Using Opposing Opinions to Write Essays

Using Opposing Opinions to Write EssaysAssigning opposing viewpoints to essays is one of the most effective ways to raise the bar for your students. Consider a scenario in which a student takes an essay on relationship issues and combines the viewpoints of different cultures. Students then read through the entire assignment and can identify the viewpoint that best corresponds to their own understanding of the issue. Taking on these types of assignments will also test students' skills in navigating one of the most important parts of a college writing course: their own learning style.Many students who have undertaken college writing courses have often found that their own writing style works best for specific kinds of topics. However, the opposition may not be ideal. How can you effectively use a variety of views to address an essay issue? It is possible to come up with a challenge that allows students to tackle multiple differing viewpoints.When students are asked to read a brief summ ary of an argument, they can be asked to identify whether they agree or disagree with the point being made. They can be asked to either accept or reject a statement. If they are given multiple choices, students are more likely to say that they disagree with a statement than if they only get one choice. Students will usually be more willing to agree with a statement that requires fewer choices, but only up to a point.This method of writing opposing viewpoints to essay topics has two major benefits. First, students learn to recognize when they agree with an argument rather than simply disagreeing with it. Second, by recognizing what opinions they hold, students will be better able to recognize and overcome their own personal biases. After all, many writers use their own cultural and social experiences to strengthen arguments. The only way for a student to do this well is to take on opposing viewpoints that are aligned with their own.Examine the four main essay topics that can be assig ned in writing courses. Choose topics that most students will be familiar with and that will challenge them in a meaningful way. The topics should highlight a particular viewpoint on a topic.Students can ask other students in their classes to read an argument against the viewpoint being presented. Then students can put together a group discussion about the topic that will allow them to identify and explore their own biases. When students realize how close they might be to the opinions of others, they will be more likely to acknowledge and evaluate their own beliefs. Finally, when students think about their own values as opposed to others, they will be better able to identify issues where their own view is the correct one.Readers will find it much easier to make sense of a written argument when each side has been represented accurately. While students are not obligated to agree with each side, they are expected to take on the challenge of reading more than one perspective. This metho d will also challenge students to analyze what they are reading. They will want to understand both sides of the argument before coming to a final conclusion.The process of assigning opposing viewpoints to essay topics is a powerful way to introduce important ideas to students who might otherwise not be exposed to them. When they learn to challenge one idea, they can learn to evaluate and weigh opposing viewpoints. This will serve them well throughout their college career.