sure to state your position on the issue clearly.
• Support your position with well-reasoned arguments and examples.
• Anticipate and refute counterarguments.
• Restate your position and emphasize the importance of your argument in the conclusion.

How To Make Perfect Arguments In An Argumentative Essay

When it comes to winning an argument, there are a few key things to remember. First, you need to make sure your argument is well-reasoned and logical. Second, you must be able to back up your argument with evidence. And third, you need to communicate your argument to your audience effectively.

If you can do all these things, you’re on your way to writing a perfect argumentative essay. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Choose a controversial topic you feel strongly about.
• Do your research and make sure you have a good understanding of the issue.
• Gather evidence to support your argument.
• Write a clear and concise thesis statement.
• Organize your essay in a logical way.
• Make sure you address counterarguments in your essay.
• Use strong language to make your points.
• Edit and proofread your essay before you submit it.

Tips To Write A Successful Argumentative Essay

The following tips will help you write a successful argumentative essay:

Choose A Position You Can Defend

It is important to select a topic you feel strongly about and can argue convincingly in favor of your position. If you are assigned a topic, try to narrow it down to a specific issue you can address in your essay.

Do Your Research

Once you have chosen a topic, gathering evidence to support your position is important. This can be done through reading articles, watching documentaries, or researching online. Make sure to take notes so you can easily reference your sources later.

Develop a thesis statement

A thesis statement is a sentence or two that summarizes your main argument. This statement should be clear and concise, as it will be the foundation upon which your entire essay is built.

Write A Strong Introduction

The introductory paragraphs of your essay should grab the reader’s attention and give them an idea of what your paper will be about. Be sure to introduce your thesis statement in your introduction so that the reader knows what position you will be arguing for throughout the rest of the essay.

Support Your Argument

In the body of your essay, you will need to provide evidence to support your claims. Each paragraph should focus on one specific point, and you must support it with evidence. 

Address Counter Arguments

In addition to supporting your position, it is also important to acknowledge and refute any opposing arguments. This shows that you have considered all sides of the issue and strengthens your overall argument.

Write A Conclusion

The conclusion of your essay should briefly summarize the main points of your argument and leave the reader with something to think about. Be sure to restate your thesis statement in your conclusion so that the reader is reminded of what position you were arguing for throughout the paper.

How To Find A Good Topic For An Argumentative Essay

Here are some steps you need to follow to find the perfect topic for your essay 

1. Start by thinking about what you’re passionate about. What are the issues that you feel strongly about? These are the topics you will be most interested in writing about.
2. Once you have a list of potential topics, conduct research. Read up on the issue, and find out both sides of the argument. This will help you better understand the pros and cons of each topic and help you choose the one you’re most passionate about.
3. After you’ve done your research, it’s time to start brainstorming essay ideas. What are some points that you could make about your chosen topic? What would be a strong thesis statement for your essay? You’ll need to focus on these elements when writing your essay.
4. Once you have a few ideas, it’s time to start writing. This is where the real work begins. 
5. Remember, your goal is to write an informative and persuasive essay. You’ll need to back up your points with evidence and ensure that your argument is sound.
6. After you’ve written your essay, it’s time to edit and proofread it. This is where you’ll catch any errors or typos and ensure that your essay is ready for submission. 

Sample Argumentative Essay Topics

• Is global climate change man-made? 
• Is the death penalty effective? 
• Are energy drinks bad for your health? 
• Should marijuana be legalized? 
• Should the drinking age be lowered? 
• Should the voting age be lowered? 
• Should there be stricter gun control laws? 
• Are zoos cruel to animals? 
• Should schools require students to wear uniforms? 
• Is too much money spent on space exploration?

Writing an argumentative essay is not as hard as it seems. With a good outline and a little practice, you can write essays that will impress your professors and help you get the grades you deserve. The best way to get better at writing essays is to start writing. The more you write, the easier it will become.