Argumentative Essay

September 16, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources 

When brainstorming a topic for an argumentative essay, start with something that interests you and ask a researchable question. Identify the purpose of your paper and what you already know about the topic. This can help you clarify your position, develop a thesis and figure out what evidence you need to support your argument.

 

Argumentative Essay Brainstorming and Outline

Step 1: Take a position

I believe

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Others may think

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Step 2: Support for your position

Point 1:

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Point 2:

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Point 3:

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Step 3: Provide sources that support your points

Source 1:

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Source 2:

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Source 3:

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Step 4: Provide a counter perspective

Others do not agree that

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Point 1:

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Point 2:

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Point 3:

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Once you have thought through your topic and identified how to support your position, it is time to develop your argumentative essay. The outline below provides one suggested structure.

Introduction

Develop your thesis statement (purpose of your paper) with a clear judgment or claim based on what you wrote in Step 1. Your introduction should begin with a hook that relates to your thesis. Then transition into the topic and end with your thesis.

Hook:

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Develop topic:

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Thesis:

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Body paragraphs

Body paragraphs begin with topic sentences that support your thesis and explain your reasons. Use evidence from your sources (quotes or paraphrased information) and explain how the evidence supports your point.

Topic sentence for each paragraph:

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Introduce evidence:

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Use quotes or refer to sources:

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Explain evidence:

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Concluding sentence:

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Counter argument paragraph

Argumentative papers should include a counter argument to acknowledge the opposing point of view. This paragraph should include information from sources (Step 4).

Transition to acknowledge opposing point of view:

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Introduce quotes or refer to sources:

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Disagree with opposing view and explain why you disagree:

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Conclusion paragraph

Restate your thesis and summarize your main points. Do not introduce new information. End with a closing statement or call to action.

Restate thesis:

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Summarize main points:

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Closing statement:

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Reference:
Lapp, D., Wolsey, T., Wood, K., & Johnson, K. (2015). Mining complex text: Using graphic organizers to grasp and share new understandings. Corwin Publishing.