Argumentative essay assignments can create controversy in the classroom and also on paper. Nonetheless, covering controversial topics engages students on the level that more traditional essay subjects cannot reach.

How do you get the most from a controversial student writing assignment without creating an uproar in the classroom? Follow this three-step procedure that nurtures students opinions in a supportive, open-minded way:

Step one: Set Ground Rules

Before your students start writing, make sure they know the fundamentals of a good essay. They ought to have an understanding of the three parts of an essay, as well as how to write a quality thesis statement.

In addition, students should be taught the importance of using reputable sources within their research, and addressing their topic from the third-person point of view. All these guidelines could keep the essay from devolving into a personal work, although charge of the essays main argument still belongs to the student.

Step 2: Choose Topics

Have a structured discussion of what makes a good argumentative essay, paying particular focus on controversial topics. You want students to become impassioned about a certain topic, so they will want to write an argumentative essay and share their opinion with their peers.

Here are some typical, “controversial” essay topics:

Gun control
Abortion
Prison
Suicide
Gay rights
Politics
Capital punishment

Use the lesson to introduce these topics, while avoiding long discussions about the merits of each side. This is actually the most difficult part of controversial essay writing, but you want your students to channel their opinions to their writing, not right into a speech!

At the end of the discussion, possess a short lesson on writing effective essay titles. This will include many examples and also allow students an opportunity to practice.

For homework, ask each student to write down their selection of an essay, in title form.

Step three: Turn the Tables on Controversy

Use the students essay titles to vet their topics. This way, you will have a quick insight into whether they are approaching their essay from an academic — rather than a personal — viewpoint.

Change one aspect of each students title so they must talk about the opposite viewpoint. For example, instead of the title, “Abortion Ought to be Made Illegal,” alter the title to, “Abortion Ought to be Made Legal.” By doing this, the students will be encouraged to research and write about an opposing opinion, without bias. Whether they can write the opposing viewpoint of the topic theyre enthusiastic about, they have mastered controversial essay writing!

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