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Essay outline

Argument-first essay planning: state the claim, marshal the evidence, and deal with the strongest objection rather than the weakest.

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Previewbalanced layout · forest theme
Essay titleSourcesStill to readSecondaryPrimaryConclusionWhat follows from itSo what?Restate the claimCounter-argumentWhat it concedesResponseThe strongest objectionArgument 3AnalysisEvidenceClaimArgument 2AnalysisEvidenceClaimArgument 1Analysis — why it supports thethesisEvidenceClaimIntroductionRoadmapContext the reader needsHookThesisScope and limitsWhy it is contestableThe claim in one sentence

What is inside

  • Essay title
  • Thesis
  • The claim in one sentence
  • Why it is contestable
  • Scope and limits
  • Introduction
  • Hook
  • Context the reader needs
  • Roadmap
  • Argument 1
  • Claim
  • Evidence
  • Analysis — why it supports the thesis
  • Argument 2
  • Claim
  • Evidence
  • Analysis
  • Argument 3
  • Claim
  • Evidence
  • Analysis
  • Counter-argumentAddress the best objection, not a convenient one. Markers notice.
  • The strongest objection
  • Response
  • What it concedes
  • Conclusion
  • Restate the claim
  • So what?
  • What follows from it
  • Sources
  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • Still to read

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