Three Techniques For Writing Argumentative Essays

Three Techniques For Writing Argumentative EssaysWriting an argumentative essay is the first step to do the critical thinking that is required for students to become better writers. The practice of writing an argumentative essay is in fact the second step to doing critical thinking. The first step, however, is more effective and engaging. Here are three techniques for writing argumentative essays and teaching critical thinking to students.Start with a brief description of the problem you are trying to solve or ask a question and have the topic of the essay to be an extension of your brief description. Add supporting evidence in your essay that supports your statement. Do not try to prove your point. The purpose of writing the essay is to introduce or invite discussion.Then, do not finish the essay unless there is an interest in the topic. Mention supporting evidence when you can and ask questions that will lead the reader to your topic. Offer a conclusion in the essay and provide sou rces. If you are worried about writing the essay, or if it seems like too much work, make a presentation. Ask your class for help and get copies of papers by others who have written about the same topic and discuss what they have to say.Finally, get rid of any techniques that may help the student not to think. When you use them, they turn into a disadvantage instead of a benefit. At the end of the day, you do not want to write a composition that requires critical thinking skills; you want it to be a simple, straightforward exercise in argumentative writing.Be creative and challenging, but avoid too much 'puff.' Do not use artfully stated facts. Resist the temptation to tell your audience what the facts are. Use a variety of techniques, but do not overdo it. You do not want your essay to be so detailed that it is not readable.Students will become far more capable of thinking and writing when they take a look at the larger context of the essay. This is where the professor's point shou ld be supported with references and examples. Do not stress to your students the need to think logically. Try to use your language to make the point more directly.The author should also use specific examples to support the reasoning. Provide information only when it is relevant to the argument you are making. Your essay will be more successful if you can engage your audience through a variety of techniques.Logic and engaging students are certainly different. Use both and you will succeed. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, so long as you use the methods correctly.