Outline for the Final Paper
I. Introduction
A. Thesis: A statement of position and overview of points of argumentation go here.
II. Body Paragraph 1: Topic sentence goes here.
A. Supporting evidence: A paraphrase or quote from one of your sources goes here, along with an in-text citation (to learn how to properly construct in-text citations, please see the following link: https://awc.ashford.edu/cd-in-text-citation-guide.html).
1. Explanation of the meaning of the supporting evidence.
2. So what? A direct statement on how the supporting evidence does in fact support the claim made in the topic sentence.
III. Body Paragraph 2: Topic sentence goes here.
A. Supporting evidence
1. Explanation.
2. So what?
B. Supporting evidence
1. Explanation.
2. So what?
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Topic sentence goes here.
A. Supporting evidence
1. Explanation.
2. So what?
Sample Outline: Argumentative Paper on Obesity and Government Intervention
I. Introduction
A. Thesis: An individual’s weight should be a governmental concern because the medical costs associated with weight-related issues cost taxpayer money, retailers of unhealthy food need to be regulated, and children need to have better options for diet and exercise made available to them.
II. Body Paragraph 1: The medical cost associated with weight-related issues has significantly contributed to individual taxes.
2
Created July 2015 for the Writing Center
A. Supporting evidence: “…the costs of obesity arising from individuals’ poor nutritional choices are borne by society as a whole through taxes, lost productivity, and an overburdened healthcare system. In 2008, the medical costs associated with obesity and obesity-related illnesses totaled US $147 billion in the United States” (Franck, Grandi, & Eisenberg, 2013, p. 1951).
1. Explanation: This quote demonstrates not only the connection between obesity, medical costs, and increased taxes, but also shows the exact dollar...