Though it is widely known that discussions usually end leaving every side with its opinion, arguments never end. And they will never end — you know, people rate the art of convincing. This is why argumentative research papers are not just a writing exercise — it is a hard school of life.
Art of listening
The basic problem of novice writers is lack of listening skills. Certainly, it is easier to ignore arguments, which seem to be incorrect, especially if you strongly believe in what you are talking about. Listen carefully! When working on your argumentative research paper, sometimes it is better to destroy the opponent’s arguments rather than to prove your own.
While listening to the opponent, do not forget to look at yourself. Maybe your opinion is based on information heard from others. Maybe you never truly questioned it. Can you really prove your arguments or is it just your belief?
Basic concepts
So, when working on the argumentative research paper, first become an expert in the field. If you are not informed on a topic, you cannot verify argumentation of the opposite side, even obvious stretches may look like truth to you. In fact, stretches always look like truth – after all, they are meant to deceive.
Another key factor of successful argumentative research papers is the choice of the right topic. By ‘right’ we mean ‘winnable’. Never use the biggest controversial: there are lots of arguments both for and against.
Steps to writing argumentative research papers
- Choose a topic (it should be controversial, neither too broad, nor too narrow) and state a thesis of your argumentative research paper.
- Gather information, both for and against your thesis. Read as much as you can, and then make a list of sources to use.
- Make an outline and choose what ideas you are going to develop in your argumentative research paper.
- Write the text using the following pattern:
- Introduce your problem and thesis
- Make a general historical review (cite a lot in this section)
- Present your arguments
- Summarize your ideas, restate the thesis
Using this strategy, you will come up with a weighty and sound argumentative research paper. Good luck!
