Originally Posted by Buddha

An essay is not merely expansion. You can go against the topic. Even going for the topic requires strong and convincing argumentation. There isn't such criteria that going for the topic will be easier and fetch more marks than going against the topic. In every essay you have to define keywords according to your own perception because the keywords given are often vague.

Originally Posted by The Shah Ends

One of my dictionaries defines fighting as:
<--- Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English --->
fighting
n [uncountable] when people or groups fight each other in a war, in the street etc
fighting between
--- heavy fighting between government and rebel forces
--- Fighting broke out in the crowds.
Now, what I mean to say is: You can take the topic in either way, against the topic or in favour of the topic. But, if your stance is against the topic then your argumentation should be very strong to convince the examiner that ''Great nations win by fighting/struggling''. Moreover, for perception in either way, you must throw some light in the very start that how do you perceive the topic. Like, you should define the topic, the keywords I mean, according to your own perception. This thing will make your essay confusion-free even for the common man who would read your essay. Consequently, making things simple an easy and hitting the target(Topic of essay) result in getting good marks.
Anyone can differ in opinion.

Originally Posted by The Shah Ends

Yes, you're right, it's not that easy to convince them even if someone perceives the topic in favour of it. And, defining the key points is really necessary in the start, that's what I put emphasis on. However, some of the outlines do not give an idea about the writer's perception of the topic in the start. So, it may prove fatal for them. Allah na karay.
I wish good luck to everyone.

Originally Posted by micho

@ The Shah Ends
any comments about this?
(1) Introduction/Thesis Statement
(2) What is a Great Nation? Any examples?
-on Political grounds
-on Economic grounds
-on Military grounds
-on administration/good governance
-Leadership
(3) What is meant by winning?
(4) what is meant by fighting?

Originally Posted by Roshnain Swati

I dont think we must narrow down our options when we define FIGHTING or write about it. Essay is all about how one perceives the meaning of the term and how he/she defines it. You fight in a war [bloodshed] and you fight for the rights of the minorities [peaceful] -- Plus, a great nation fights in several ways with other nations ranging from raising voice against a nation to a full scale war.

Originally Posted by The Shah Ends

Dear brother! I am not in authority to criticize a specific essay on the grounds of my own opinions. However, I am positive about the outlines you mentioned. Simply, clearly mention your perception about the topic in the start, then go forward accordingly.
And for your above post: I am talking about the outlines. The start of your outline should include the headings of your perception of the topic you're going to give in your essay.

Originally Posted by micho

Yes the perception needs to be made clear and should be made clear in introduction/thesis statement, else it won't make any sense. I don't think so that the start of your outline should include the perception. This is the role of thesis statement and the arguments, which will define the course of essay.

Originally Posted by The Shah Ends

You're taking me wrong brother. OK let me make it clear for you. The outlines you mentioned is according to what I am saying again and again. I am not into essay yet, cause no one has posted his/her essay here.
Still you can differ.