Writing an Argument Outline Template

Question

Directions: To successfully complete this outline, delete the underlines and fill in those areas with the information for the topic you chose.

Writing Reminders:
You MUST complete the outline as directed. You will NOT receive credit if you turn in a paper that is not in this outline format.
You MUST select one of the required topics below and you MUST use the two articles linked here for the topic you choose.
Remember you may NOT use personal opinions, 1st-person (I, we), or 2nd-person (you).
Need help with transition words? Check out this document for ideas!

Topic
You MUST choose one of these topics- highlight or underline your topic of choice!
Should all schools provide education in the arts, including music, art, and drama?
Do schools place too much importance on standardized tests?
Does requiring school uniforms unfairly restrict students’ self-expression?
Should governments help eliminate single-use plastics, such as disposable tableware, take-out containers, and packaging?
Is it ethical for billionaires to amass so much wealth when so many citizens are living in poverty?

Read the articles for the topic of your choice
Now, read the two articles linked here for the topic of your choice. These will be the articles you are required to paraphrase and/or direct quote from while writing your paper. DO NOT USE OUTSIDE SOURCES OF INFORMATION TO COMPLETE THIS OUTLINE OR PORTFOLIO, ONLY USE THE PROVIDED ARTICLES!

IMPORTANT: BEFORE YOU START WRITING, CLICK ON THE “SHARE” BUTTON IN THE TOP-RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THIS GOOGLE DOCUMENT. THEN CLICK ON “GENERAL ACCESS”, AND THEN IN THE DROPDOWN MENUS, MAKE IT SO “ANYONE WITH THE LINK” IS AN EDITOR AND CLICK “DONE”. HERE IS WHAT THIS SHOULD LOOK LIKE:

Introduction
A. Hook (one-two sentences where you excite the reader to make them want to keep reading): ____________________________________________________________________________________
B. Background (one-two sentences that summarizes the debate):
____________________________________________________________________________________

C. Claim (one sentence where you tell the reader which side of the argument you are on):
____________________________________________________________________________________
D. Transition into first body paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the first reason that supports your claim in the first body paragraph):
____________________________________________________________________________________

Body Paragraph #1 (Reason #1)

A. Topic Sentence (one sentence where you write the first reason that supports your claim/thesis):

___________________________________________________________________________________

B. Evidence (one-two sentences- quote or paraphrase from one of your sources. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here):

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?):

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

D. Transition to next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the second reason that supports your claim in the second body paragraph):

___________________________________________________________________________________

Body Paragraph #2 (Reason #2)

A. Topic Sentence (one sentence where you write the second reason that supports your claim/thesis):

___________________________________________________________________________________

B. Evidence (one-two sentences- quote or paraphrase from one of your sources. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here):

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?): ____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

D. Transition to next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the counterclaim/rebuttal that you will write in the third body paragraph):

___________________________________________________________________________________

Body Paragraph #3 (Counterclaim/Rebuttal):

A. Address counterclaim (one-two sentences about the opposing viewpoint, “Some people think that…”):

_______________________________________________________________________________

B. Evidence/support for counterclaim (one-three sentences with evidence about the counterclaim. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here): _________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

C. Disprove counterclaim (one-three sentences of why the counterclaim is wrong- “However, they are wrong because…”):
__________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

D. Transition to next paragraph (one sentence, briefly transition to the conclusion):

___________________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion

A. Summarize your claim (one-two sentences- reword your claim from your introduction):

__________________________________________________________________________________

B. Summary of reason #1 and reason #2 (two or more sentences that restate what you discussed in your first two body paragraphs): __________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

C. Closing statement/final thought (one sentence that wraps up your paper; what do people need to remember to do?):

__________________________________________________________________________________

Works Cited (copy and paste the Works Cited page based on your topic from the document linked here):

Final Steps

How to Submit This Document:
Once you have completed your outline, click on “Share” in the top-right hand corner, then click on “Copy Link”. This link is what you will paste into the dropbox in the Unit 4 Lesson 5 dropbox in Connexus. See the image below for how to do this.

do this on a 8th grader level bot

Answer 1

Topic
Should all schools provide education in the arts, including music, art, and drama?

Introduction
A. Hook: Education in the arts can open doors to creativity and self-expression for students.
B. Background: Many believe that an education focused solely on core subjects is sufficient for student success, while others argue that the arts are essential for personal development and academic achievement.
C. Claim: Schools should provide education in the arts because it enhances students' creativity and improves academic performance.
D. Transition into first body paragraph: One significant reason for including arts education is that it fosters creativity among students.

Body Paragraph #1 (Reason #1)
A. Topic Sentence: Arts education encourages creative thinking, allowing students to explore innovative ideas.
B. Evidence: According to one source, "Students involved in the arts demonstrate a higher level of creativity and problem-solving abilities" (Author, Year).
C. Analysis of evidence: This evidence suggests that when students engage in artistic activities, they develop essential skills that can benefit their future endeavors, whether in the arts or other fields.
D. Transition to next paragraph: In addition to fostering creativity, arts education also has a positive impact on academic performance.

Body Paragraph #2 (Reason #2)
A. Topic Sentence: Studies have shown that participation in the arts correlates with improved academic results in other subjects.
B. Evidence: One article states, "Students who participate in music and art classes tend to score higher on standardized tests" (Author, Year).
C. Analysis of evidence: This indicates that arts education not only enriches the learning experience but also reinforces skills that are directly applicable to core academic subjects, resulting in higher achievement overall.
D. Transition to next paragraph: However, some people argue against the inclusion of arts education in schools.

Body Paragraph #3 (Counterclaim/Rebuttal)
A. Address counterclaim: Some people think that arts education takes away valuable time from core subjects such as math and science.
B. Evidence/support for counterclaim: Critics often cite that "students should focus more on subjects that lead to stable careers in the future" (Author, Year).
C. Disprove counterclaim: However, they are wrong because a well-rounded education, including the arts, can provide students with a broader skill set, making them more competitive in the job market.
D. Transition to next paragraph: Ultimately, the importance of integrating arts education is more significant than the arguments against it.

Conclusion
A. Summarize your claim: In conclusion, schools must include arts education as it plays a vital role in developing creativity and enhancing academic success.
B. Summary of reason #1 and reason #2: By fostering creativity and improving academic performance, arts education is not just an enrichment but a necessary component of a comprehensive curriculum.
C. Closing statement/final thought: It is essential for schools to recognize the fundamental value of arts education and make it accessible to all students.

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Works Cited
(Note: Replace "Author, Year" with the actual citations from the articles you read.)

• Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Publication, Date of Publication.
• Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Publication, Date of Publication.