Outline Worksheet for Essay
You may copy & paste this into a Microsoft Word document OR download the .doc version of this worksheet posted within this Learning Unit. l. Intro: Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing for.
What is the argumentative question you are exploring based on a theme, or a combination of themes explored this term? Please phrase this as a question.
a. Hook: This is an attention grabber.
b. Background information: This section of your paper gives the reader the basic information he or she needs to understand your position. This could be part of the introduction, but may work as its own section.
c. Thesis: What is the stance you are taking on the topic based on your research? The answer to this question will be your THESIS STATEMENT: (Do not write your entire introductory paragraph here. Just write the thesis statement itself)
II. Develop Your Argument: All evidence you present in this section should support your position. This is the heart of your essay. Generally, you begin with a general statement that you back up with specific details or examples. Depending on how long your argument is, you will need to devote one to two well-developed paragraphs to each reason/claim or type of evidence.
a. Reason 1: Give one major detail that supports your thesis
i. Evidence 1a: Give one minor
c. Thesis: What is the stance you are taking on the topic based on your research? The answer to this question will be your THESIS STATEMENT: (Do not write your entire introductory paragraph here. Just write the thesis statement itself)
Develop Your Argument: All evidence you present in this section should support your position. This is the heart of your essay. Generally, you begin with a general statement that you back up with specific details or examples. Depending on how long your argument is, you will need to devote one to two well-developed paragraphs to each reason/claim or type of evidence.
a. Reason 1: Give one major detail that supports your thesis
i. Evidence 1a: Give one minor detail as to why claim 1 supports the thesis
ii. Evidence 1b: Give a second, minor detail as to why claim 1 supports the thesis
iii. Evidence 1c: Give a third, minor detail as to why claim 1 supports the thesis
b. Reason 2: Give a second major detail that supports your thesis
i. Evidence 2a: Give one minor
