Essay Outline Discussion

Due date

Task

Step 1: Create an outline for your essay, following classical argument structure.
Classical argument structure:

Section I – Introduction. Introduce your issue and state your thesis.
Section II – Context or background information. Explain the issue, clarify the problem, and present your argument for how the problem should be addressed.
Section III – Claim/stance and argument.
Section IV – Opposition and counterargument. Address a major opposing viewpoint: explain and then refute it.
Section V – Conclusion. Remind the reader of your central argument and major claims.

Step 2: Once you have created your outline, post it in the discussion forum for your classmates to review.

Step 3: Finally, review two classmates’ outlines and provide feedback.
Questions to consider:

Is the thesis clearly and concisely stated?
Is there adequate background information to set the stage for the argument? Is there too much background information?
What are the strengths of the argument? What are its weaknesses? How could the writer strengthen the argument?
Has an opposing viewpoint been identified and explained clearly and fairly? Has the writer adequately refuted the opposing viewpoint?
Do all of the main points clearly relate to the thesis?

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