Dr. Robert Sirabian

Outline for Argumentative (Research) Essay I. Introduction

Thesis: Claim/Reason - Reason doesn't necessarily need to be stated as part of the thesis, but included it while planning.

II. Background (Warrant)

Facts
Statistics
Expert Analysis
Firsthand Observation
Definitions/Concepts

The terms "claim," "reason," and "warrant" come from the system of argumentation called the Toulmin argument, named after British philosopher Stephen Toulmin.

Claim = statement of belief or truth;
Reason = evidence to support a claim;
Warrant = idea(s) that connect the claim and supporting reason(s).

Example: Baseball should enforce tougher testing policies for steroid use because steroids are ruining the game.

Claim - bold;
Reason - Italics;
Warrant - Testing can prevent drug use, which will ruin baseball.

	III	IV	V
Option 1	Supporting Reasons (Reasons = Supporting Evidence or Pro Points). For ordering these, see below. Reason #1 (Evidence) Reason #2 (Evidence) Reason #3 (Evidence)	Counter Reasons/Discussion	Conclusion
Option 2	Counter Reasons/Discussion	Supporting Reasons (Reasons = Supporting Evidence or Pro Points). For ordering these, see below. Reason #1 (Evidence) Reason #2 (Evidence) Reason #3 (Evidence)	Conclusion
Option 3	Opposing/Supporting (Counter) Reasons. For ordering these, see below. For this model, consider opposing views too since they are paired with supporting views. Opposing/Supporting (Evidence) Opposing/Supporting (Evidence) Opposing/Supporting (Evidence)	Conclusion

Order of Reasons

This applies to supporting points.

Strong - Weaker - Strongest
Strongest - Weakest
Weakest - Strongest

Also, consider these factors when ordering reasons

(General - Specific)
(Less complex - More Complex)