Step 2: Outline
Congratulations on finishing your research! Next up is Step 2, creating an outline for your essay.
You need to use this argumentative essay graphic organizer to complete an outline for your argumentative essay. The outline is designed to lead you, step-by-step, through every part of your essay. Using such a rigid outline may feel constricting, but please know that the outline is only a guide. If you want to expand your essay beyond what the outline requires, you are more than free to do so, just remember to include all the parts the outline highlights.
The outline will follow what is known as the Classical Argument Format, which is described below.
The Classical Argument Format
A classical argument is the basic form of persuasive argument typically used in argumentative essays. It has five parts: introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation, and conclusion. The parts of a classical argument are arranged logically. That is, one section logically follows from the one before it. It is styled in this way for ease of transition in thought, especially for the main purpose of effectively persuading the reader or audience.
The size of an argumentative essay can range from a handful of paragraphs to an entire book. For this essay, you will need to write at least five paragraphs – one for each section.
Introduction
The writer has at least three tasks in the introductory part of the classical argument. These are: to hook the audience’s attention, to establish a connection with the audience, and to state the claim (thesis) of the argument.
Narration
This is where the writer has to provide a summary of the background information relevant to the argument. This section helps the reader or audience understand the important circumstances surrounding the topic and claim.
Confirmation
This is where the writer provides evidence to support the claim (for this essay, evidence takes the form of quotes from the documents). The stronger the link between the supporting evidence and the claim, the stronger the argument of the writer will be. This section can be any length – from one paragraph to ten pages – depending on how much evidence the writer wants to introduce to support the claim.
Refutation
This is where the opposing claims are presented or acknowledged (with quotes from the documents), and then addressed and refuted (disproved) by the writer. When refuting an opposing claim, it is best to use another piece of evidence (like a quote) to show why the writer’s claim is correct and the opposing claim is not.
Conclusion
This is the final part of the classical argument where the writer summarizes the main points and shows the reader why the claim is important. In some cases, the writer ends with an appeal to the emotion of the reader or audience.
You need to use this argumentative essay graphic organizer to complete an outline for your argumentative essay. The outline is designed to lead you, step-by-step, through every part of your essay. Using such a rigid outline may feel constricting, but please know that the outline is only a guide. If you want to expand your essay beyond what the outline requires, you are more than free to do so, just remember to include all the parts the outline highlights.
The outline will follow what is known as the Classical Argument Format, which is described below.
The Classical Argument Format
A classical argument is the basic form of persuasive argument typically used in argumentative essays. It has five parts: introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation, and conclusion. The parts of a classical argument are arranged logically. That is, one section logically follows from the one before it. It is styled in this way for ease of transition in thought, especially for the main purpose of effectively persuading the reader or audience.
The size of an argumentative essay can range from a handful of paragraphs to an entire book. For this essay, you will need to write at least five paragraphs – one for each section.
Introduction
The writer has at least three tasks in the introductory part of the classical argument. These are: to hook the audience’s attention, to establish a connection with the audience, and to state the claim (thesis) of the argument.
Narration
This is where the writer has to provide a summary of the background information relevant to the argument. This section helps the reader or audience understand the important circumstances surrounding the topic and claim.
Confirmation
This is where the writer provides evidence to support the claim (for this essay, evidence takes the form of quotes from the documents). The stronger the link between the supporting evidence and the claim, the stronger the argument of the writer will be. This section can be any length – from one paragraph to ten pages – depending on how much evidence the writer wants to introduce to support the claim.
Refutation
This is where the opposing claims are presented or acknowledged (with quotes from the documents), and then addressed and refuted (disproved) by the writer. When refuting an opposing claim, it is best to use another piece of evidence (like a quote) to show why the writer’s claim is correct and the opposing claim is not.
Conclusion
This is the final part of the classical argument where the writer summarizes the main points and shows the reader why the claim is important. In some cases, the writer ends with an appeal to the emotion of the reader or audience.
Next Step - Step 3: Writing