Writing Center
Creating an Easy Essay Outline
Due Date
Task
Step 1: Create an outline for your essay, following classical argument structure.
Classical argument structure:
- Section I – Introduction. Introduce your issue and state your thesis.
- Section II – Context or background information. Explain the issue, clarify the problem, and present your argument for how the problem should be addressed.
- Section III – Claim/stance and argument.
- Section IV – Opposition and counterargument. Address a major opposing viewpoint: explain and then refute it.
- Section V – Conclusion. Remind the reader of your central argument and major claims.
Step 2: Once you have created your outline, post it in the discussion forum for your classmates to review.
Step 3: Finally, review two classmates’ outlines and provide feedback.
Questions to consider:
- Is the thesis clearly and concisely stated?
- Is there adequate background information to set the stage for the argument? Is there too much background information?
- What are the strengths of the argument? What are its weaknesses? How could the writer strengthen the argument?
- Has an opposing viewpoint been identified and explained clearly and fairly? Has the writer adequately refuted the opposing viewpoint?
- Do all of the main points clearly relate to the thesis?
