How do you choose a compelling topic for a conflict essay?

A conflict essay is a type of academic writing that explores the causes, effects, and solutions of a social, political, or personal problem. Conflict essays can be challenging to write, as they require you to analyze multiple perspectives, present evidence, and propose solutions. In this article, you will learn how to choose a compelling topic, structure your essay, and write a clear and convincing argument.

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1 Choose a topic

When writing a conflict essay, the first step is to select a topic that is interesting and has enough scope for analysis. You can draw inspiration from current events, history, literature, or your own experience. For example, you could explore the impact of social media on political polarization, the causes and consequences of the Syrian civil war, the ethical dilemmas of euthanasia, the effects of bullying on mental health, or the role of religion in gender equality. When choosing a topic, ensure it is relevant, debatable, and manageable. Avoid topics that are too broad, too narrow, or too obvious.

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2 Research your topic

Once you have chosen a topic, you need to research it thoroughly and gather relevant information from credible sources. You can use books, journals, newspapers, websites, or podcasts to find facts, statistics, opinions, and examples that support your argument. You should also consider the opposing views and counterarguments, and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. As you research, take notes, organize your sources, and cite them properly.

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3 Outline your essay

Before you start writing, it is important to outline your essay and plan its structure. A typical conflict essay typically consists of four main parts: introduction, body, thesis, and conclusion. The introduction is where you introduce your topic, provide some background information, and state your main argument or thesis statement. You should also use a catchy opening sentence, such as a question, a quote, or a statistic, to hook your reader's attention. The body is where you develop your argument and present your evidence. It should be divided into paragraphs, each with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a transition sentence. Additionally, you should address the opposing views and refute them with your own evidence. The thesis is where you restate your main argument and summarize your main points. You should also explain the significance of your argument and its implications for the topic or the broader context. Finally, the conclusion is where you wrap up your essay and leave a lasting impression on your reader. You should not introduce any new information or arguments, but rather restate your thesis, synthesize your main points, and provide a call to action or a suggestion for further research.

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Melody Mann, M.S., M.A.

Graduate Research Assistant at University of Maryland, College Park
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There are many outlining strategies that exist. You could create a mind map, table, charts, ven diagrams, and idea dumps. Find a method that meets your learning needs. The objective of outlining is providing a skeleton that you can then pilot your essay off of. In essays related to conflicts, be sure to take notes on all aspects of your argument so you can best convey this in your outline and further in your paper.

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4 Write your essay

Now that you have an outline, you can start writing your essay. You should follow the guidelines of your instructor or your chosen citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. You should also use clear and concise language, avoid grammatical and spelling errors, and use transitions and connectors to create a logical flow. As you write, keep your audience and purpose in mind, and try to persuade your reader with your argument.

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Melody Mann, M.S., M.A.

Graduate Research Assistant at University of Maryland, College Park
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When writing your essay, ensure that your argument is clear to the reader. Present all facets of the argument in your essay so your reader can see you thoroughly researched the conflict of interest. Presenting counter arguments within your essay builds the credibility for your stance because it provides the writer an opportunity to refute the opposition and their claims.

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5 Revise your essay

The final step to writing a conflict essay is to revise your essay and improve its quality. You should read your essay aloud, check for clarity, coherence, and consistency, and make any necessary changes. You should also ask for feedback from your peers, your instructor, or a professional editor, and incorporate their suggestions. You should also proofread your essay and eliminate any errors or plagiarism.

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Melody Mann, M.S., M.A.

Graduate Research Assistant at University of Maryland, College Park
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When you receive the feedback, don't be discouraged! It is natural to go through multiple rounds of edits before submitting your final paper. Use the comments and suggestions you get back to then restructure your argumentative essay. Keep writing, you're almost there!

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Dacia Lene' Cunningham MFA

Assistant Professor of English at Tulsa Community College
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Participate in Peer Review. This is an essential step to a well-written paper. We are often blind to our own mistakes, and another set of eyes on our work is thoroughly beneficial. More than one additional set is definitely of further benefit. In my classes, students are placed into peer review groups of 4 to 5 people. They spend time reading through and critiquing one another's work, and then we spend 10-15 minutes in discussion on each paper in those groups. I tell them peer review is a team sport. I am the coach, and they are the players. Peer review is the huddle. They're all quarterbacks, and critique is the football. It is possible for every player to make a touchdown ... if they work together. We need each other in peer review.

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How do you choose a compelling topic for a conflict essay?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Choose a topic

2 Research your topic

3 Outline your essay

4 Write your essay

5 Revise your essay

Writing

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How do you choose a compelling topic for a conflict essay?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Choose a topic

2 Research your topic

3 Outline your essay

4 Write your essay

5 Revise your essay

Writing

Rate this article

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