What are the main writing difficulties students have?
Summary: • Trying to write it like an “issues” essay, with an argument between two sides • Simplification of the issues • Problems with conclusions • Definitive statements Students tend to think that an argument involves only two sides; however this is a simplification. By exposing students to a diversity of views, we are trying to give them the ability to complicate their thinking rather than simplify their thinking. It is very tempting to slap on a label and try to explain our world in the simplest possible way – a way that just fits our particular predispositions and prejudices anyway. In Sociology, however, we need to look more objectively and in a culturally relative way at phenomena. Examining a range of theorists enables students to look at a social institution in more complex ways. There are never only two sides, but rather a multiplicity of positions. We’re not looking so much for you to make a definite or finalising conclusion. Rather we’re trying to get students to ask quest
