A Troubleshooting Guide

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An Informative Introduction to the Issue and Opposing Positions

My readers are not clear about the issue or the opposing positions.

  • State the issue explicitly as a question.
  • Explain the issue in more depth, perhaps providing an example to show why it’s important.
  • Use a transition (such as whereas or although) to sharpen the contrast between the opposing positions.
  • Consider adding a graph or other visual to represent the issue or opposing positions.

My readers are not interested or do not appreciate the issue’s importance.

  • Add information showing the impact of the issue or how it affects people’s lives.
  • Contextualize the issue in history, politics, or culture.
  • Quote notable authorities to emphasize the issue’s importance.
  • Cite polls or research studies, or use graphics to convey statistical information demonstrating the widespread impact of the issue.
Table 5.15: A TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
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A Probing Analysis

My readers do not understand my analysis.

  • Determine whether you are trying to cover too many points.
  • Explain in more detail the points that are harder for readers to grasp.
  • Consider emphasizing the less obvious points of agreement.

My analysis seems more like a summary of the arguments than a probing statement.

  • Ask yourself why the writer makes a particular kind of argument rather than another kind of argument.
  • Consider how the writer’s profession or biography could explain why a particular motivating factor (such as a moral value or idea) has so much persuasive power.
  • Think about the social and political situation in which each essay was originally written and how the writer was trying to appeal to readers.
  • Examine the concessions and refutations of opposing views to see where there might be room for agreement.
A Fair and Impartial Presentation

My presentation is not impartial or balanced.

  • Give equal space to both arguments.
  • Make sure that you are representing each writer accurately and fairly by relying more on quoting than summarizing or paraphrasing.
  • Consider your word choices, replacing judgmental words with neutral ones.
A Clear, Logical Organization

My readers are confused by my essay or find it difficult to read.

  • Consider adding a forecasting statement to preview the topics you discuss.
  • Add topic sentences or repeat key terms in topic sentences.
  • Add transitions to signal comparisons or contrasts.