by John Gray

Created on: August 03, 2008   Last Updated: May 24, 2009

The ability to construct a well balanced argument lies at the heart of a great deal of most writing. Knowing how to structure effective arguments is a key skill to success. Thinking of writing as akin to an argument gives any work a solid foundation from which to build upon.

One of the pitfalls to developing a strong argument in writing is to rhetorically over-blow the argument in question. Using obvious rhetorical tropes and highly strung passionate phraseology is not a sign of sophistication. Instead a clear controlled argument is usually the best policy to take forward in most pieces of writing.

There is nothing wrong with writing with passion about the subjects that motivate, this is a very good idea in principle, but understanding how to transfer that passion into a well constructed piece of writing is the real key to good writing. Just because a person is passionate about something doesn't mean that the quality of their writing is good.

Often a clear and precise tone is the best method to take in most writing, especially when the objective is to put the point across in the best possible way. There are no real "rules" about constructing a good argument, a good writer should always remain fluid and open-minded about the task at hand, but there are a few general pointers that will improve any argument in writing.

Balance is something to definitely strive for in constructing a good argument as well as a thorough understanding of the subject matter. It quickly becomes apparent, even to the most uninformed audience, when a piece of writing is written by someone who doesn't know much about the subject. The writing is almost immediately transparent and after a few paragraphs it is often clear that writer doesn't have much clue what they are talking about, whether they are writing with passion or not. Clearly they stand little chance of succeeding in their argument.

It is always a logical step to research and back-up a piece of writing from good sources of material. Often it is helpful to use quotations from such sources. It is one thing to arbitrary comment, but to bring an expert in the field into the argument adds a great deal of weight to the piece of writing.

Offering counter argument is a good way to add depth to any article. It is one thing to make solid, well researched points, but to concede points from that opposition is the clear sign of top class writing. Often taking into account such points before a main argument is a good way to highlight

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