How do you use evidence and sources to support your claims in a conflict essay?

Conflict is a common theme in many types of essays, from personal narratives to argumentative analyses. But how do you write a conflict essay that engages your readers and supports your claims with evidence and sources? In this article, we will show you six steps to write a conflict essay that is clear, convincing, and compelling.

1 Choose a conflict topic

The first step to write a conflict essay is to choose a topic that interests you and has enough complexity and controversy to explore. You can write about a conflict that you have experienced or witnessed, a conflict that affects a group or a community, or a conflict that relates to a broader issue or debate. For example, you could write about a conflict between your parents, a conflict between two rival sports teams, or a conflict between animal rights and medical research.

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Anne Frances Castro

Senior Technical Writer and Documentation Specialist
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I disagree that animal testing is unnecessary when it comes to important medical research that may save lives. However, I believe that the animals must be treated ethically to minimize their suffering. Until there are viable technological alternatives, I think we're stuck with animal testing.

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Elizabeth Zender

Exceptional Writer & Communicator | Education Specialist | Dedicated to Driving Client Satisfaction & Success
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Typically, I also suggest that my students pick something that they're interested in or a topic that there is enough evidence for or against. Writing about a conflict between your parents would be more difficult, as likely there isn't going to be a ton of researched information for you to use to argue that point. However, it could be a good jumping off point for a student. If the argument was about curfews, they could argue for or against mandatory curfews.

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2 Research the conflict

The second step to write a conflict essay is to research the conflict and gather relevant information and sources. You need to understand the background, causes, effects, and perspectives of the conflict, as well as the current state and possible solutions. You can use different types of sources, such as books, articles, reports, interviews, surveys, or documentaries, to support your claims and arguments. Make sure to evaluate the credibility, accuracy, and bias of your sources, and cite them properly according to the required format.

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Theron Sturgess

Writer, Teacher, Content Marketing Specialist, Copywriter
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Try using A.R.P. : Audience, Reason, Passion A - Audience. Who is your audience. How do they view this conflict? Is there a great division in your audience or do the land on one side or another? R - Reason. Present multiple points of view. Frame the opposing argument as strongly as possible. Use reason, logic, evidence, and analysis to point out blind spots, cognitive biases, and contradictions of that position. P- Passion. Understand the feelings and the the way an audience might respond emotionally to your position. Using story creates an emotional bond with your audience and can be more impactful than a truckload of statistics or well researched facts.

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3 Develop a thesis statement

The third step to write a conflict essay is to develop a thesis statement that expresses your main point or argument about the conflict. Your thesis statement should be concise, specific, and debatable, and it should answer the question or prompt that you are addressing. For example, your thesis statement could be: "Animal testing is unethical and unnecessary, and it should be replaced by alternative methods that are more humane and effective."

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Elizabeth Zender

Exceptional Writer & Communicator | Education Specialist | Dedicated to Driving Client Satisfaction & Success
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Your thesis statement should include a Plan of Coherence, or a blueprint, as it is sometimes called. These would be the three supporting details that back up your opinion or point of view. You need to be able to state what you believe AND the things that are going to make other people believe you.

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Dacia Lene' Cunningham MFA

Assistant Professor of English at Tulsa Community College
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For my Comp I students, I tell them to use the Thesis Equation for their beginning Thesis: Opinion + Because + 3 Maint Points = Thesis Statement. This takes the stress away. In the editing process (which naturally comes AFTER writing the full rough draft), the Thesis can be tweaked from its basic structure. This seems to alleviate student anxiety regarding writing a thesis statement. I do push them to be opinionated. We have to pass that "So What?" test.

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4 Outline your essay structure

The fourth step to write a conflict essay is to outline your essay structure and organize your ideas and evidence. Depending on the type and purpose of your essay, you may use different structures, such as chronological, compare and contrast, problem and solution, or cause and effect. However, a common structure for a conflict essay is to have an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In your introduction, you should introduce your topic, provide some background information, and state your thesis statement. In your body paragraphs, you should develop your arguments, provide evidence and sources, and address counterarguments or opposing views. In your conclusion, you should restate your thesis statement, summarize your main points, and provide some implications or recommendations.

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5 Write your essay draft

The fifth step to write a conflict essay is to write your essay draft based on your outline and thesis statement. You should use clear and coherent language, transitions, and topic sentences to connect your ideas and paragraphs. You should also use appropriate tone, style, and voice for your audience and purpose. You should avoid plagiarism, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and use quotations, paraphrases, and summaries correctly. You should also follow the word count, format, and citation guidelines that your instructor or assignment requires.

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6 Revise and edit your essay

The sixth and final step to write a conflict essay is to revise and edit your essay to improve its content, organization, and expression. You should read your essay aloud, check for clarity, coherence, and flow, and make sure that your essay answers the question or prompt and supports your thesis statement. You should also ask for feedback from your peers, tutors, or instructors, and incorporate their suggestions and corrections. You should also proofread your essay carefully, and use tools such as spell checkers, grammar checkers, or plagiarism checkers to polish your essay and avoid mistakes.

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Dacia Lene' Cunningham MFA

Assistant Professor of English at Tulsa Community College
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This is the most important part, and it is the part that the majority of students skip. In my Comp classes, we spend an entire week of lectures talking about editing, how to edit, what tools to use, and why it is necessary. In this week of class, I like to remind them that it will not be classmates who write recommendation letters for them in the future, but their professors ... hence, the need to turn in accurate and well-edited essays. Professionalism and attention to detail are necessary for their futures, I tell them. Start now. Here. With this assignment. Edit your work. We also have a strong focus on Peer Review in the courses.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you use evidence and sources to support your claims in a conflict essay?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose a conflict topic

2 Research the conflict

3 Develop a thesis statement

4 Outline your essay structure

5 Write your essay draft

6 Revise and edit your essay

7 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

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How do you use evidence and sources to support your claims in a conflict essay?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose a conflict topic

2 Research the conflict

3 Develop a thesis statement

4 Outline your essay structure

5 Write your essay draft

6 Revise and edit your essay

7 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

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