How to Write Strong Counterarguments скачать в хорошем качестве

How to Write Strong Counterarguments

Here is a lesson and activity I use with students to teach them the habit of arguing with oneself to generate nuanced counterarguments. Too many writers--when they argue--present a one-sided slam dunk of an essay. They believe the more dominant their position, the more persuasive they will be. One way to build credibility as a writer, however, is by creating tension in your essays--an ideological tug of war that demonstrates a nuanced thinker. Only the most disciplined minds, in fact, can inject persuasive counterarguments into their writing. It is the ideological hacks, those obsessed with being right and promoting their agenda--who--when given the chance to counter argue--flounder. They mistake their inability to countargue not as a personal flaw, but as a weakness of their opponent’s position. To combat this ideological arrogance and become a stronger thinker, you must wrestle with ideas--uncomfortable ideas, strange ideas, dangerous ideas, opposing ideas. John Stuart Mill said “He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. His reasons may be good, and no one may have been able to refute them. But if he is equally unable to refute the reasons on the opposite side, if he does not so much as know what they are, he has no ground for preferring either opinion. To write sophisticated essays that reflect a person constantly juggling ideas in pursuit of truth, you must get into the habit of representing opposing ideas fairly. If you present a viewpoint too simply or misrepresent it--thus creating a straw man argument, you will lose your reader’s trust. However, If you steelman opposing arguments--thus attempt to present them honestly, and in the best way possible, you will build credibility as being open-minded and objective. Here is a task To improve your ability to counter argue and, thus, demonstrate the mind of a nuanced thinker. Come up with one debate topic that you strongly believe in--something, perhaps, that gets you animated and riled up. Then, Write a thesis statement arguing your point on that topic. After that—fairly and elaborately--write a counter argument paragraph that refutes your claim. For example: If you are passionate about being pro-choice when it comes to abortion, write a thesis statement that encapsulates why you believe in a woman’s right to choose. Then, deliberately and methodically, “turn against yourself” and try your best to discredit your argument. You should Research opposing views and see if you can find flaws in your position, or find evidence you never pondered. Attack your own position as if you were attacking an opponent you disagreed with. The purpose of this activity is build the habit of critical thinking, and not just confirming ingrained beliefs. When you finish your counterargument paragraph, be prepared to share these two things with the class. What did you learn from this activity How can “arguing with oneself” strengthen your essays and arguments in the future. 👉👉👉Support me by buying mugs, t-shirts, notebooks and more! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TolentinoTe... 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more for online teaching resources:    / @tolentinoteaching   🎥 WANT TO CREATE VIDEOS LIKE THESE? This is the software I use: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinm... 👨‍💻 LET'S CONNECT Instagram:   / tolentinoteaching   Facebook:   / tolentinoteaching   Twitter:   / tolentinoteach   Facebook ELA Group:   / 241115104094311   My favorite books on writing: The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century by Steven Pinker: https://amzn.to/38m0FWm How to Argue with a Cat by Jay Hendrichs: https://amzn.to/2MWQXCs The Elements of Style Fourth Edition: https://amzn.to/2MZeent On Writing Well by William Zinsser: https://amzn.to/30ouPnJ **Disclaimer: Tolentino Teaching is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and AWIN, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com and http://paidforadvertising.com/