Overview
Hey this a more arguemntative essay,
1. Start with a thesis, not a sweeping, general statement. 2. Write simple, straightforward, clear, concise, single-subject and single-predicate sentences. Exercise: to do this, try to write without commas (never use semi-colons!). Avoid fancy words, like “ideology.” 3. Define all technical terms, e.g. foundationalism, or substance dualism. 4. Each sentence should lead naturally to the next sentence: “A à B. B à C. C à D.” There should be a clear logical order from the topic sentence to the conclusion sentence of a paragraph. Outlines help. Organization is crucial. 5. Paragraphs should have a proper conclusion sentence. 6. Never start a sentence with “Meaning...”. Write “This means that...” 7. It’s perfectly fine to use the first-person. “As I see things, ...” or “I think ...” Never use the second-person (“you”). It’s perfectly fine to use the third-person (“one”). 8. Never call an argument true or false (they are sound or unsound). Never call a premise sound or unsound (they are true or false). 9. Well-chosen examples are nice for establishing your points. Be creative! 10. Be charitable. Respect your opponent. Understand why they think their view is correct. Don’t argue by asking rhetorical questions, e.g. “Who would believe such a crazy view?” 11. Your personal dislike of a position does not mean the position is false. Criticisms of positions require giving good reasons to reject those positions. 12. Spell check and grammar check. Use ODU’s Writing Center for help. 13. Make sure the sentences you write are not open to multiple interpretations. 14. Always read your paper out loud, line-by-line, and edit accordingly. This will help you see where there are strange phrases, incorrect grammar, etc. 15. Avoid repetition, unnecessary wording, and irrelevant content. Every word should be essential. 16. Start early and write multiple drafts.