Academic Reading, Writing, and Speaking

Anticipating objections and countering opposing arguments

A-64

Readers who already agree with you need no convincing, but skeptical readers may resist your arguments. To be willing to give up a position that seems reasonable, readers need to see that another position is even more reasonable. In addition to presenting your own case, therefore, you should acknowledge the opposing arguments and attempt to counter them.

You will enhance your credibility if you explain the arguments of others accurately and fairly.

You can address opposing views in various ways:

Summarize the opposing position early in your essay.
After stating your thesis but before developing your own arguments, include a paragraph that explains and refutes the most important counterargument.
Anticipate objections paragraph by paragraph as you develop your case.
When a counterargument has merit, acknowledge its value. Doing so shows that you are a reasonable and well-informed writer who has a thorough understanding of the significance of the issue.

Wherever you address opposing points of view, explain the arguments of others accurately and fairly.

Anticipating and countering opposing arguments