Step Two: Generating an Outline

First, develop a gut feeling about where you stand on the topic, then write down your claim, or thesis.

Example: Should snowmobile use be permitted in National Parks?

Here is your claim, which is the position you will defend: Snowmobile use should not be permitted in National Parks.

Now you can brainstorm for reasons to defend your stance by thinking about the following issues:

• Consequence
  What would be the positive or negative outcome of taking one course of action over another? What will be the impact of adopting, or of not adopting, this policy? What are the consequences of failing to address the problem or meet the challenge? How will adopting a particular policy or course of action impact different groups of people?
   
• Feasibility ("Do-ability")
  Just how practical or reasonable is the proposed course of action? Why? Are there insurmountable obstacles in the way of implementing the policy (putting it into action) ? What are those obstacles? Is this a practical way to resolve the conflict? Why or why not? Are there other, more practical or reasonable ways to resolve the conflict or meet the particular challenge?
   
• Cost
  Cost is closely related to feasibility, because sometimes the cost of a policy makes it impractical to enforce or effect. On the contrary, sometimes a particular course of action or way of doing things is to be favored because it saves time and money. How expensive is the proposed course of action? Who will pay the cost, financial and/or emotional, for a particular course of action? Will taxpayers foot the bill? Are they likely to be happy about the expenditure of public funds? Why or why not?
   
• Urgency
  Why is it so important to take action, to endorse a particular course of action, or to adopt a particular attitude? Often writers address this question to make a case for urgency in the introduction of their policy recommendation.
   
• Values
  When you adopt particular point of view, you also endorse particular values. What values are upheld by adopting the policy you argue for? What values are upheld by rejecting the policy? Who also holds those values, and why? Why are these values important?
   
• Likely Rebuttals
  What is the opposition likely to argue? What strong reasons will they give in support of their position? What sympathetic response can you give to persuade them to consider your view?

More on how to brainstorm for reasons to support your argument

Once you have brainstormed for reasons to defend your stance, write down your outline for the essay:

1. Introduction + claim: Snowmobile use should not be permitted in National Parks.
2. Reason: Excessive snowmobile use causes noise pollution, which ruins the tranquility of the park.
3. Reason: Excessive snowmobile use will create air pollution, which will harm wildlife and ruin air purity in the park.
4. Defense Against a Rebuttal: Granted, everybody has a right to enjoy the park, but individual rights should not be put above the good of keeping the park serene and beautiful for everyone.
5. Conclusion