Creating Acceptable Argumentative Essay Topics for Students With Issues Related to Sexual Orientation

Creating Acceptable Argumentative Essay Topics for Students With Issues Related to Sexual OrientationArguing the role of LGBT related argumentative essay topics in the college classroom is a challenge to many teachers. As a newly-minted educator with limited training and experience, it can be difficult to discern which arguments will help your students and which are more likely to detract from the overall learning process.The purpose of a persuasive essay topic is to persuade others to do something you want them to do. If you can make someone think about why he or she should do what you ask of them, they'll be more apt to agree with your request. For example, if you try to make your students agree with your belief that all children need unconditional love, they're more likely to agree with your suggestion if they understand that unconditional love includes kindness, respect, and tolerance.The challenge in choosing arguments to use for argumentative essay topics lies in understanding that students are most receptive to your view. While your general experience and teaching goals should have an influence on your choice of arguments, it's important to be as objective as possible when determining the general demographics of your student body. Students with a more liberal outlook on life, who've grown up learning that sex and gender aren't the same thing, and who come from families where gender is fluid are more likely to accept certain views than students with more conservative upbringing. Additionally, students who have already demonstrated strong social and emotional maturity are generally open to different viewpoints.Such generalized rules are useful, but they don't always work out well for every assignment. One of the most difficult tasks for teachers is figuring out how to approach argumentative essay topics that are based on sensitive subjects such as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning their sexual orientation. Luckily, there are two met hods you can use to combat this difficulty.First, if you're in a situation where it seems most appropriate, try to demonstrate sensitivity by allowing your opinions to be expressed through justifiable discussion rather than the use of strong words or other more prominent point-of-view points. If there's some doubt about your students' position, ask them to make a note of what they believe and how they're feeling. Use their responses in support of your argument when necessary.As a rule, a college classroom is a highly charged environment and it's more prudent to avoid arguments that bring students' feelings to the forefront. That said, when using argumentative essay topics that deal with controversial topics, a better option is to give students enough of a heads up so that they can decide on their own whether they feel comfortable sharing their opinions in a certain discussion.Second, if you're uncomfortable with any topic that might come up in a specific discussion or general social situations, make a note of it ahead of time. After you have concluded that it's okay to explore such topics later, you can then use the written assignment to help people understand why they may feel differently about such topics than you do. After all, anyone who comes to class expecting that you will clearly express your views based on his or her beliefs, beliefs that you share, and values, should be receptive to learning that such beliefs aren't mutually exclusive.As you can see, arguments in argumentative essay topics should present clear and unambiguous viewpoints from which students can draw their own conclusions. By following these tips, you can ensure that your argumentative essay topics are intellectually challenging and can benefit both you and your students.