Argumentative Essay Outline (Claim)
Directions: Edit your essay by following the directions below. Make sure that you have all parts of
each component. Check it off of your list after you have highlighted, underlined, or circled it in your
essay.
1) Introduction/Claim (One paragraph)
___ Underline your hook Start with a hook or attention getting sentence.
___ Circle your text summary: Briefly summarize the texts.
2) Body Paragraph: Evidence/Support/Warrant
___ Highlight your Topic sentence: Include a topic sentence that restates your claim and your reason.
o Example: Video games are harmful because____________.
___Circle your text evidence Include text evidence that supports your reason.
o Example: The author shows that video games are harmful because in paragraph 2 it
states____________
o Example: The author uses this evidence to show how/that_____________.
3) Body Paragraph: Evidence/Support/Warrant
___ Highlight your Topic sentence: Include a topic sentence that restates your claim and your reason.
o Example: Video games are harmful because____________.
___Circle your text evidence: Include text evidence that supports your reason.
o Example: The author shows that video games are harmful because in paragraph 2 it
states____________
o Example: The author uses this evidence to show how/that_____________.
4) Counterclaim Paragraph:
___ Highlight your counterclaim: Explain what others who don’t agree with your claim might say.
o Example: Some people might disagree. They may believe that video games aren’t
harmful because _______.
___ Circle your explanation (about the counterclaim): Explain why they might say believe the
opposite of you:
o Example: The reason that they might believe that is__________.
___ Underline your explanation (about your claim): Explain why your claim is still the best view point.
o Example: However, it is obvious that video games are really harmful because_________.
5) Conclusion (One paragraph)
___ Highlight your counterclaim: Restate your claim and summarize your reasoning.
o Example: In conclusion, the text shows that videogames are harmful by pointing out
that_______