Suggested Structures for Argument Essays

Every argument, every rhetorical situation (purpose, audience, context), and every topic is different; thus, many different organizational plans are possible and necessary. Here are some of the most common argumentative structures. Feel free to modify, adapt, and tailor to your needs. Also, please  think of these numbered items as "sections" (possibly containing multiple paragraphs) instead of one paragraph per numbered item.

Traditional / Classical / Aristotelian:

1.) Introduction and Thesis -- establish context, issue, and position

2.) Background -- give history, definition of terms, etc. -- if needed

3.) Concessions -- grant opponent’s unassailable arguments / establish "common ground"

4.) Refutation / Rebuttal -- argue on your opponents' terms

• Refute opponent’s strongest argument
• Refute next strongest argument
• Refute opponent’s weakest argument

5.) Restate Your Thesis

6.) Your Argument -- argue on your terms

• Give least compelling reason and evidence
• Give stronger reason and evidence
• Give still stronger reason and evidence
• Give strongest supporting reason and evidence

7.) Conclusion

Variation #1 -- "Ending with Your Opposition":

1.) Introduction

2.) Background

3.) Your Argument -- reasons and evidence

4.) Concessions

5.) Refutation / Rebuttal -- of opponent’s reasons and evidence

6.) Conclusion

Variation #2 -- "Back and Forth" / "Direct Refutation"

1.) Introduction

2.) Background

3.) Opponent’s Point #1

4.) Your Refutation / Rebuttal

5.) Opponent’s Point #2

6.) Your Refutation / Rebuttal

7.) Opponent’s Point #3

8.) Your Refutation / Rebuttal

9.) Your Additional Arguments

10.) Conclusion

Variation #3 -- "Evaluating Options":

1.) Introduction

2.) Background

3.) Alternative #1 -- positives/negatives, strengths/weaknesses, etc.

4.) Alternative #2 -- positives/negatives, strengths/weaknesses, etc.

5.) Alternative #3 -- positives/negatives, strengths/weaknesses, etc.

6.) Summary, Synthesis, and Argument or Proposal

7.) Conclusion

Variation #4 -- "Problem/Solution Proposal":

1.) Introduction

2.) Background

3.) Establish that a problem exists by providing reasons and evidence

4.) Respond to any opposition

5.) Discuss and evaluate possible solutions

6.) Propose your favored solution

7.) Provide reasons and evidence for your favored solution

8.) Respond to any opposition

9.) Conclusion

Variation #5 -- Evaluating Causes and/or Effects:

1.) A presentation of the subject

2.) A presentation of proposed causes and support for them

3.) A consideration of readers' objections, questions, or reservations -- and your response(s) to them

4.) A consideration of alternative causes -- and your refutation

5.) Refutation / Rebuttal -- of opponent’s reasons and evidence

(From various sources, including The St. Martin's Guide to Writing)