Chapter 47 in Rulers for Writers by Diana Hack talks about how to write an essay that argues a point. When writing about a debatable topic there are a few things to keep in mind.
First it is important to have a thesis. The thesis should be in the indroduction and be something that can be debated. If your thesis can't be argued againist then you need to go back and rewrite it. Once you have your thesis you need evidence to be able to back it up. Most of the time this evidence will come from facts and statistic, which you'll find by researching the topic. If you do you facts and statistics you need to site your source. Part of arguing you point is that you need to show that you are creditable and therefore give a reason that you should be listened to. If you don't have facts and statistics to back up your point then you may be able to use your own past experiences.
When writing you need to make sure that you don't just think about people that agree with you. You need to make sure that you adress the other side of your arguement as well and you need to do it respectfully, but still an assertive way.
After reading this chapter I will now make sure to think about both sides of the argument when I write. I think that I have a tendency to just focus on my point and forget about the other side of the arguement.
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