Class Essay Outline (3 pages)

Essay topic:

Part I. Introduction
The purpose of your introduction is to grab you’re a) audience’s attention, b) present background
information about the issue, and c) state your position. Revise this paragraph so that all of these
elements are clear.

Background Information:

Thesis

The thesis is the central idea of your paper around which all your evidence and claims are
organized. Every single paragraph should be dedicated in a clear way to proving your thesis. In
your essay, the thesis should be stated as quickly and as clearly as possible. In fact, many
teachers will expect your thesis statement to appear in the last sentence of your essay’s first
paragraph. A vivid theses statement will announce the steps of its argument, not just provide a flat
statement of the essay’s ultimate goal. This of the thesis as a roadmap that gives directions to
your reader than as a picture of your final destination.

Thesis statement:
 Class Essay Outline (3 pages)
Part II – Arguments or Reasons to Support Your Thesis
Section A. Reason/argument 1 that supports your thesis

Body Paragraph 1:
[Optional subject header/internal header to identify purpose of section]
In each body paragraph, focus your reader’s attention on one point of your argument with a clear
topic sentence. Your readers need help identifying the main idea. The topic sentence of each body
paragraph should connect to your claim about the topic. Help your readers see the connection
between this idea and your claim with a clear topic sentence.

Topic sentence
What did the soldiers and higher-ups who participated in the war think of it?

Supporting points
Use a transition to show how each point connects to your claim. Sentence starters (like “Another
example of ________ is”) can help the readers trace your ideas back to your claim.

Explain the connection between each sentence and your claim. Clearly show how each point
relates to your main point about the topic.

1.
2.
3.
4.

The last sentence of each body paragraph should reflect upon its main points and begin to
transition to your next paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2:
[Optional subject header/internal header to identify purpose of section]
Topic sentence:

Supporting points
1.
2.
3.
4.
 Class Essay Outline (3 pages)
Body Paragraph 3:
[Optional subject header/internal header to identify purpose of section]
Topic sentence:

Supporting points
1.
2.
3.
4.
 Class Essay Outline (3 pages)
Section II. For Argument Papers: Counter Arguments and Responses to them
[Optional subject header/internal header to identify purpose of section]

This essay should address both sides of the argument, not only your position. Remember to
address the counterclaim (the opposite side of the issue)
A. Counter Arguments (objections to your position)
1.
2.
3.

Remember to respond to the opposite of the issue fairly and without emotion. An argumentative
essay should address the counterclaim evenly and objectively.

B. Reasons to refute counter arguments (your response to the objections)

1.
2.
3.

Section IV. Conclusion

[Subject header/internal header to identify purpose of section]
A conclusion works to bring your argument to a close, leaving your reader fully persuaded about
your position on this topic. Include a clear conclusion at the end of your writing in order to bring the
a) claim, b) evidence, and c) reasoning that you have discussed to an effective conclusion.

A. Summary of Arguments

Rephrase the thesis you presented in the introduction and include it in this section. Your readers
expect you to restate your thesis in your conclusion.

B. Concluding Idea:

Repeat steps to add more arguments and/or supporting paragraphs as needed

(Use space below and/or add additional paper)
Class Essay Outline (3 pages)