People get into arguments all the time. Starting from kindergarten, we argue. However, as we grow older, it becomes important to find solutions to the arguments we face at home or at work. One way to create an argument properly is to clearly see the opposing viewpoint and understand it. People have a right for their personal opinion, but they also have to accept that other people think differently. Moreover, people’s opinions and attitudes might change through time and it is important to have the whole picture in mind when talking about a certain issue. Argumentative writing broadens the critical thinking skills of a person and makes them think in a logical way. A person can never be completely right or wrong, but they might have a personal preference for one point of view instead of the other. There are many advantages to argumentative writing and the most important benefit is that it develops critical thinking skills, which allows people to clearly express themselves in a logical way.
Argumentative writing is based on logical thinking. There is no way around it. Not for nothing do we study math from a very young age. It gives us the logic that helps us in life. We need logic everywhere: from choosing where to sit at lunch to picking out the best sofa to last us a lifetime. Only on logical reasons can decisions be made. This kind of logical thinking is the basis of great arguments. In order for an argument to be good, the logic behind it needs to be clear. This kind of writing is based on arguments and evidence with much supporting information involved. Pastva says that “argumentative writing is the clear and logical presentation of facts (premises) so as to arrive at valid conclusions” (Pastva 30). It is a good skill for entering the academic world to be able to express one’s point of view in a clear, concise and organized way. “Its purpose is to convince others of the truth of some thesis” (Pastva 30). There are skills, which are necessary to be able to excel at argumentative writing, and acknowledging that the opposing side also has a good point is important. It is about arguing for one point of view, but this does not mean that another point of view is wrong. The focus is in the greater benefit from the particular point of view that a person is promoting through argumentative writing. There is much to be learned about the democratic way of thinking by practicing this kind of writing. Yet the logical thinking is a very valuable skill and together with critical thinking, it is a vital skill for the modern world (Kasten). It allows people to express themselves clearly in all sphere of life.
However, some state that critical thinking is not a mandatory skill to creating a good argument. Strong emotions are involved in defending one’s personal interests and they are related to having opinions about important issues in life. Therefore, it might be impossible to persuade people to accept the viewpoint that is completely different from the one they might have. This point of view is based on the emotional component. This definitely has some truth in it. Pointless arguments really are based on emotions of two different individuals or groups. However, these are not proper arguments. L. Bloom and M. Bloom say that “in general the actual writing of the theme followed the steps often outlined in handbooks of rhetoric, that is, a thesis idea gets introduced, develop, and summarized” (Bloom & Bloom 130). This might not persuade the other side to change their opinion about a certain topic, but it will make them understand the point of view of the other side. However, this is only possible if logical thinking is present on both sides of the argument. When the two sides collide on an emotional level, which happens very often not only at schools but also at work, logical thinking is lost and emotions take over. Argumentative writing is a democratic process and there are no winners or losers in this practice because everybody has a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and present their opinions. This is important to have a healthy dialogue where opinions of different people matter. There is no single truth because different people have different needs, but it is crucial to acknowledge all of the needs and to accept them with respect. There is much to be learned from practicing argumentative writing and developing the skills of argumentation because it is a necessity in a world full of differences.
Therefore, critical thinking is one of the most important benefits of argumentative writing as it helps people to think logically. The skills of good argumentation and presentation are of utmost importance in the business world, in the court and in life in general. People need to have formed opinions about everything in life because that is a sign of a mature personality.
Works Cited
Pastva, Mary A. "The Teaching of Argumentative Writing." Notre Dame English Journal 2.2 (1967): 29-34. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
Bloom, Lynn Z., and Martin Bloom. "The Teaching and Learning of Argumentative Writing." College English 29.2 (1967): 128-35. Print.
Kasten, G. "Critical Thinking: A Necessary Skill In The Age Of Spin". Edutopia. N.p., 2012. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
