Argumentative essay outline
Title
Introduction
“hook” sentence: Make your reader interested in your essay.
Background information: Provide some information on your topic that will help readers understand your thesis and your essay. Why is your essay interesting and relevant?
Thesis statement: What is your argument and what are your reasons to support it?
Body paragraph 1 and 2 Topic sentence: Support your argument and your thesis with one of your reasons. The topic sentence should summarize the point made in your paragraph and support the argument made in your thesis.
Example: Provide a specific example to support your topic sentence. A specific
example should come from a reputable source, like a newspaper or journal article. If your example comes from such a source, make sure you “cite your source” and indicate where you found the information.
Transition: Do not end your paragraph with an example. Explain the importance of the example, and lead your reader to the next paragraph.
Counter argument and refutation (the purpose of this paragraph is to address the opposite point of view, but to also strengthen your argument by disproving the opposite point of view)
Topic sentence: (counter argument) Summarize what the opposing point of view to your argument is.
Refutation: Address the counter argument. Demonstrate why the opposing side is wrong or less important.
Example: You should provide an example to support your refutation.
Conclusion
Restate your thesis in different words.
Your final thoughts on the topic should be written clearly and concisely. Remind the reader why your argument is important.
第二篇：Essay topics
Essay topics
2006 Can any obstacle or disadvantage be turned into sth good? view
Does the truth change depending on how people look at things? view
Can deception-pretending that sth is true when its not-sometimes have good result?(truth, honest)
2007
Do circumstances determine whether or not we should tell the truth? TRUTH Should we admire heroes but not celebrities? GOOD VIRTUE
2008
Is it always better to be original than to imitate or use the ideas of others? INNOVATION
Is the effort involved in pursuing any goal valuable, even if the goal is not reached? PERSISTENCE& DILIGENT
Should people always prefer new things, ideas, or values to those of the past? INNOVATION
Is there any value to people to belong only to a group or groups with which they have sth in common? COORPORATION
Are there benefits to be gained from avoiding the use of modern technology, even when using it would make life easier? INNOVATION
Do people place too much emphasize on winning? COMPETITION
Are people’s actions motivated primarily by a desire for power over others? INNER MOTIVATION
Do incidents from the past continue to influence the present? EXPERIENCE
Is compromise always the best way to resolve a conflict? COMPETITION& COORPRATION
Are decisions made quickly just as good as decisions made slowly and carefully? METICULOUS
Can a group of people function effectively without someone being in charge? COMP&COORP
Do actions, not words, reveal a person or group’s true attitudes and intentions? ACTION
2009
Does planning interfere with creativity? INNOVATION (PLAN)
Do highly accomplished people achieve more than others mainly because they expect more of themselves? SUCCESS,
Should people change their decisions when circumstances change, or it is best for them to stick with their original decisions? CHANGE OPPORTUNITY
Is striving to achieve a goal always the best course of action, or should people give up if they are not making progress? CHANGE OPPORTUNITY
Should we pay more attention to people who are older and more experienced than we are? EXPERIENCE
Should people let their feelings guide them when they make important decisions? METICULOUS
Has today’s abundance of information only made it more difficult for us to understand the world around us?
Are people best defined by what they do? SUCCESS
Is using humor the best way to approach difficult situations and problems? OBSTACLE
Does everyone, even people who choose to live alone, need a network or family? COORP
Do books, newspapers, and other media focus too much bad news? MEDIA
Is it better for people to know everything they can about sth before taking action, or should they act first and get more information later? METICULOUS
2010
Do the demands of others tend to make people more productive than they would be without pressure? DEMAND&SUCCESS
Should all people’s opinions be valued equally, or should only informed opinions be taken seriously? EXPERIENCE
Should books portray the world as it is or as it should be?
Do people make the greatest discoveries by exploring what is unfamiliar to them or by paying close attention to what seems familiar? INNOVATION
Do small decisions often have major consequences?
Is taking the most effective and satisfying way of communicating with others? CORP Should the government be responsible for making sure that people lead healthy lives? Do people succeed by emphasizing their differences from other people? INNOVATION
Is it absolutely necessary for people to study the creative arts? INNOVATION
Is it important for people to spend time outdoors and to learn to appreciate their natural environment?
Should originality always be more highly praised than conformity? INNOVATION
2011
Is an idealistic approach less valuable than a practical approach? IDEAL&REAL
Is it better for people to learn from others than to learn on their own? EXPERIENCE COMP&CORP
Do people put too much importance on getting every detail right on a project or task? METICULOUS
Does the process of doing sth matter more than the outcome? PROCESS
Do rules and limitations contribute to a person’s happiness? RULES
If people worked less, would they be more creative and active during their free time? Does every individual have an obligation to think seriously about important matters, even when doing so may be difficult?
Is real success only by people who accomplish goals and solve problems on their own? CORP
10月空缺
2012
Is it wise to be suspicious of the motives or honesty of other people, even those who appear to be trustworthy? TRUST
Does improvement or progress usually involve a significant drawback or problem of some kind? TECH
Is it wrong or harmful to motive people to learn or achieve sth by offering them rewards? INNER MOTIVATION
Should people be treated according to what they are capable of achieving instead of what they have actually done? POTENTIAL