How to Write an Objective Essay

Objectivity in essay writing is important in order for the writer to clearly state both sides of an argument without displaying a bias toward one side or the other. When students are given essay titles to complete, not all titles call for objectivity, but the main question will always point to a pro-and-con situation. Personal opinions in essays are not usually accepted unless they are written with objectivity and backed up by references and proof.

Step 1

Begin your essay with an introductory paragraph that presents the purpose of the essay. If there is a hypothesis involved, state how you intend to prove or disprove the hypothesis and broadly explain how you intend to do so. Details at this point are not necessary, as they will be covered in the main body of your essay.

Step 2

State one side of the argument and report the evidence and findings that support the statement you are making. Leave out how you personally feel about the issue but do bring in supporting evidence that you find compelling. Remain objective when you compose an essay by keeping your arguments balanced in support or for rebuttal of the hypothesis.

Step 3

Read back over the essay as you write and remain focused on your objectivity. To be objective is the opposite of being subjective. Being objective is being able to remove yourself from the personal emotions and thoughts you may have about the subject, while being able to examine fairly and critique both sides of the argument you are discussing.

Step 4

State the opposing argument in your next paragraph or chapter. Use words and phrases that express the change of direction within the essay, such as “however,” “although” and “on the other hand.” Include comments that contrast the preceding paragraphs. For example, you may be writing about Freud, and your contrasting statement would include something like “While Freud argued that ... Jung disagreed with this by stating ...” Your goal in the rebuttal argument is to compel readers to see both sides and draw their own conclusions.

Step 5

Conclude your essay by summing up the arguments both for and against the position. Again, remaining objective means reiterating your argument in a simplified form to remind readers what they have heard and, hopefully, learned from your statements. Your aim is to gear the readers up for a short evaluation of the topic of discussion. State the facts you have laid out and remind the readers of your own objectivity by using an equal number of references and arguments from both sides. If your essay requires you to conclude with an opinion, then you should compose and add one. If the essay simply requests an argumentative approach, then lay out the two sides and state the conclusion as the recap of the elements of the essay.