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.
• Ask questions. Are there other sides to the issue? Would a reasonable person offer an alternative explanation for the evidence or provide counterevidence?
• 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.
• Introduce and counter objections with phrases like these: “Some readers might point out that . . .” or “Critics of this view argue that. . . . ”
• Revise your thesis, if necessary, to account for other points of view.

Related topics:

Reading

Annotating texts or visuals

Anticipating objections and countering opposing arguments

Building common ground

Countering opposing arguments