Argumentative Essay Outline (Claim)
Directions: Use this outline as a “road map” to write your essay. If you need more
examples or sentence starters, use page 2 to help you!
1) Introduction/Claim (One paragraph)
•Start with a hook or attention getting sentence.
•Briefly summarize the texts
•State your claim. Make sure you are restating the prompt.
2) Body Paragraph: Evidence/Support/Warrant
•Include a topic sentence that restates your claim and your reason.
oExample: Video games are harmful because____________.
•Include text evidence that supports your reason.
oExample: The author shows that video games are harmful because in paragraph 2 it
states____________
•Include an explanation (warrant) that shows how your text evidence proved your claim.
oExample: The author uses this evidence to show how/that_____________.
3) Body Paragraph: Evidence/Support/Warrant
•· Include a topic sentence that restates your claim and your reason.
oExample: Video games are harmful because____________.
•Include text evidence that supports your reason.
oExample: The author shows that video games are harmful because in paragraph 2 it
states____________
•Include an explanation (warrant) that shows how your text evidence proved your claim.
oExample: The author uses this evidence to show how/that_____________
4) Counterclaim Paragraph:
•Explain what others who don’t agree with your claim might say.
oExample: Some people might disagree. They may believe_____ because____.
5) Conclusion (One paragraph)
•Restate your claim and summarize your reasoning.
oExample: In conclusion, the text shows that videogames are harmful by pointing out
that_______
adapted from Tahnda Hawkins/South HS
