Persuasive Essay Outline

Name of writer:  _________________________________________________________

Audience for paper: _______________________________________________________

Tone: __________________________________________________________________

I.                   Introduction

q       Thesis statement (Arguable Assertion): _______________________________

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II.                Reasons & Details

Most persuasive arguments use the strategy of placing their strongest reasoning in the middle, their weakest last, and their medium strength point first.  Fill in your plausible reasons and use your research to find specific supporting details/evidence here.    

A. Plausible reason: ________________________________________________

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i) Supporting detail/evidence: ___________________________________

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ii) Supporting detail/evidence: __________________________________

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iii) Supporting detail/evidence: __________________________________

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B. Plausible reason: ________________________________________________

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i) Supporting detail/evidence: ___________________________________

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ii) Supporting detail/evidence: ___________________________________

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iii) Supporting detail/evidence: __________________________________

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C. Plausible reason: ________________________________________________

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i) Supporting detail/evidence: ___________________________________

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ii) Supporting detail/evidence: ___________________________________

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iii) Supporting detail/evidence: __________________________________

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III.       Solutions & Counter-arguments

NOTE: You might not put all of your solutions and counter-arguments at this section of your essay, as they may relate to your plausible reasons.  But break them down here, and make sure you articulate specific counter-arguments you know your opponents will have!

            D. Possible Solution: _______________________________________________

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            Counter-argument: ________________________________________________

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            E. Possible Solution: _______________________________________________

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            Counter-argument: ________________________________________________

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IV.       Conclusion

q       Overview plausible reasons

q       Reiterate thesis statement (arguable assertion)

q       Leave the reader with a statement that provokes their thinking about your essay.