What is the format of an argumentative essay outline?

The format of an argumentative essay outline includes a separate line for each paragraph topic and a list of details beneath each paragraph topic. The first paragraph topic is the introduction, and the last is the conclusion. The body paragraph topics are reasons for the main argument.

  • Introduction
    • Hook
    • Background information
    • Thesis (man argument)
  • First reason
    • Supporting detail
    • Supporting detail
    • Supporting detail
  • Second reason
    • Supporting detail
    • Supporting detail
    • Supporting detail
  • [Additional reasons as needed, and sometimes a counterargument]
  • Conclusion

If you’re submitting a formal essay outline for a grade, use a Roman numeral (I, II, III, etc.) for each paragraph topic. Beneath each Roman numeral, use capital letters (A, B, C) to list the details that will go in each paragraph.

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