The Importance of Argumentative Paper Writing
Argumentative papers are different from other types of papers not only in the content that they present but also in the way that content is presented. There are distinct ways of presenting an argument and, at times, the writer might be forced to take a certain position on a given issue and then defend that position. The writer is not only giving information but also an argument for or against something and supporting that argument with the necessary evidence. For many students, mastering the skill of writing a good argumentative paper can be a hard and a very challenging task. This is because, unlike other forms of papers, argumentative papers have a specific topic to prove and the proof provided has to make sense. There is a popular myth that in order to write a good paper, a writer must start with a good thesis and then go through the paper several times to develop the content. However, this might be true, but it is not always the case. The writer can start with a thesis statement, and then go from there to find the supporting evidence that he/she will use to back up the claim. Then the writer might go through a variety of different drafts to continuously improve the paper, making sure that each new draft improves the paper in some way. By changing the thesis statement in the first sentence and by then writing a mirrored topic sentence, a writer is able to easily produce an introduction which starts with the broad material and then give the reader the specific points. Also, it is in the body where the writer will find the different argument and evidence to support the evidence. It is important to note that an argumentative paper is different from the other types of essay. In a normal essay, you are simply required to state what you will be talking about. However, in an argumentative essay, you are supposed to not only state what you will be talking about but also make known the different views on the topic. It is in the body of the essay that a writer will have to decide which evidence can help and after that add on to that.
That’s why it’s very important to understand the functions of this type of writing. There, it not only leans to our personal lives, but it is critical to our academic and professional success. The first goal of argumentative writing is to present a clear statement of the writer’s position on the topic. This means that it is necessary for a writer to have a strong point of view to start with. Such argumentation, which is geared not only to provide a set of information on the topic, but also to lead the reader through a series of discoveries that ends with the desired outcome, is what critical thinking is all about. A survey shows that 68% of teenage internet users have stated that they do not truly believe that the information that is made available to them online is the truth. It has become a common element not to trust the materials provided through the internet, especially social media. However, a “well-grounded” argumentative essay given credible and verifiable evidence is essential to the success of a teenager in the 21st century, which indicates that teaching students the skill of critically evaluating the data based on the given to make a smart and wise choice is a significant task for modern education.
Researchers have found that when it comes to building an argument to support a thesis, your initial thesis statement is that offering your argument. It’s more likely that writers will grow and change both their initial thesis statement and their position during the course of research and writing, rather than the latter posing simply the initial thesis. Instead, the emphasis has been placed on the process of close reading. By the term “close reading,” we have to consider what the words on the page represent. We can also point to problems with using simply the close reading as a lens in interpreting a given historical or secondary source, and we can also raise the fundamental, if notorious, point that interpretation is invariably characterized by a degree of subjectivity. This last function of argument, that of engaging in creative questioning, can only be achieved when we evaluate and rethink evidence and assumptions. It involves making that creative leap of something new and unfamiliar. Nonetheless, critical thinking and evidence are intertwined, and how exactly the terms can be properly defined is a matter of great debate. This kind of argument isn’t action that forwards a particular thesis or even necessarily advocates one change over another. It is through committing to further evidence which, at its heart, is not simply a counter to someone else’s position, these differences take on new significance. Critical analysis through argument building. There are real differences, often very basic, between such things as examining only for reigning assumptions in a peculiar heart when it is engaged in argument, and examining for the probable causes of the speaker’s position, and this difference is what we mean by calling something argument.
When writers are aware of both the arguments against their position and the challenges to their thesis, they can concede the valid points and yet provide strong counterarguments. This is especially important in longer essays where multiple, complicated arguments could dilute the writers’ arguments. If you do not address the potential objections of your critics, you are not likely to convince them of the validity of your position. Writers need to engage with both their own views and ideas and also with their critics. Often times, the best and most influential counterarguments is a well-crafted redirection that avoids no one of the many cliches of the defensive reasoning. In order to change the reader’s mind, the writer cannot appear to be unsure of his opinions. However, the writer himself must understand both beliefs held previously and different arguments. In this way, every objection by every critic serves only to further convince the reader of the truth of the writer’s argument. So what are the main approaches writers can use to win arguments and influence the opinions of their audience? Refuting strong-minded arguments! Writers cannot just say that they feel like the opponent could not rationally have the views he does. Instead, focus on inductive reasoning and making the opponent’s own argument on his behalf. Use general to specific. Provide a general opinion the readers may hold and then redirect it with specific criticism. Spot logical fallacies. Using words such as ‘fallacy’ helps convince, but they are not magic. Do not forget that the most crucial part of the redirection is a valid reason that can show the opponent’s reasons are suspect- not just wrong, but wrong for a particular reason. Every part of the argument should be carefully constructed and have a well-defined reason. Every critical, even if it is the mildest of qualifiers, should be carefully analyzed because it is important not just what the opponent has said in his criticism, but what he may say in the future. When analyzing counterarguments, the author should make the writers do the same. By conceding to the critic, allowing for room in the original argument, and continually analyzing future criticisms, a writer can effectively craft an argument that is not just a one-way ticket to his conclusion, but an undeniable sequence of claims leading to a certain result. A successful attempt to win an argument by redirecting it in the way of the writers not only serves to invalidate the opponent’s argument, but also demonstrates the power of the skill. A redirection can out-think many logicians, and most of all convince a reader of the validity of the writers. Modern-day technology and the easy access to information have turned people’s head in a new and evolving field of argument: that many opponents are not worth engaging. However, when faced with a mass of links, memes, and bold assertions that seem to be infesting the internet, it is even more crucial to use redirection to convince an audience of your unique and informed position. So, whether faced with a popular internet meme, the old and seriously misconception of an argument, or an actual literary critic, using this method can help the writers to redirect the course of his argument.
Throughout this article, we have emphasized the significance and value of argumentative paper writing. Writing is a process and as a work-in-progress, it should reflect a critical, multidimensional approach to a given issue. This form of writing allows for a critical engagement with various arguments and positions. It helps students cultivate their own understanding and interpretation of the issue at hand. We highlighted how the introduction should set the stage and state the importance of the topic. Developing a critical understanding of what is being said about it in order to write the argument – focusing, of course, on what the writer believes is the most appropriate and effective argument. This kind of writing with critical reflection and the challenging of what we may take for granted. We need to think deeply and critically, taking into consideration the insights of others in a real, meaningful fashion. Through proper research, and the incorporation and synthesis of others’ views as well as their accommodation and rebuttals, things that Oxbridge and other writers suggest. These others might provide a jumping off point for discussion, but when we write we move from what they say to engage them in a different and much more comprehensive fashion. Also, we have defined various types of arguments and how each type is employed in the “____’s __ __ __ __”: arguments based on empirical evidence, arguments by analogy, and arguments on authority. We underlined the need for outlining the counterstrategy and stated its primary importance – countering the major opposing points. We provided practical and theoretical advice on framing and lit review techniques as well. All in all, this guide is an attempt to give comprehensive view on argumentative paper writing. Thank you for reading attentively and considering the ideas.
