Argumentative paper: both states the topic that will be explored and establishes the position they will argue regarding that topic. This type of paper aims to persuade its reader to adopt the view presented. In doing so, such essay advances a claim about a given topic and employs evidence in the process.
Your goal is to create a reading that is coherent and persuasive, not an argument that is true in any ultimate sense. Essay topics are not pointing toward a predetermined and ideal interpretation.
Regardless of how the topic of your choice is posed (a question or a statement or else), you should have the purposefulness of your paper in mind. Ask yourself: what am I trying to say and to what end? What am I trying to argue? What angles do I need to consider?
Avoid assuming that you have been given questions to which there are ideal responses. Rarely, if ever, there are ultimate truths on the subjects and objects of our study. Topics that ask you to “discuss,” “assess,” “explore,” and “compare” mean: “say something interesting, original, and persuasive about xyz.”
If you need to describe something, avoid simple narration. Instead, offer some kind of original analysis. Keep the descriptive aspects to the writing to a minimum. Assume a knowledgeable reader.
Present your argument/analysis employing a logical flow so that the sections of the whole paper fit together smoothly (if the paragraphs can be shuffled and not impact, then you haven’t achieved logical flow.
Make sure that you reader will be able to understand why A comes first, followed by B, followed by C, etc.
Strive for balance. While “objectivity” might not be quite possible, do your best to avoid subjective statements that use opinionated, judgmental and emotive language. Subjective claims do not present an academic argument based on solid evidence and tend to be based on assumptions, opinions and
rumours. Instead, aim to base your claims on facts, observations and logical arguments.
Also, avoid the urge to connect to broader themes that you haven’t discussed in the paper or “escaping” into sweeping generalisations (eg. “It is crucial that we never forget about the Holocaust” – why? If we forget, so what? Ask yourself the simple “so what” questions many times when you revise your paper, and remember to give yourself time to do so.Your goal is to create a reading that is coherent and persuasive, not an argument that is true in any ultimate sense. Essay topics are not pointing toward a predetermined and ideal interpretation.