Argument Outline
N.B.: This template is only a guide. Note that an argument may require, depending on
its progression, explanations of more than two quotations in order to be adequately
supported. At the senior level, it is important for students to consider developing
arguments of more than one paragraph. If your argument is more than two pages long,
break it up into at least two paragraphs. Ensure that you conclude each paragraph
properly and use suitable transitions, topic sentences and expansions. If you run out of
space on this outline, you may extend the outline by using foolscap. You may also write
the entire outline on foolscap if you prefer.
While it is advisable to write out step one as a complete sentence, the other steps may be
completed in point form. Wording will likely change somewhat in your final draft.
STEP 1 (topic sentence): ___________________________________________________
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STEP 2 (expansion; outline points): __________________________________________
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STEP 3 (example #1, context + quotation): _____________________________________
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STEP 4 (explanation of quotation): ___________________________________________
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STEP 5 (example #2, context + quotation): _____________________________________
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STEP 6 (explanation of quotation): ___________________________________________
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