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Informative Essay Outline Template

When you write an informative essay that presents two sides of an issue without revealing bias, there are three primary organizational tactics that can be used:

1. Present all the major arguments on one side of the issue, and then present all the major arguments of the opposing viewpoint.
2. Present one of the major issues relating to the overarching topic, and in the same paragraph, discuss the viewpoints of both sides on this particular issue.
3. In one paragraph, present one of the viewpoints on one major aspect of the controversy, and then follow that paragraph with another paragraph presenting the opposing views’ arguments related to the same aspect of the controversy. You then repeat that pattern one to three more times.
4. Make sure to use specific quotes or cited evidence for your supporting details. Cite the author and year after.

Carefully consider these options, choose one, and continue with this organizational strategy for your entire essay.

You may use the below outline template:

1. Introduction
   1. Hook:________________________________________________________
   2. Thesis statement:_______________________________________________
2. Body Paragraph 1
   1. Topic Sentence:_________________________________________________
      1. Supporting detail 1:________________________________________
      2. Supporting detail 2:________________________________________

• Supporting detail 3:________________________________________

• Body Paragraph 2
  1. Topic Sentence:_________________________________________________
     1. Supporting detail 1:________________________________________
     2. Supporting detail 2:________________________________________

• Supporting detail 3:________________________________________

1. Conclusion
   1. Transition:_____________________________________________________

Restatement of thesis:______