Worksheet: Making an Essay Outline

Choose one of the following topics:

1. Universal Basic Income
2. Whose Responsibility Is the Handling of Fake News?

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Thesis Statements

• Universal Basic Income:
  “Everyone should receive a basic amount of money from the government, no matter what.”
• Handling of Fake News:
  “It is the government’s job to make sure fake news is controlled.”

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Outline Structure

Introduction:

1. Eye-Catcher: Start with something that grabs the reader’s attention.
   • Example: A surprising fact, a short story, something happening right now, or a piece of history related to your topic.
2. Introduction of the Subject: Explain what your text will be about in simple terms.
   • Example: “Universal Basic Income means that everyone gets a set amount of money from the government each month.”
3. Linking Sentence: Connect your introduction to your thesis statement.
   • Example: “This idea is being talked about more and more around the world.”
4. Thesis Statement: Clearly state your opinion.
   • Use one of the provided thesis statements.

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Body Paragraphs:

Argument 1:

• Foundation 1: Present your first argument supporting your statement.
• Argument 2: Provide another reason or piece of evidence.
• Foundation 2: Explain this evidence further.

Counter-Argument:

• Introduce the Counter-Argument: Begin with a contrast word (but, however, yet).
• Explain the Counter-Argument: Present a reason or example against your thesis.
• Refutation: Use a new argument to show why your original statement is still stronger.
• Round Off: Summarize the counter-argument and refutation.

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Conclusion:

1. Linking Word: Start with a word or phrase to show you are concluding (all in all, in conclusion, so).
2. Summary: Briefly restate your main arguments.
3. Restatement of Thesis: Repeat your thesis in different words.
4. Recommendation/Expectation/Encouragement: Suggest what should happen next or inspire the reader.
5. Final Sentence: End with another eye-catching statement.

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Tips for Writing:

• Use linking words to connect ideas (first, next, on the other hand).
• Make sure each paragraph flows logically to the next.
• Include references or examples to support your points.