Tips on how to Develop your Ideas and Arguments

Tips on how to Develop your Ideas and Arguments

 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.

iii. Refine the main Idea: Refining the main idea entails examining how your concept aligns with the broader context. This process involves assessing how your argument fits into the larger framework or scope of the subject matter.

 

To enhance your argument further, consider presenting counterarguments and explaining why they may not align as effectively. Brainstorming also plays a pivotal role in assisting you in organising your ideas, identifying key concepts, and eliminating those that might not be suitable. You can also request your fellow students to read the argument you have developed to establish whether it makes sense.

When crafting your argument, it's crucial to consider your audience. Make sure that your audience can relate to the idea you've presented.

 

Step 4: Develop a Topic and the Thesis Statement

The topic and the thesis statement go hand in hand, as the thesis statement represents both your chosen subject and your main idea. Select a topic that captivates the reader's interest and one that you can confidently convince the reader about. The thesis statement should concentrate solely on a single central idea to prevent ambiguity and vagueness. It should also be able to encompass all aspects of the essay question.

 

Step 5: Organising Your Ideas and Writing the Essay

Before embarking on the drafting process, arranging your thoughts systematically is crucial. Choose a structure that aligns with what the instructor has guided, as presenting your ideas in a well-organised format demonstrates your comprehension of the presented concepts. A sound structure also ensures a smooth flow in your draft, enabling all readers to follow your ideas easily. Finally, proceed with the essay drafting phase once your ideas are organised.

 

Step 6: Edit and Revise the Draft

Editing an essay plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall quality of your work. During the initial revision of your draft, it's possible to overlook errors. To rectify this it is advisable to review your essay multiple times to eliminate poor sentence structure issues and spelling mistakes. Additionally, the revision process allows for the reorganisation of ideas more coherently and the incorporation of additional concepts to enrich the comprehensiveness of your essay.

Here are some effective strategies you can employ when editing your essay:

Take a Break: After completing your essay, consider setting it aside for a day without revising it immediately. Returning to it the following day with a fresh perspective often makes it easier to identify previously unnoticed errors.

Utilise Online Tools for Revision: While online tools may not generate additional ideas, they can significantly enhance your essay by detecting and rectifying grammar errors and sentence structure weaknesses.

Seek Feedback: Don't hesitate to request feedback from your peers. They can provide insights on areas for improvement, suggest additional ideas, and offer valuable assistance in the editing process.

Elements of a good argument

 	
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.

Developing an idea from the beginning may be a challenge. By following the above-provided steps, a student can provide an idea accompanied by an argument. However, if you have any challenges developing your idea and argument, you can reach us at Essayloop.com. We offer flexible pricing options and prioritise fast turnaround times, ensuring that you receive excellent value for your investment. Click on the link Essayloop.com, and our experts will deliver the paper promptly and within the desired quality standard.