Reconstructing an argument
is part of critical thinking and a means to understanding what others have
written regardless of whether what they relate is right or wrong. People with
profound knowledge of literature–especially writers–deliver arguments in
different forms and that is why it is crucial for a student to master the art
of critical thinking.
There are several steps to
follow as a form of guidance as outlined below:
1.
Before doing
anything else, reading the article with utmost care and devotion should be
given top priority. It would be futile to begin writing without understanding
the message contained in the article.
2.
The second
attempt would be restating key ideas in every paragraph or groups of paragraphs
into a sentence or even two sentences according to your expertise and
linguistic preferences. Even though it could take time, it is worth the effort
since it will be a foundation and a stepping stone for other steps.
3.
Give attention
to summary sentences and consider grouping them together especially the ones
that cover major issues with identical points of concern. Differentiate
sentences that pinpoint the central argument from those detailing the
background discussion. Group together the themes in the discussion or study. Avoid rewriting the article for this is academically a form of plagiarism.
4.
At this
juncture, you should be able to regroup the main argument sentences into thematic
order. In a nutshell, the end result should be a compacted form of argument in
a standard-form version.
5.
Apply the
standard version form for your general argument by grouping together the
summary reconstruction for your outline.
6.
In the
introduction part, expose the issues with the article, the author’s position,
and then concisely draw an outline of the argument using the standard version
form outlined in #4.
The Review:
1.
Read very
carefully with devotion.
2.
Restate the key
main ideas.
3.
Identify the
main themes in the discussion and unearth the logical formulation.
4.
Compact the main
ideas in each topic into a standardized reconstructed form.
5.
As an outline,
apply the standardized reconstruction form.
6.
Finally, begin
formulating an appealing introduction that captures readers’ attention.
7.
That’s it!
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