The comment: Consider opposing viewpoints
THE COMMENT: Consider opposing viewpoints
SIMILAR COMMENTS: What about the other side? • Counterargument?
understanding the comment When readers suggest that you “consider opposing viewpoints,” the comment often signals that you need to recognize and respond to possible objections to your argument.
strategies for revising
- Read more to learn about the debates surrounding the topic. (See 50a and 50b.)
- Ask questions. Are there other sides to the issue? Would a reasonable person offer an alternative explanation for the evidence or provide counterevidence? (See 6i.)
- Be open-minded. Although it might seem illogical to introduce opposing arguments, you’ll show your knowledge of the topic by recognizing that not everyone draws the same conclusion. (See 6f, 6g, and 53d.)
- Introduce and counter objections with phrases like these: “Some readers might point out that . . . ” or “Critics of this view argue that. . . .” (See 6i.)
- Revise your thesis, if necessary, to account for other points of view.