Essay Template

Argumentative Essay Template

Build compelling arguments with clear thesis statements, supporting evidence, and effective counterargument analysis.

1 Outline Template
3 AI Prompts

Argumentative essays are the backbone of academic writing. They require you to investigate a topic, collect and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Unlike expository essays which simply inform, argumentative essays demand that you take a clear stance and defend it.

This template provides everything you need: a ready-to-use outline you can copy directly into your document, a structural breakdown explaining what makes each section effective, and AI prompts optimized for thesis development, body paragraph expansion, and revision.

Essay Outline Template

I. Introduction

100-150 words
Hook: Start with a compelling statistic, question, or provocative statement that relates to your topic. Background Context: Provide 2-3 sentences of background information that helps readers understand the significance of the issue. Thesis Statement: End with a clear, arguable thesis that states your position and previews your main arguments. Example structure: "While [opposing view seems reasonable], [your position] because [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3]."

II. Body Paragraph 1 — Strongest Argument

150-200 words
Topic Sentence: State your first and strongest supporting argument. Evidence: Present your most compelling evidence (statistics, expert quotes, research findings). Analysis: Explain HOW this evidence supports your thesis. Don't just present facts—interpret them. Transition: Connect to your next point. Tip: Lead with your strongest argument to establish credibility early.

III. Body Paragraph 2 — Supporting Argument

150-200 words
Topic Sentence: Introduce your second supporting argument. Evidence: Provide different type of evidence from paragraph 1 (if you used statistics, try expert testimony here). Analysis: Demonstrate the logical connection between evidence and thesis. Transition: Bridge to your third argument or counterargument section.

IV. Body Paragraph 3 — Additional Support or Counterargument

150-200 words
Option A — Third Supporting Argument: Topic sentence, evidence, and analysis following the same pattern. Option B — Counterargument + Rebuttal: Acknowledge the strongest opposing viewpoint fairly. Present evidence or reasoning that refutes this position. Explain why your position remains stronger. Tip: Addressing counterarguments strengthens your essay by showing intellectual honesty.

V. Conclusion

100-150 words
Thesis Restatement: Rephrase your thesis in light of the arguments you've made (don't just copy it). Summary: Briefly synthesize your main points—don't introduce new information. Broader Implications: Connect your argument to larger themes or call readers to action. Closing Statement: End with a memorable final thought that reinforces your position.

Structural Breakdown

The Thesis Statement

Your thesis is the backbone of your essay. It must be specific, arguable, and defensible with evidence.

  • Avoid stating obvious facts—your thesis should be debatable
  • Include your position AND a preview of your reasoning
  • Keep it to one clear sentence when possible
  • Place it at the end of your introduction

Evidence Integration

Strong arguments require strong evidence. Each piece of evidence should be introduced, presented, and analyzed.

  • Use the ICE method: Introduce, Cite, Explain
  • Vary your evidence types (statistics, examples, expert quotes)
  • Always explain WHY evidence matters—don't let it speak for itself
  • Cite sources properly according to your required format

Counterargument Strategy

Addressing opposing views demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your position by showing you've considered alternatives.

  • Present the counterargument fairly—don't create a "straw man"
  • Use phrases like "Critics argue..." or "Some may contend..."
  • Provide a strong rebuttal with evidence
  • Show why your position is ultimately more compelling

Transitions & Flow

Smooth transitions guide readers through your argument and show logical connections between ideas.

  • Use transitional phrases: "Furthermore," "However," "In contrast"
  • Echo key terms from previous paragraphs
  • Each paragraph should logically follow the previous one
  • The first sentence of each paragraph should connect to the last

AI Writing Prompts

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Use these prompts in the Esy editor for AI-powered writing assistance that helps you craft better essays faster.

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