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Learn Argumentative Essay Outline University With Examples

To write a proper argumentative essay, you must first understand what it is and how to start writing. Before you start writing an argumentative essay, an outline is compulsory. 

Argumentative essays are a bit complex, which is why most students mix up their information, resulting in an unappealing essay. The only solution to craft an appealing argumentative essay is to learn how to outline it. Once you know how to outline your essay, you will be able to craft a good argumentative essay.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that requires you to investigate a topic, collect evidence, and present your argument. To make your argument more convincing, you need to be able to back it up with factual information. 

When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to remember that you are trying to persuade your reader of something. Therefore, your argument should be logical and well-reasoned.

What Is an Argumentative Essay Outline?

An argumentative essay outline is a roadmap for your argumentative essay. It guides you through the points you need to make in your paper. Moreover, it also helps you keep track of your progress as you write. 

An outline can also be a great way to organize your thoughts before you start writing. Your outline should include an introduction, main points, and a conclusion.

The introduction should introduce the topic of your essay and explain why it is important.

Also, write a thesis statement in an introduction. 

 The main points of your essay should support your thesis statement. This should be presented in the body of the essay. Also, mention the opposing arguments in the essay. 

In the end, add a conclusion that should summarize your main points and restate your thesis. By following this simple structure, you can easily write a great argumentative essay.

How To Write an Argumentative Essay Outline University?

The key to writing a successful argumentative essay is organization. By creating an outline, you can plan and structure your thoughts to make your overall argument convincing.

Follow the map to understand how to write an argumentative essay outline. This step-by-step outline will help you create an appealing essay.

  • Introduction / Introductory Paragraph
  • Background information
  • A strong thesis statement
  • Body Paragraph No 1
  • Topic Paragraph
    • What will be discussed in this paragraph
    • How will you prove your Thesis 
  • Evidence to support your argument
    • The context for the evidence 
    • Analysis of evidence 
    • Counter Argument
  • Closing sentence
    • Close sentence with an effective transition to the next paragraph
  • Body Paragraph No 2
  • Topic sentences
    • What will be discussed in this paragraph
    • How will you prove your Thesis 
  • Evidence to support your argument
    • The context for the evidence 
    • Analysis of evidence 
    • Counter Argument
  • Closing sentence
    • Close sentence with an effective transition to the next paragraph
  • Body Paragraph No 3
  • Topic sentences
    • What will be discussed in this paragraph
    • How will you prove your Thesis 
  • Evidence to support your argument
    • The context for the evidence 
    • Analysis of evidence 
    • Counter Argument
  • Closing sentence
    • Add rebuttals
    • Close sentence with an effective transition to the conclusion
  • Conclusion Paragraph
  • Restate your thesis
  • Summarize the main points 
  • Call to action or persuading point for the readers to think about the information presented in the body paragraphs. 

Types Of Argumentative Essays at University With Outline

Argumentative essays are one of the most common assignments at university. Most of the assignments you do in university are based on an argumentative or expository essay. 

Argumentative Essays are similar to persuasive essays because you have to persuade your readers to accept your point of view. Moreover, in an argumentative essay, you will investigate a topic in-depth and present your opinion supported by evidence and reasoning. 

There are many different approaches that you can take when writing an argumentative essay. Still, most often, these essays will involve taking a side on a contentious issue and defending your position.

With a little planning and preparation, you can write a well-argued essay to impress your professor. Also, understand the types to present your argument at your university.

The most common types of argumentative essays used at the university level are mentioned below;

Toulmin Model of Argumentative Essay

The Toulmin model of an argumentative essay is an incredibly useful tool for university students. It enables you to present an argument clearly, and it also helps to keep you focused on your goal. 

The Toulmin model is named after philosopher Stephen Toulmin, who first developed the model in the 1950s. The model consists of six main components: data, claim, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal.

  •  Data is the evidence that the writer uses to support their claim. 
  • The claim is the main assertion that the writer is making. 
  • A warrant is the reasoning that links the data to the claim.
  •  The backing is additional support for the warrant. 
  • The qualifier is a statement that limits the strength of the claim. 
  • Rebuttal anticipates counterarguments and provides evidence to refute them.

 You can create a well-organized and convincing essay by clearly delineating each argument component.

Outline Example

Outline Example

Rogerian Model of Argumentative Essay

The Rogerian model of argumentation is based on the idea of two parties finding common ground. Even if they have different opinions on a given issue, a common side can be found. 

This model is used when both parties equally participate in the discussions and are unwilling to back down from their position. In contrast to other forms of argumentation, the Rogerian model encourages both parties to listen to each other’s points of view. This enables them to work together to find an acceptable solution for both sides.

 This approach can often lead to a more productive and less adversarial discussion, and it can effectively resolve disputes.

 Example
  • IDEA
  • Two different claims by two parties 
  • Argument 
  • End with finding a common solution to the claims

Argumentative Essay Outline Example For University

Here are some examples of Argumentative essay outlines for university;

Argumentative Essay Topics For University Students

When choosing a topic for your argumentative essay, selecting an issue you are passionate about is important. This will make your writing process more enjoyable, and you will also be able to produce a strong and convincing argument. Furthermore, you will also get good grades in your academic writing.

 Topics On Education

  •  Should Students be able to grade their teachers?
  • Who is responsible for less creativity 
  •  Who should be able to see students’ scores and result cards?
  •  How should schools behave with misbehaving students?
  • Should there be a parent-teacher conference for college students?
  • Should kids be taught about puberty and sex in schools?
  • Why are research papers necessary?
  •  Should gun be permitted in universities?
  • Should students be drug tested before joining educational institutes?
  • Why are our generations becoming less educated than before?

Topics on Technology And Social Media

  •  Are you distracted by technology?
  • Are mobile apps helpful or wattage of time?
  • Should people obscure their identities online? 
  • The trend of keeping an iPhone 
  • Would you introduce paper books for a digital version 
  • Is computer grading good in the educational field 
  • Roles of Robots in our future 
  • Are online reviews trustable?
  • Is television becoming obsolete?
  • Does reality shows promote dangerous stereotype?

Topics on Health

  • Why is mental health clinic necessary in our society?
  • Are you concerned about whether your food sources are healthy or unhealthy?
  • Should government limit the size of sugary and carbonated drinks?
  • Should surrogate pregnancies be banned?
  • Is cosmetic surgery unhealthy?
  • Why are heart diseases becoming leading health problems?
  •  Issues raised with increasing rates of our healthcare system
  • How Harmful is diabetes in children?
  • Organ transplants of people in unhealthy environments 
  • Can birth control pill damage our reproductive system?

These are some interesting topics that you can select to start writing a good argumentative essay.

In this article, we have thoroughly covered every point of creating an outline of an argumentative essay for university students. The process starts with selecting a topic and collecting evidence to present your arguments. Create an outline before writing your essay, as this will help you craft a good argumentative essay with a logical flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Paragraphs long Should Be A University Essay?

A university essay has no strict guidelines on the number of paragraphs. It can include five to six paragraphs that every traditional essay includes. However, the number of paragraphs can also exceed depending on the number of arguments and claims in the essay.

 How To Start A New Paragraph While Writing An Essay?

You should start every new paragraph by mentioning a new idea in the opening sentence. Each sentence should begin with a signpost that clarifies the point you want to discuss in the paragraph. Your paragraph must focus on that single claim comprehensively. 

Jessica Haris
Jessica Haris
Lead Author

Holds a degree in Literature from the University of Utah and has been writing for more than 10 years.

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