A Few Strategies for Finding Your Argument
Writing to think is great, but what do you do with all of your messy writing?
Last week, I spoke to scholars in the humanities and qualitative social sciences who approach writing as a way to navigate and make sense of their research. For many of us, writing isn’t just a way to present ideas—it’s how we discover them.
You can read those posts here:
When you write to think through your ideas, it's like setting out into unfamiliar terrain, tasked with drawing the map as you go. As you explore, you generate a lot of material—ideas, arguments, and observations—just as a surveyor sketches out rough outlines of the land. But like any good mapmaker, you need to refine your work, identifying which paths lead to your central argument and which trails are dead ends or distractions.
In this analogy, your argument is the map's key—it helps you and your readers make sense of the entire landscape. To create a clear and useful map, you must determine which arguments are essential, which ones support the journey, and which should be left out because they don’t lead to a strong, compelling destination.
To make sense of this in your shitty first draft, you’ll need to map out which arguments are essential, which are supportive, and which might need to be left behind because they don’t lead to a clear and compelling destination.
Here are some strategies to help you clarify which argument you want to make central to your work:
1. Talking It Out
Talk with a colleague, friend, or mentor about your ideas. Talking through your arguments can provide valuable insights and fresh perspectives. Be sure to jot down any new ideas or useful feedback you gather from these discussions.
2. Writing in Different Ways
Utilize a whiteboard or large sheet of paper to visually brainstorm and organize your sub-arguments. Explore how your various ideas connect and see if you can refocus on a core argument with supporting points. This method helps clarify the relationships between your ideas and determining the most effective structure.
3. Identifying a Star Argument
List your top three arguments and evaluate which one stands out as the most compelling. Consider which argument resonates most with you and how the others can support it. This process can help you identify the core argument that should drive your work.
4. Writing for Different Audiences
Draft summaries of your main arguments tailored to different audiences, such as a family member or a fellow scholar. This exercise can reveal new connections and insights about your project by forcing you to simplify and adapt your explanations. Notice what new ideas or perspectives emerge from these summaries.
5. Asking Why These Arguments Are Important
For each argument, reflect on its significance. Ask yourself why it matters and which argument seems most crucial to your overall thesis. Understanding the importance of each argument can help prioritize and refine your focus.
6. Creating a Reverse Outline (a personal favorite!)
Draft a reverse outline by breaking down what you have written so far, paragraph by paragraph. As I write here,
To make a reverse outline, I simply read through my draft and record the main points of each section and paragraph in linear order. I'm not only pointing out the argument and the supporting evidence, but also the topic sentences for each paragraph. The reverse outline also aids in identifying where I need to shift ideas earlier for clarity. Most writers, including myself, more succinctly state their argument at the conclusion of a draft or in the last sentence of a paragraph.
I can more easily identify areas that need revision in terms of the overall structure and paragraph structure after finishing the reverse outline. I pinpoint the areas where I require more justification or proof. I usually draft any new or expanded content after completing the reverse outline before adding connecting sentences between paragraphs or sections.
Once you see your work in outline form, you may spot new connections between arguments or find opportunities to reorganize your content more effectively. You’ll also be able to better see what should be cut.
7. Visual Mapping
Create a diagram or mind map to visualize your arguments and themes. This visual representation can help clarify the relationships and hierarchy of your ideas, making it easier to see how everything fits together.
8. Peer Feedback
Share your drafts or ideas with peers and ask for their feedback. Inquire about what they find most engaging and why. Use their suggestions and insights to refine and strengthen your arguments.
A Reminder
Remember, finding your core argument is an iterative process, and each step you take brings you closer to a well-structured and persuasive piece.
I also recommend reading the related posts below, as they help define what an argument is in the first place. I even have more metaphors for you there!
