Opposing Viewpoint

Why address opposing viewpoints?

• Shows understanding and respect
• Makes your writing credible
• Makes readers more likely to adopt your position
How should an opposing viewpoint be
presented?
• - Fairly
• - Objectively
• - Don't distort the other side's position
How do I introduce an opposing viewpoint?
• - Make it clear that you are addressing someone else's argument
• - Question example: But is it true that euthanasia is unacceptable in
all cases?
• - Author example: On the other hand, Fund argues that..
Transitioning from Introducing the Opposing
Viewpoint to Refuting It
• - Transitions
• Example 1: It might seem as if taxes are too high, but in reality,
Americans pay less income tax than others in most industrial nations.
• Example 2: While Auerbach's claim seems plausible and is backed by
a lot of evidence, his definition of the issue is inconsistent and
unsupportable.
• Example 3: Some argue that torture provides interrogators with
valuable information to prevent terrorist attacks. Research shows,
however, that most information gain through torturing suspects is
unreliable or outdated.
How do I organize the opposition paragraphs?
• - Opposing viewpoint
• - Your argument
• - Your rebuttal
Where should I put opposing viewpoints?

• - In your introduction before your thesis

• - The paragraph after your introduction
• - In body paragraphs
• - Right before your conclusion