Reading, analysing, and developing a convincing argument from any material is a key skill that distinguishes a good writer. During their studies, this is one of the activities that equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for personal development and professional growth. Creating a compelling argument requires following crucial steps. Within this article, we will delve into these essential elements, which will assist you in advancing your ideas and arguments for that long-delayed assignment and foster the growth of your critical thinking skills. Step 1: Read Carefully Your ideas are often drawn from external sources, be it either an experiment, work of other authors or an experience. Comprehending the material is crucial as it shapes the nature of the ideas and arguments you formulate. Initiating the process with an initial reading provides an overview of the material's content. Subsequent readings should focus on identifying the article's key themes. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the material, you can develop your ideas readily. Step 2: Establish Your View Following your reading of the material, it's essential to establish your stance on the subject matter. Do you support it? If so, what are your reasons for doing so? Whether your position aligns with or opposes the material, it's imperative to offer your rationale that stands independently from the author's perspective. If you find it challenging to form your viewpoint, you can turn to the perspectives of others who have weighed in on the same issue. The process entails questioning the validity of other individuals' viewpoints based on the evidence they present. This process often involves extensive reading to comprehend the arguments put forth by various individuals in support of different ideas. Step 3: Develop an Argument An argument essentially serves as a validation of your perspective. Once you've formulated your idea, it's essential to provide reasons that explain why you endorse that particular viewpoint. Offering justification demonstrates the legitimacy of your idea. The evidence supports your argument more robustly and signifies a thoughtful interpretation. Developing an Argument Occurs in Four Stages
- Clarifying the Main Idea: The foundation of your argument stems from the content of the material you've engaged with. It's essential to recognise that an argument may not solely derive from written sources but also from experiments or evaluations of specific tasks.
- ii. Combine Reasons and Justifications: A strong argument harmonises reasons with corresponding justifications or evidence. Each reason you present should be substantiated by solid supporting evidence or reasoning.
- Clearly Stated Main Idea: This central idea serves as the anchor for the entire argument in your essay. A clearly stated idea not only guides the writer but also helps the reader grasp what the essay is all about.
- Proper Use of Citations: Accurate and appropriate citations lend credibility to your argument and demonstrate a commitment to scholarly integrity. They also allow readers to trace the origins of your information and verify your claims.
- Logical Flow of Ideas with Justifications: A well-structured argument or essay maintains a logical flow of ideas. A clear justification or evidence should accompany each point or idea introduced. This enhances the argument's credibility and ensures that readers can follow the progression of thought from one point to the next.
- Inclusion of Counterclaims and Justifications: Robust arguments acknowledge opposing viewpoints and counterclaims. By addressing counterarguments and providing reasoned justifications for why they may not be the best fit, the writer demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic and showcases their ability to engage critically with alternative perspectives.
- Clear and Proficient Writing: Clear, concise, and well-structured writing indicates a deep understanding of the subject matter. It enhances the reader's comprehension and underscores the writer's expertise on the topic.