As a copy editor, one of the most important skills you can have is the ability to identify points of agreement and disagreement. Whether you’re editing an article, a blog post, or a piece of marketing material, understanding the various points of view involved is essential to creating effective copy that resonates with your audience.

One of the first things you should do when editing any piece of content is to look for areas of agreement and disagreement. This means identifying the main arguments that are being put forward and determining where the author and their sources agree or disagree.

To do this, start by reading through the entire piece of content to get a sense of the overall arguments being made. Take note of any statements that seem to support a particular point of view and any that seem to contradict it.

Once you have a clear understanding of the different arguments being made, you can start to focus on identifying areas of agreement and disagreement. One effective way to do this is to create a chart or diagram that outlines the main arguments being made, along with the evidence and sources that support each argument.

For example, if you’re editing an article about climate change, you might create a chart that outlines the different arguments being made by scientists, policymakers, and activists. You might also include supporting evidence, such as temperature data, scientific studies, and testimonials from people affected by climate change.

Once you have this information organized, you can start to look for areas of agreement and disagreement. This might involve highlighting statements that seem to support multiple points of view or identifying statements that seem to contradict each other.

As you work through the content, remember that identifying points of agreement and disagreement is not just about finding errors or inconsistencies. It’s also about understanding the context and perspectives involved in the topic being discussed.

For example, if you’re editing an article about politics, you might need to consider the different political ideologies involved and how they shape the arguments being made. Understanding these perspectives can help you create copy that is sensitive to the different viewpoints involved and that speaks to the needs and concerns of your audience.

In conclusion, identifying points of agreement and disagreement is an essential skill for any copy editor working in SEO. By understanding the different arguments being made and the evidence that supports them, you can create effective copy that resonates with your audience and helps them make informed decisions.