Reconstruction of Arguments

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!