Including a Counter Argument

Including a Counter Argument

Why Should you Include a Counter Argument?

On top of using evidence to support your claim, including the counter argument could help boost your claim even further.

By including the Counter You're..

• Identifying the counter claim

• Discussing why the counter claim is weak or unfinished

• Simultaneously giving examples as to why the counter claim is wrong and you're claim is correct

You wouldn't do it during a Face-to-Face Discussion..

So don't belittle the counter claim, we all have opinions even if they are different from our own. DO NOT say things like "The opposing side is wrong". Instead say "The opposing side says XYZ, however it's quite the opposite." and state your evidence accordingly.

When Writing your Essay

Make sure that when you include the counter argument, you're making sure you're not going a "Compare and Contrast" route. You always need to bring it back to YOUR side of the argument. Do not make it seem like you are arguing both side.

Bad Essay Example (BODY PARAGRAPH)

See if you can find where this writer went wrong.

Why a block school system would be good for students

Students would benefit from a block school system l because they have less to do in one day. They wouldn't have to worry about getting homework in all in one day and even have more time to socialize with friends. I think a block system will help structure not only student time, but the teacher time as well. The opposing argument is wrong for saying it would confuse students.

Good Essay Example (BODY PARAGRAPH)

Why a block school system would be good for students

Students would benefit from block systems in school because students would have less classes per day, but more time per class. Having been a student in a school with a block system, I had 4 classes per day and 90 minutes per class. This system gave me, not only the 6 required courses, Science, English, etc, but also 2 elective courses. During these classes, my teachers had 45 minutes to give their lessons for the day and 45 minutes to allow students to work on homework for the rest of the period. The opposing side says that a block system would only confuse students on their classes for the day, however its quite the opposite. Having only 4 classes per day allows students freedom from anxiety from all of the lessons they would be learning, as well as the mass amounts of homework given in a normal 7 class per day school system.