A counterargument is simply a perspective that refutes your main argument for those of you unfamiliar with the term. Basically, if you’re arguing that technology does more good than damage, the counterargument is the fact that technology does more harm than good.
Like to point out: first, I cannot stress how important transitions are in writing effective counterarguments before we look at an example, there are a couple of things i’d. Without them, your audience could have no chance of after your train of idea and certainly will find it too difficult – or even impossible – to differentiate between which a few ideas you accept and which tips you disagree with.
Another key factor of great counterarguments could be the concession – that is, the acknowledgement that some components of the opposing argument are valid. This is basically the many unknown element of counterarguments for most students – is not your whole point of a counterargument to “disprove” the argument that is opposing?
Fundamentally, yes, the aim is to show why your argument wins down. Having said that, the purpose of the concession is always to illustrate that you’ve seriously considered a concern very carefully, in a nuanced means instead compared to simple black/white, good/bad terms. When presented demonstrably, this kind of consideration really strengthens your argument.
You should use this template that is general produce a counterargument:
According to Perspective x, _______________________. using one hand,
-it holds true that _______________________.
-this claim has some merit because _______________________.
-the declare that _______________________ has some credibility.
On the other side hand,
-this viewpoint does not give consideration to that _______________________.
-this claim overlooks the custom-writing.org truth that _______________________.
Let’s observe how this could play call at a test paragraph that runs on the individual instance (yes, those are nevertheless fine). It does not utilize the template exactly, however it’s pretty close.
Once again, we’re planning to make use of the sample prompt released because of the ACT. For the true purpose of this workout, we’re just likely to glance at one of several views; wanting to make use of significantly more than that might be too confusing. In fact, you need to generally avoid integrating a lot more than one outside perspective per paragraph, until you are a stellar journalist who’s currently more comfortable with this particular back-and-forth.
(Abridged) prompt: Automation is typically considered to be a indication of progress, exactly what is lost whenever we exchange people with devices? Offered the variety that is accelerating presence of smart machines, it really is well worth examining the implications and definitions of the existence inside our everyday lives.
Attitude 1: that which we lose with all the replacement of men and women with devices is some section of our mankind. Also our mundane encounters no longer require from us respect, courtesy, and threshold for other individuals.
Thesis: Technology should always be viewed as a force once and for all as it produces brand new possibilities for folks in addition to a far more society that is prosperous.
1) Topic sentence: introduce your argument (1 phrase)
Within the last few years, brand brand new kinds of technology have actually produced methods for individuals keep in touch with one another more easily and quickly than previously.
2) Elaborate on your own argument, and supply an example that is specific sentences)
From Skype to iphones apps to Twitter, technology erases boundaries, enabling us to keep in touch with individuals halfway around the globe as though they certainly were when you look at the room that is next. We have really benefitted extremely from the technologies: my loved ones immigrated into the usa from Asia once I ended up being 6 yrs old, and within the last ten years, collecting all over computer to speak to my grand-parents and my aunt in Beijing happens to be a regular ritual. Although I am sorry that people not live across the street in their mind, even as we did once I ended up being little, i will be nonetheless grateful in order to see their faces and have them updated in the information on my everyday life – a thing that will be impossible without “smart” machines.
3) Introduce outside perspective: 1-2 sentences
Perhaps not every person is really so thinking about the consequences of the latest technologies, but. Attitude 1 provides a complaint that is typical specifically that the replacement of individuals with devices “causes us to get rid of some section of our mankind.”
4) Acknowledge that the viewpoint is not completely wrong, and explain why (2-3 sentences)
This complaint does have some merit on one hand. Walking across the street or sitting in the subway, i’m frequently struck by the number that is sheer of staring glassy-eyed in their phones. They generally are incredibly busy texting which they almost bump into other people, showing an obvious not enough courtesy and threshold (notice exactly just how this statement weaves the viewpoint naturally to the writer’s argument) .
5) change back once again to your argument and reaffirm it sentences that are(3-4
Having said that, however, some great benefits of technology far outweigh a periodic unpleasant sidewalk encounter – at minimum from my perspeective. As opposed to separate me through the globe (notice just exactly exactly how this declaration indirectly refutes the counterargument) , “smart” technology has offered mainly to facilitate my relationships with other people, never to change them.
Just how to compose the brand new ACT essay, pt. 2: launching and discussing supporting viewpoints
After supplying a synopsis for the brand new ACT essay plus some feasible methods to it within my past post , i wish to now talk about one that is particular extremely important – skill taking part in writing it: integrating other perspectives to your very own argument for help.
You probably have some experience integrating the ideas of people you agree with into your writing if you’ve ever written a research paper. (of course you have actuallyn’t, you’ll get an introduction to doing so in this post.) Having said that, we realize that most schools that are high maybe maybe not clearly show pupils to weave supporting quotations, some ideas, etc. fluidly within their writing. The quotes are there any, but they’re often integrated awkwardly to the bigger argument.
Often, students assume because they seem so self-explanatory that they do not really need to spend time introducing or explaining their quotes. They’re there to aid the argument, and in the event that argument is clear, then your point of this quote is obvious…right? Well, not necessarily.
The difficulty is the fact that writing that is analytical a whole lot more explanation than may appear necessary. In most cases, individuals come up with subjects with that they are familiar. Because they understand lots of about their subjects, they are usually unacquainted with the gaps in other people’s understanding. As a total outcome, it merely will not happen to them just how explicit they must be, plus they wind up unintentionally making away information that is essential to understanding their way of thinking.
Whenever you explain a concept – any concept – in writing, you have to bring your audience because of the hand, as we say, and lead them through each step of the process of one’s thinking procedure so they aren’t getting lost. Presenting other people’s terms or a few ideas in a way which makes clear the connection in the middle of your argument and theirs is just a part that is key of procedure. Otherwise, it is as you’ve missed ahead a steps that are few making your reader to prevent and decide to try come up with the pieces. If there’s one thing you don’t might like to do to your audience, it make your ideas’s difficult to follow. That is true of college, the ACT, and just about every other writing you might do for the following sixty or seventy years.
Again, we’re planning to assist the sample prompt released because of the ACT.
(Abridged) prompt: Automation is generally speaking considered to be a indication of progress, exactly what is lost once we exchange people with devices? Provided the accelerating variety and existence of smart devices, it really is well well worth examining the implications and definitions of these existence inside our everyday lives.
Attitude 1: that which we lose aided by the replacement of individuals with devices is some right element of our mankind. Also our mundane encounters no longer require from us respect, courtesy, and threshold for any other individuals.
Perspective 2: devices are great at low ability, repeated, jobs, and also at high rate, incredibly exact jobs. Both in instances, they have been a lot better than humans. This efficiency results in a far more successful and world that is progressive everyone else.
Perspective 3: smart devices challenge our longstanding concept of just what people are and that can be. This will be good as it pushes people and devices toward brand brand brand new opportunities.
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