GRE Analyze an Argument Outline Template
Use this GRE Analyze an Argument response template to turn a prompt into a working structure before drafting. It gives you a copyable outline, a filled example, and the planning checks that keep the page useful for a real assignment rather than a generic blank form.
Copyable template
Outline structure
Copy the sections first, then replace bracketed text with details from your prompt, sources, or experience.
Introduction
- Hook: Open with a sentence that makes the author's conclusion and evidence gap feel specific.
- Context: Give the reader the background needed to understand the GRE Analyze an Argument response.
- Evaluation thesis: [State that the argument is unconvincing until specific assumptions or evidence gaps are addressed.]
Unstated assumption or missing evidence
- Topic sentence: State the unstated assumption or missing evidence point for this GRE Analyze an Argument response.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Alternative explanation
- Topic sentence: State the alternative explanation point for this GRE Analyze an Argument response.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Data needed to strengthen or weaken the argument
- Topic sentence: State the data needed to strengthen or weaken the argument point for this GRE Analyze an Argument response.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Conclusion
- Return to the evaluation thesis: restate the main point in new language.
- Synthesize: Show how the body sections work together, with emphasis on logical soundness, not your opinion on the topic.
- Final sentence: Leave the reader with a precise implication, reflection, or next question.
Filled example
Town Fitness Center Argument
Prompt: Evaluate an argument claiming a town should build a fitness center because gym memberships rose nearby.
Working claim: The recommendation is premature because it assumes nearby membership trends apply locally, ignores alternative causes, and lacks cost and demand data.
Introduction
- Hook: Introduce the stakes behind "Town Fitness Center Argument".
- Context: Narrow the topic so the reader knows the exact angle.
- Evaluation thesis: The recommendation is premature because it assumes nearby membership trends apply locally, ignores alternative causes, and lacks cost and demand data.
Assumption about comparable populations
- Point: Assumption about comparable populations.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Alternative explanation for membership growth
- Point: Alternative explanation for membership growth.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Evidence needed on cost and local demand
- Point: Evidence needed on cost and local demand.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Conclusion
- Restated idea: Return to the main claim without copying the same sentence.
- Synthesis: Connect the sections around logical soundness, not your opinion on the topic.
- Final thought: End with the larger lesson, implication, or academic takeaway.
How to use it
Adapt the structure
- 1Read the prompt and mark the task words before filling in this GRE Analyze an Argument response template.
- 2Draft the evaluation thesis first so every body section has a clear job.
- 3Add evidence placeholders before writing paragraphs; replace weak examples before drafting.
- 4Check that each body section does a different kind of work.
- 5Copy the outline into the editor and expand each bullet into complete paragraphs.
Common mistakes
Check before drafting
- Agreeing or disagreeing with the policy instead of evaluating the argument.
- Treating assumptions as facts.
- Writing full paragraphs inside the outline before the logic is settled.
- Repeating the same evidence in multiple sections instead of assigning each detail a distinct job.
FAQ
Questions about this template
What should I put in a GRE Analyze an Argument response template?
Start with the prompt, a working evaluation thesis, body sections with evidence placeholders, and a conclusion plan. The goal is to make the logic visible before you draft.
Can I change this GRE Analyze an Argument response outline?
Yes. Treat the template as a structure, not a script. Add or remove body sections based on the assignment length, rubric, and available evidence.
Should an outline use complete sentences?
Use complete sentences for the thesis or controlling idea. Bullets can be shorter, but they should be specific enough that you know what evidence and analysis each paragraph needs.
Write from the outline
Start with structure, then draft with sources and citations.
Copy the template into EssayGenius and turn each bullet into a paragraph with source search, revision help, and citation support nearby.