How to Write an Outline for an Argument Essay on Animal Rights

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Animal rights is an controversial subject that often makes both listeners and speakers very emotive. Writing an argumentative essay requires you to channel this emotion into a well-structured, persuasive argument that explains exactly what you think and why. To ensure you stay on track and meet all of these objectives, it is essential to make an outline to refer to while you are writing. Proper organization of your essay can help to make your argument more convincing.

1 Decide your main point

Decide what your main point will be. This is vital, and should be done before any planning or writing is done. Are you for animal rights, or against them? Consider this carefully. Once you’ve decided, write your view in one sentence along the top of the page.

2 Research exactly what animal rights are

Research exactly what animal rights are, and what they mean. This knowledge will help you to write an informed essay. For example, animal rights mean that animals cannot be experimented on, bred or killed for food, used for hard labor, selectively bred, hunted or used for entertainment, such as at circuses or zoos. It is argued that as there is no morally relevant difference between animal and human mammals, they should have the same rights as us. However, the argument against animal rights states that animals don’t think, don’t have conscious thought, don’t have souls, don’t behave morally or belong to a moral community, and don’t have the capacity for free moral judgment. Provide evidence to the contrary for the points against your argument. For example, research evidence that suggests animals do think, and have conscious thought, and research different animal communities to show they do have a moral basis.

3 Produce your argument to each of these points

Produce your argument to each of these points. For example, if you are against animal rights, you could argue that without using animals for medical experimentation, it will be much harder to get new drugs tested that could cure diseases and conditions that are currently incurable. You could also argue that if animals cannot be killed for food, everyone will need to become vegetarian, and getting the right amount of protein per day is made more difficult. Make sure your arguments are strong and persuasive. Use phrases such as; “After studying the evidence, it is impossible to agree with this point.”

4 Add some emotive content

Add some emotive content. An argument essay needs to be persuasive, and make people agree with your view, so adding content that makes them consider the opposite view and see that your view is right is often effective. However, this should come after you have argued your main points above. An example of a story that highlights animal rights is Sheba the Rottweiler. When Sheba gave birth, her owner buried the puppies alive, and chained Sheba up. Sheba broke free and dug up her puppies. Fortunately, they were rescued, and her owner faces animal cruelty charges. Stories like this often help people to appreciate animals. Local stories will be even more effective. If you are arguing against animal rights, research different medical treatments and see which were tested on dogs, or visit a local zoo and find evidence of the animals thriving.

5 Summarize your point

Summarize your point. This should be a strong conclusion that pulls the whole essay together. Argue that animals are an important part of the world, and that without rights more and more species will become endangered and eventually extinct. State that the greed of humans, whether for space or for valuable resources such as ivory, have already endangered animals such as rhinos, and others such as dodos are already extinct. Finish with a strong statement, calling your readers to action, such as, “It is time we gave animals the respect they deserve; and stop killing them for our own benefit.”

Elle Blake has been writing since 2006. Her articles regularly appear in "All Women Stalk," "Parenting," "Education Plus" and "Glamour." She has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in early childhood studies and primary education and a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in animal welfare and behavior, both from the University of Warwick. She is currently studying towards NCTJ Certificate in Magazine and Journalism.