Argumentative Writing - Outlining Body Paragraphs

Argumentative Writing

Thesis statement, topic sentences and outlining body paragraphs

by HANISAH KASBON

​Brainstorming & Outlining

Brainstorming and outlining help the writers to generate the ideas that will eventually become your thesis statement and supporting points. 

​

Developing a clear thesis will help you know what to write and how to organize it.

​Thesis Statement

One legitimate question readers always ask about a piece of writing is:

 “What is the big idea?”

​Topic Sentence

• ​The topic sentence identified for the reader the main point of a paragraph. 

• It sets up a reader’s expectations about what the controlling idea is. In fact, topic sentences often act like mini thesis statements.

• When the topic sentence makes a claim, the sentences in the paragraph which follow must explain, describe, or prove it in some way. 

​Outlining of an Essay

​The following outline comprises of main ideas and supporting points. Rearrange them so that they are logically organised. Use the thesis statement as your guide.

Open Ended

Outlining

Title: Striving for a Better Life Through Better Air Quality

Thesis statement: The only way to effectively improve air quality is for every country around the world to play a significant role in controlling air pollution.

Main ideas and supporting points:

-Tax relief for compliant industries

-Government should encourage research and development (R&D) work

-Governments should organise environmental campaigns

-Recycling

-Hybrid and electric cars

-Government should implement regulations to control air pollution

-Alternatives to fossil fuels

-Car pooling

-Environmental laws

Open Ended

Write the topic sentences for the following thesis statement.

Thesis statement:

It is undeniably teenagers today experience social and time management problems.

Open Ended

Write an outline in response to the question below. Include a topic sentence, two main supporting ideas, with reasons and examples, and a concluding sentence.

Homemade meals are the better alternatives.