Stage 3: Start developing your argument

Most essay questions ask you to take a stance: Do you agree or disagree? Which theory best explains the evidence? The stance that you take is called your argument, or sometimes it is referred to as the theme of the essay. Whatever approach you take, you may want to modify your theme or argument as you do more reading. It may even be acceptable not to take sides, but to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the various debates you cover. However, the approach you have taken in answering the question must be clear from your introduction onwards. Otherwise, the reader of your essay may be confused as to what you are trying to prove or argue.