P.O.W.E.R. Learning - Robert S. Feldman

Try It! Essay - On the Other Hand

The thesis is the stated objective of a piece of writing. Early in the paper, a point of view is expressed, an idea is described, or an argument is outlined. In developing the supporting details, it is best to provide as much factual material as possible, assuming the purpose of the paper is to convince the reader to your point of view. One method of accomplishing this is to provide counterarguments to your perspective and then refute them. This indicates that you have thought about alternatives enough to consider them and then dismiss them, thus giving your argument more credibility.

Practice developing counterarguments by trying the following exercise.

1. Read the four stated arguments below
2. After each argument, list two or three counterarguments
3. Use your favorite search engine to find material on the Web that will provide information to refute the counterarguments. Try http://www.google.com for a quick and easy search.
4. Refute the counterarguments in a short paragraph or two in the box provided.

Argument #1: Municipal bylaws should not prohibit road hockey and other street sports.

Counterarguments:

a.
b.
c.

Refutation of the counterarguments:

Argument #2: The North West Territories should not change its name.

Counterarguments:

a.
b.
c.

Refutation of the counterarguments:

Argument #3: The CRTC ought to allow World Television a spot on analogue cable.

Counterarguments:

a.
b.
c.

Refutation of the counterarguments:

Argument #4: Canada needs more, not fewer immigrants.

Counterarguments:

a.
b.
c.

Refutation of the counterarguments:

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