Becoming a college writer: Consider counterarguments

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Consider counterarguments

“Understand the argument you want to make, but also figure out why readers might disagree with your position. At the heart of a good argument is disagreement.”

Geily Gonzalez, student, Miami Dade College

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Many college writing assignments invite you to take a position in a debate. It isn’t enough simply to offer your opinion and assume readers won’t have their own. You want to approach arguments, those you read and write, with an open mind—one that sees “disagreement” as useful.

Reasonable people disagree on topics worth debating. Becoming a college writer requires that you take time to reflect on the disagreements in debates that you enter—to think through your own point of view and other points of view.

You might worry that if you include counter-arguments in your writing, you will contradict yourself. In fact, you will show your understanding of the complexity of the debate and the importance of fairness.

  • We are surrounded by disagreements—those that we can follow in the media and those that we follow or engage in personally. Reflect on this question: Why is fairness important in arguing a position?
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