How To Write A Dialectic Essay

If you are given the task of writing a dialectic essay, you are ultimately analyzing a certain topic. Let's say there is a topic that you have to take a side on such as Roe v. Wade. You are basically explaining both sides of the story, evaluating the good and the bad. It's easy to set up a dialectic essay. Below is a “How To Guide” on writing a good dialectic essay. Follow these guidelines and you will be on your way to a successful essay.

Structuring the Essay

In order to get your point across, you should, first, structure it properly. Basic essays consist of five paragraphs. These paragraphs should be made up of the following:

— The Introduction (with Thesis)

— The Objective

— The Opposition

— The Reaction

— The Conclusion

The Introduction

Always remember that the introduction is basically the thesis. Let's say you are given the task of choosing any particular subject. Be sure to pick a topic that has a thesis with two different ideas and meanings. You should never make the argument one-sided. If that's the case, then you're basically writing a narrative essay. You want to write an essay that gives your reader a topic two different sides to the story. Most importantly, you have to be non-bias towards the topic. This isn't an opinionated essay. It's strictly informative. Also, be sure to keep your thesis short and to the point. There is no need in making it more than one paragraph. All you need to do is set it up and add the thesis. That's what makes an introduction.

The Objective

Here is where you make your argument. On what ground does this thesis have reason? You have to give both sides to the story. While doing so, you should make it easy for the reader to understand each side. This should ultimately back the thesis paragraph. Also, keep this short and to the point. You do not want to delve too far into it since it will take away from the next two paragraphs. Think of it as building blocks. You're building your way up to the conclusion by taking in all of the fact and stating them. Just be sure not to overstep your boundaries and keep the objective to minimum.

The Opposition

This is where you state the facts about what others think about your topic. Make sure you state how the feel and why they feel that way about the topic. Give out strong facts—even if you do not necessarily support it —and make sure you speak the true on the argument. Make sure you throw bias out of the window and keep it fair and balanced. 

The Reaction

For this part of the essay, you should keep in mind that this is completely separate from what you have written thus far. You are only showing your reaction to the opposition from above. So basically it starts the debate process and critiquing the opposition. So you essentially saying, “This idea is good but here is why that idea is better.” Give the reader something to think about. Let them ponder the situation. That best explains the “reaction” process. When writing, think about what the reader might think if you added a certain fact in the argument. How would they react to it? Would their opinion begin to shift without you showing any bias? That is what you are looking for in this part of the dialectic essay. The reaction will then set up the final paragraph and bring it all together.

Conclusion

As stated before, this is where you bring it all together. For the final paragraph, you are bringing it all back to the thesis statement from the introduction. You could also develop a new thesis. But for the most part you should stick to the original.  If anything you can modify your thesis but not change the entire feeling of the dialectic essay.

If you follow these guidelines, you will have written a successful dialectic essay. Remember to stick to the point. Always stay on topic with your thesis. Most importantly, remain unbiased toward the topic. It is easy to get sidetrack during a debate and wander away from you thesis. Just remember it an essay and not a decision you are making for yourself.