If you're having a hard time coming up with a coherent view of the issue, you can instead write a "thinkathon" paper, (Added 10/26/22) A thinkathon is a graded assignment in which you write down all the things you think about your chosen topic. Again, you don't write the kind of paper you'd write for an English class, so don't fall back on the conventional, boring and wasteful style of paper. Instead, do a lot of thinking, write out what you think, and explain as best you can why you think what you think.
Things you could write down are the various opinions people have, the various facts that are relevant to the issue.
Terms you should use a lot are "maybe", "I think", "could be", "I don't know if" and similar "hedge" words to indicate that you're just thinking at this point, and haven't committed to any particular view.
The way to do this is to start with a blank document, type in the first thing you can think of about the topic. (Again, use phrases like "I think" or "might be", and so on to indicate that these are just your thoughts on the issue. Develop and explain this idea as best you can. (Again with lots of words like "maybe", and "could" to indicate that these are your thoughts here.) When you've said everything you can without repetition, stop writing. Then, start a new paragraph and write down the next thing you think about the topic. When you've said everything you can about that idea, start another paragraph with the next thing you think, and so on. Every time you have a new idea, add it on to where you're writing. If you change your mind about anything, add on a new paragraph in which you explain why and how you changed your mind, When you can no longer think of a new opinion, a new question, a new relevant fact, or a new comment, you are done and should stop writing.
Another thing you could do is write out a list of questions you think need answers. You can follow this with a list of possible maybe answers to those questions.
Include the word "thinkathon" in the title of your paper, so I know what you're doing.
(Added 10/26/22) The thinkathon is graded exactly the same way I grade regular papers; I just look for instances of good thinking, and ignore outline, structure, grammar, and spelling.) When I grade your paper, I will be looking for clearly expressed deep understanding of your topic, insightful thoughts about that topic, and carefully reasoned justifications for your thoughts. Your paper doesn't have to be perfect, but you will only get credit for material that demonstrates your own thinking process. A paper that might get an A in English class might well get an F in my class, and vice versa.
Remember, a properly written thesis paper is preferred to a thinkathon, but if you're not ready for the big time, a thinkathon could be a very, very good start.
Copyright © 2014 by Martin C. Young
This Site is Proudly Hosted By:
