How to Structure an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay follows the same basic essay outline (Introduction–Body–Conclusion). However, how you structure the body of an argumentative essay is a bit complex. It depends on your topic and your main goal or intention for writing.
Let us explain:
Argumentative essays rely on clear introductions, making logical connections through evidence and rational arguments, and clear conclusions.
Now, how you build an introduction and present your conclusion is similar to how it’s done in other types of essays. However, outlining rational arguments with evidence (the body section) in argumentative essays can be done in several valid ways.
So, how can you structure your body in a clear outline?
There are three common ways to structure your arguments within the body, incorporating different types of arguments. Each approach is suitable for various audiences, topics, and goals:
- Classical (Aristotelian) Structure: Presents arguments, evidence, and counter-arguments sequentially in a straightforward way.
- Rogerian Structure: Focuses on presenting and analyzing the opposing views to find a middle-ground.
- Toulmin Structure: Presents a focused argument in a detailed and systematic way to establish a point completely.
Let’s get into these common outlining methods:
Classical (Aristotelian) Argumentative Essay Structure
The classical structure is the simplest layout for an argumentative essay. It requires you to:
- Provide an introduction with a specific and clear thesis statement,
- Present your arguments with evidence one-by-one in your body paragraphs,
- And conclude by re-establishing your main thesis in light of your arguments.
It’s the best structure for argumentative essay assignments for school. Moreover, this outline makes your essay easier to understand for a wide variety of audiences. So, for most argumentative essay topics and purposes, you can’t go wrong with a classical approach.
When to Choose the Classical Structure
It is better to use the classical structure if:
- You are writing for a general audience or writing an academic assignment.
- Your main goal is to simply explore a position and present your arguments to the readers without focusing on persuading them.
- Your topic can be covered well with a traditional, linear argumentative approach without necessarily needing to explore alternative perspectives extensively.
Classical Argumentative Essay Outline Template
I. Introduction A. Write an Attention-grabber or Hook B. Provide Background information on the topic C. Write a Clear Thesis statement II. Body of the Essay A. Paragraph 1: a. Topic Sentence – Present your First Argument b. Provide evidence and analysis c. Connect to the thesis statement and transition to the next point. B. Paragraph 2: a. Topic Sentence – Present your Second Argument b. Provide evidence and analysis c. Connect to the thesis statement and transition to the next point. C. Paragraph 3: a. Topic Sentence – Present your Counter-argument b. Provide evidence and present analysis c. Connect to the thesis statement and transition to the conclusion. III. Conclusion A. Summarize your overall arguments and analysis B. Restate central point / thesis statement in light of arguments C. Provide a Final statement/call to action for a memorable ending |
Rogerian Argumentative Essay Structure
The Rogerian structure is used when you are addressing an audience that is sympathetic to opposing views. This structure requires you to understand and validate your opponents’ viewpoints before presenting your arguments.
This type of argument requires you to address both sides of the debate and come up with a position that does not alienate either side. It seeks to find a middle ground.
When to Use the Rogerian Structure
Rogerian structure can be effective in case:
- Your goal is to establish common ground on an issue while validating different viewpoints.
- You are addressing an audience that strongly holds opposing views.
- Your topic is highly polarized, and a confrontational approach may hinder productive discussion.
Rogerian Argumentative Essay Outline Template
I. Introduction A. Introduce your topic with context and background information B. Write the thesis statement II. Body of the Essay A. Paragraph 1: a. Present opposing argument 1 b. Analyze and clarify the opposing argument c. Transition to the next point B. Paragraph 2: a. Present opposing argument 2 b. Analyze and clarify the opposing argument c. Transition to the next point C. Paragraph 3 a. Present your own argument b. Justify your argument with evidence and facts c. Transition to the conclusion III. Conclusion – The Middle Ground A. Provide a synthesis or common ground between opposing arguments B. Support the middle ground and the suggest way forward C. Conclude with a memorable final statement or call-to-action |
Toulmin Argumentative Essay Structure
The Toulmin approach is a systematic and technical approach for establishing a focused argument. It is mostly used in academic and debate settings to break down a complex topic and completely justify a specific point.
Here’s how it works:
- It starts with presenting a specific claim.
- It then focuses on presenting relevant data, evidence, and facts that support the claim
- Then it turns attention towards the warrant or the analysis of how the data and evidence support the claim.
- Backing provides further support to the warrants.
- Moreover, the qualifier clearly limits the scope of your claim and defines its applicable boundaries so it doesn’t get misunderstood.
- Finally, it allows for a rebuttal of opposing views to justify the claim completely.
When to Use the Toulmin Structure
The Toulmin essay structure is highly effective in specific cases, but it should be used occasionally. Here are some situations where it can be a good structure choice for your essay:
- There are multiple perspectives on the topic, and you want to carefully analyze and present one specific perspective.
- You are addressing a highly educated audience who expect detailed and rigorous evidence and reasoning.
Toulmin Argumentative Essay Outline Template
I. Introduction A. Introduce your topic with context and background information B. Write the thesis statement II. Body of the Essay A. First Part: a. Paragraph 1: Present and clarify your claims B. Second Part: a. Provide data, evidence, and facts to support the claims b. Take one to two paragraphs. C. Third Part: a. Discuss your first warrant b. Discuss further warrants c. Provide backing to strengthen your warrants d. You can use two to three paragraphs for this part D. Fourth Part: a. Establish limitations of your argument through qualifiers b. Discuss the boundaries and applicability of your arguments c. Mention and clarify any exceptions E. Final Part: a. Provide rebuttals of opposing arguments b. Take several paragraphs as per your need III. Conclusion A. Summarize your discussion and establish your thesis B. Provide a memorable ending with final thoughts. |
Argumentative Essay Outline Examples
Now that you know several possible argumentative essay outlines, take a look at these outline examples to get a better idea.
For more practical examples on developing strong arguments, visit our argumentative essay examples blog!
In conclusion, whenever you need to create an argumentative essay outline, consider your topic, audience, and main goal to choose the most effective argumentative structure.
Once you know which structure you’re going to use, simply write out your outline.
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