randycouper's Blog
: February 2025
How to Create a Balanced Argument
POSTED ON 02/19/25

Creating a balanced argument in your dissertation is key to presenting your research in a clear, objective and persuasive way. A balanced argument shows critical thinking and the ability to look at multiple perspectives which is key in academic writing. Here are the steps to develop a well balanced argument in your dissertation:

1. Know the Scope of Your Topic
  • What’s Your Thesis Statement: Your thesis should be the main argument of your dissertation. Make sure it’s clear and focused, this will be the foundation of the whole dissertation. A balanced argument starts with a strong clear thesis.

  • Narrow Your Topic: A balanced argument is based on a specific well researched topic. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a broad topic. Instead focus on a particular aspect of the issue that can be dug into and looked at from multiple angles.

2. Do Your Research
  • Use Relevant Sources: Use a variety of sources, academic journals, books, reputable databases. Include both primary and secondary sources to give a comprehensive view of your topic.

  • Get Multiple Perspectives: A balanced argument has multiple viewpoints. Don’t just use sources that agree with your thesis—actively seek sources that disagree or have opposing views. This will help you present a well rounded argument that acknowledges complexities and nuances.

3. Present Both Sides of the Argument
  • Acknowledge Counterarguments: In your dissertation you need to acknowledge counterarguments or conflicting theories. A balanced argument doesn’t just push one perspective; it also engages with opposing views. Present these counterarguments fairly, explain why they exist and critically assess their relevance to your research.

  • Refute or Support: After presenting opposing views refute or support them with your own findings and analysis. If you disagree with a counterargument explain why with evidence. If you agree with parts of it show how it fits into the broader context of your argument.

4. Use Your Evidence Well
  • Support Your Points: Every point you make should be backed up by evidence. This could be statistics, case studies, examples or expert opinions. Make sure the evidence you use is relevant and strong enough to support the point you’re making.

  • Use Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence: Depending on your field of study try to use both qualitative (deive) and quantitative (numerical) evidence to make your argument more robust. This will add depth to your dissertation and make your argument more persuasive.

  • Weight of Evidence: Not all evidence is equal. In a balanced argument you should weight the strength and credibility of your sources. Make sure you stress the most reliable and relevant evidence and acknowledge the weaknesses in the less reliable sources.

5. Structure Your Argument Well
  • Organize Ideas Clearly: Organize your dissertation into clear sections, each one building on the last. Start with your introduction which should state the topic and thesis, then literature review, methodology and results. Make sure each chapter or section contributes to your argument logically.

  • Use Headings and Subheadings: This will help the reader follow your argument and see how each section flows into the next. A well structured dissertation allows you to present a balanced argument.

6. Revisit and Revise
  • Review Your Argument: Once you’ve written your dissertation take time to review your argument. Is it balanced? Have you represented all sides of the issue? Have you supported your thesis with enough solid evidence? Revising is important to ensure your argument is well structured and compelling.

  • Get Feedback: If possible share your dissertation with peers, mentors or advisors. Also, you can ask for help on dissertation writing service. They can give you valuable feedback on the balance of your argument and point out where you might be biased or where more counterarguments would strengthen your paper.

7. Conclude Strongly
  • Summarize Your Argument: In your conclusion summarize the main points of your dissertation and reiterate how they support your thesis. Reflect on the evidence and make sure you emphasize how the different perspectives you’ve presented contribute to your overall argument.

  • Future Research: Admit where you haven’t covered and where more research is needed. This shows you’re open to other views and understand the issue is complex.

By doing this you’ll have a balanced argument in your dissertation that shows your critical thinking, research and ability to engage with different perspectives. It will also make your dissertation stronger and more convincing.