A second strategy is to focus on some other relevant aspect of the realism vs. empiricism debate. As Ken Starr says, the devil is in the details. Back up your thesis and arguments with specific details. A concrete example is sometimes worth 1000 other words. Obey the guidelines of good writing as learned in your Freshman writing courses.
Sloppy writing shows sloppy thinking.
Understanding of the relevant material The rigor and strength of your arguments Ability to do your own thinking and develop your own perspective.