How To Write an Essay

1. How To Write an Essay A Lesson in Proper Arguments

2. Why is this presentation at Skepticamp? • Skepticism is about the process of thinking • Skeptics need to present proper arguments • Essay – A formalized piece of writing that presents and defends an argument • Being able to write an essay = being able to argue and understand the flaws in another’s argument

3. Parts of an Essay • Introduction • Gives definitions • Presents thesis • Body • Presents arguments that prove thesis • Conclusion • Restates thesis

4. Introduction – That Thing at the Beginning • Starts with the Hook • Defines terms, gives context • The Thesis

5. The Thesis • Most important part of your essay • What you’re trying to prove • Your essay boiled down to a sentence • Must be clear and precise • SAMPLE: “Although they may begin with the best intentions, due to their ignorance and ultimate refusal to understand the science surrounding autism, anti-vaccinationists wind up causing more harm than any good they could hope to accomplish.”

6. Body – Proof That You’re Right • Each paragraph follows similar shape of whole essay • Each paragraph MUST BE DISTINCT • Don’t reference thesis, but show evidence that backs it

7. Body Outline for Sample Essay • Anti-Vaccinationists get science wrong • Don’t understand dose responses • Don’t understand difference between ethyl and methyl mercury • Reject studies that disprove vaccine-autism hypothesis • Fear of vaccination injures society • People forget diseases are dangerous • Return of HiB • Return of Measels • Lingering polio in 3rd world • Distract from researching actual causes of autism • Absorbs research funding into funding studies that prove vaccines are safe • Creates cottage industry of autism “cures” that actually hurt kids, for example, chelation therapy

8. Conclusion – Sum it Up • Reverse order from introduction • Restate thesis w/ summation of evidence • As you can see, the denial of science by anti-vaccinationists keeps them from understanding the root causes of autism, keeps scientists from being able to properly deal with the actual causes of autism, and in fact allows their children to come to harm, thanks to reliance on bad therapies. • Finally, take it home. • Call to action (I hope you will help me in stopping anti-vaccinationists so that we can better help people with autism and keep ourselves from getting measles) • Further questions (We are left to wonder, if it is not science fueling the anti-vaccine movement, what is?) • Leave them something to think about further

9. How can you use this information? • Normally, I say to outline here, HOWEVER, this is Skepticamp so… • You can write • What’s more important though: • Deconstruct someone else’s argument • What is their thesis? • Is that thesis defended? • How is it defended? • What can you say about their evidence? • Responsibility of skeptics is to be in the world • Go out and argue