How to Write a Middle Ground Essay. A compromise solution is the essence of any middle ground essay. The task, therefore, is to bridge the opposing claims by finding their common points or shared premises and negotiating an alternative position. To do this, several steps must be followed. Here are the steps on how to write a middle ground essay.
Step 1. In your introduction, which is your first paragraph, state the issue or topic. Describe what is at stake and why a solution is needed. For example, if your topic is illegal immigrants, indicate that it is an important social issue and that its effects on society demand that it be resolved. Then, write down the opposing claims. In the example stated, the opposing claims may be: (a) that illegal immigrants must be deported immediately, and (b) that illegal immigrants must be given the chance to live the American dream.
Step 2. In your next paragraph, discuss one of your competing positions. For instance, you may choose (a) that illegal immigrants must be deported immediately. Be subjective. Do not offer your personal insight on the argument. You may, however, provide the opinion of credible sources or statistics that buttress this claim. You may devote a few more paragraphs in discussing the salient points of this position.
Step 3. After discussing (a), proceed by doing the same with (b), that illegal immigrants must be given the chance to live the American dream. Give an equal depth of discussion like what you did with (a). If possible, write the same number and length of paragraphs.
Step 4. Identify the shared beliefs of the opposing claims. State facts that both sides recognize as true. This is the most challenging part in writing a middle ground essay since it requires the ability to pinpoint premises that are common to the competing arguments. As regards the example of illegal immigration, common points may include: (1) illegal immigrants are human beings with human rights, and (2) the economy of any country is a vital concern for its government and people.
Step 5. This is the most important part of your middle ground essay. This is where you provide the alternative position which is based on the shared beliefs or common points you have just identified. Build an argument based on those common grounds. Devote at least two paragraphs for this purpose. The first paragraph is where you offer your middle ground argument, along with your supporting premises or claims. The second paragraph is where you provide the reasons why your argument is more preferable than the two competing sides. If possible, include as well a discussion on the weaknesses of the competing claims.
Step 6. Conclude your middle ground essay. Reiterate the issue and the reasons why it must be resolved. Restate your alternative argument and the benefits for adopting it.
A word of caution: in writing your middle ground essay, it is important to hold your personal judgment on your topic until the point where you now have to offer your alternative proposition. This is because you want to fully exhaust your discussion on the competing claims with an objective perspective. It will ensure that your reader, too, will have a full understanding of the respective positions.
HIRE US and we'll write your papers for you!
Step 1. In your introduction, which is your first paragraph, state the issue or topic. Describe what is at stake and why a solution is needed. For example, if your topic is illegal immigrants, indicate that it is an important social issue and that its effects on society demand that it be resolved. Then, write down the opposing claims. In the example stated, the opposing claims may be: (a) that illegal immigrants must be deported immediately, and (b) that illegal immigrants must be given the chance to live the American dream.
Step 2. In your next paragraph, discuss one of your competing positions. For instance, you may choose (a) that illegal immigrants must be deported immediately. Be subjective. Do not offer your personal insight on the argument. You may, however, provide the opinion of credible sources or statistics that buttress this claim. You may devote a few more paragraphs in discussing the salient points of this position.
Step 3. After discussing (a), proceed by doing the same with (b), that illegal immigrants must be given the chance to live the American dream. Give an equal depth of discussion like what you did with (a). If possible, write the same number and length of paragraphs.
Step 4. Identify the shared beliefs of the opposing claims. State facts that both sides recognize as true. This is the most challenging part in writing a middle ground essay since it requires the ability to pinpoint premises that are common to the competing arguments. As regards the example of illegal immigration, common points may include: (1) illegal immigrants are human beings with human rights, and (2) the economy of any country is a vital concern for its government and people.
Step 5. This is the most important part of your middle ground essay. This is where you provide the alternative position which is based on the shared beliefs or common points you have just identified. Build an argument based on those common grounds. Devote at least two paragraphs for this purpose. The first paragraph is where you offer your middle ground argument, along with your supporting premises or claims. The second paragraph is where you provide the reasons why your argument is more preferable than the two competing sides. If possible, include as well a discussion on the weaknesses of the competing claims.
Step 6. Conclude your middle ground essay. Reiterate the issue and the reasons why it must be resolved. Restate your alternative argument and the benefits for adopting it.
A word of caution: in writing your middle ground essay, it is important to hold your personal judgment on your topic until the point where you now have to offer your alternative proposition. This is because you want to fully exhaust your discussion on the competing claims with an objective perspective. It will ensure that your reader, too, will have a full understanding of the respective positions.
HIRE US and we'll write your papers for you!