The advanced method is a persuasive approach that uses your argument as the starting point and has been adapted for ease of use as follows:
1.Start by introducing generally and express your point of view.
2.Explain your rational for the argument
3.Explain the reasons against the argument
The summary
1. 1. Start by introducing the argument to the reader and its importance
2. 2. Indicate the reasons and evidence for the argument
3. 3. Discuss the reasons and evidence against the argument
4. Summarise both points of view and discuss and explain your own viewpoint.
If you struggle with knowing a clear process of building your work you may wish to consider an eight-stage approach to building critical appraisal skills in our writing developed by the author:
Stage 1: Explore the evidence: following your literature review, identify other people’s positions, lines of argument and conclusions.
Stage 2: Using a critical review framework (The CASP, Critical Appraisal Tool is useful, www.casp-uk.net) evaluate the evidence by weighing up opposing arguments and evidence, read between the lines and identify false or biased assumptions.
Stage 3: Examine the bias of opinion and the use of persuasive techniques.
Stage 4: Reflect on issues in a structured way, bringing logic and insight to the forefront of your discussion points.
Stage 5: Draw conclusions about the validity and reliability and justifiability of arguments based on good evidence and supportive ideas.
Stage 6: In academic writing we need to consider if we have explored the whole picture and not just one point of view.
Stage 7: Present your points in a structured, clear and convincing format that appears rational i.e.: we need to identify the reasons for what we believe and do and consider other people’s reasoning.
Stage 8: Importantly we need to reach conclusions on what we have read, to voice our opinion and look at the impact of knowledge and ideas for practice.
