25 Argument Outline
For this assignment, you are going to create an outline for your argument paper. Your outline should be based on the research you compiled, as well as your knowledge of the components of an argument. Remember to include at least three of the sources you found for the annotated bibliography assignment.
Argument Outline Template
1. Introduction
2. History of the organization
3. Problem:
4. Solution
5. Counterarguments:
6. Call to Action: How to support the organization:
7. Conclusion
Here is a sample outline that might be made from the Marine Conservation Alliance information gathered in the Annotated Bibliography example:
Examples
Marine Conservation Alliance Outline
1. Introduction
A. Attention getter: Imagine a one-and-a-half-mile beach that yielded 20 tons of trash. What impact would so much trash have on the environment ,not to mention ocean life?
B. The Marine Conservation Alliance (MCA) is an organization that works tirelessly to improve this devastating issue for coastal communities.
C. Thesis: The Marine Conservation Alliance is an outstanding organization to support because they work to balance the ecosystem, fishery, and community needs in order to create policies for sustainable fishing.
2. History of the organization
A. Founder / Founding date / Where are they located?
B. Reason for start up
C. What made them grow into what they are now?
3. Problem: (listed in the thesis statement)
A. Marine Ecosystem
B. Fishery Needs
C. Costal Community Needs
4. Solution – Proof that the organization is having a positive impact
A. Science based fishing management – maintaining food web
B. Outreach, Education, Research
C. Actively participating in creating government regulation policies
5. Counterargument
A. Other organizations already do similar work
B. Some environmentalists say policies don’t go far enough
C. Do the policies support those that fish for a living?
6. How to get involved / Call to action
A. Actively help to clean the beaches
B. Donations and fundraising
C. Partnerships with businesses
7. Conclusion
A. Re-word thesis
B. General topic
C. Attention getter – Call to action
References
James, D. S., Egna, H. S., Chopin, T., Peterson, M. S., Cao, L., Pomeroy, R., Verdegem, M., Slack, W. T., Bondad-Reantaso, M. G., & Cabello, F. (2013). Responsible aquaculture in 2050: Valuing local conditions and human innovations will be key to success. Bioscience, 63(4), 255. https://doi.org/10.1525/bio.2013.63.4.5
Marine Conservation Alliance. (2023). What We Do. https://marineconservationalliance.org/whatwedo/
Wohlforth, C. (2007, 11). Trashed. Alaska, 73, 26-29,44-45. https://www.proquest.com/magazines/trashed/docview/215869388/se-2
Attributions:
Adapted from “Assignment: Argument Outline” created by Dr. Karen Palmer. Last edited 5/28/2020. Licensed under CC BY NC.