I.  Presenting the Subject

    A.  Be sure readers recognize and understand the subject describe it in detail
        1.  give examples
        2.  offer factual evidence
        3.  cite statistics
        4.  quote statements by authorities

    B.  Convince readers it’s important and worth speculating about
        1.  show that it involves a lot of people or
        2.  show that it has a great importance to certain people

II.  Making a Cause or Effect Argument
 
    A.  Proposing causes or effects
            1.  consider multiple causes and effects
            2.  select convincing causes and effects – don’t try to identify every possible cause and effect
            3.  offer new and imaginative ways of thinking
                 a.  surprise readers with unusual assertions
                 b.  argue for familiar causes or effects in new way

III.  Reasoning and support for each cause or effect
    A.  facts, statistical correlations
    B.  personal anecdotes
    C.  testimony of authorities
    D.  examples and analogies

IV.  Counter argue
     A.  Anticipate possible objections and alternative causes or effects readers might put forward
     B.  Refute (argue against) them or find a way to accommodate them in the argument

V.  Establish Credibility – Make the reader trust you!
    A.  Offer information about your experience
    B.  Make your reasoning clear and logical
    C.  Make your evidence relevant and trustworthy
    D.  Handle objections in a fair and balanced manner
    E.  Try to be authoritative (knowledgeable) without appearing authoritarian (opinionated and dogmatic)
 

See p. 527-529 of text for outline example.

See hand book, p. 187, for MLA citation page.