BYU-Idaho Online Learning
Video Transcript
Addressing Opposing Viewpoints
[One speaker]
[A cartoon of two stags butting heads is shown. Within the stags are slides that the instructor is reading off]
Slide 1:
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What is an opposing viewpoint?
V/O
Speaker: Opposing viewpoints are [Reveal bullet point 1] arguments that do not support your own argument. Your readers will not always share the same side as you do in an argument, so [Reveal bullet point 2] you must consider possible responses to these counter arguments while you are writing. You must research the different sides of the issue you are discussing and consider how you would refute these counter arguments.
Slide 2
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Why address opposing viewpoints?
V/O
Speaker: Why address opposing viewpoints in a persuasive paper? You may think addressing certain arguments may be crippling to your argument, after all, you don't want to plan doubts in your reader's mind, right? But by discussing opposing views in your paper, you show the reader that you [Reveal bullet point 1] understand and respect the opposite point of view, and [Reveal bullet point 2] you establish your credibility as a writer. It shows you understand the whole issue and have already thought though potential challenges to your thesis. Because of this, [Reveal bullet point 3] readers will be more likely to respect and listen to views you discuss in your paper. The University of Purdue's writing lab suggests, [Reveal] "It is important to consider other positions because in most cases, your primary audience will be fence-sitters. Fence-sitters are people who have not decided which side of the argument to support" (OWL.english.Purdue.edu).
Slide 3:
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How should an opposing viewpoint be presented?
V/O
Speaker: An opposing viewpoint should be addressed [Reveal bullet point 1] fairly, and [Reveal bullet point 2] objectively. This shows the reader that you have considered all sides of the argument, and will make it easier to show why you disagree with that viewpoint because you have explained why people may hold this belief. To address an argument fairly and objectively means to [Reveal bullet point 3] avoid using language that distorts the other side's position.
For example, if you're arguing that Global Warming is a myth, it would be inappropriate to suggest those who believe in Global Warming are "left-wing lunatics who hate big corporations." This type of argumentation makes you sound biased and unreliable.
Slide 4
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How do I introduce an opposing viewpoint?
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Speaker: To introduce an opposing viewpoint, you must [Reveal bullet point 1] make it obvious to the reader that you are addressing an argument that is not your own. These are a few examples of clearly showing that the opposing viewpoint is not what the writer is arguing:
In a paper arguing that fast food can be part of a healthy diet, the paragraph that addresses opposing views might begin like this:
[Reveal subpoint 1] It would be easy to believe that fast food cannot be a part of a healthy diet. However,...
[Reveal subpoint 2] It might appear as if most people from Texas want to form their own country.
Other approaches include using a question, like this:
[Reveal bullet point 2] But is it true that euthanasia is unacceptable in all cases?
You could also use the specific name of the author who presents the counter-argument, like this:
[Reveal bullet point 3] On the other hand, Fund argues that...
No matter which method you use, make sure that it is clear to the reader that you do not agree with the counter-argument, while still presenting the argument fairly.
Slide 5
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Transitioning from Introducing the Opposing Viewpoint to Refuting It
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Speaker: In order to transition from introducing the opposing viewpoint to then refuting it, use transitional words that show the reader that the opposing viewpoint is now being answered. This is done through [Reveal bullet point 1] transitional words such as but, yet, etc. For example:
[Reveal subpoint 1] It might seem as if taxes are too high, but in reality, Americans pay less income tax than others in most industrial nations. The phrase "but in reality" makes it clear that the writer is now presenting his or her own argument.
This second example is a little more subtle but still makes the clear transition:
[Reveal subpoint 2] While Auerbach's claim seems plausible and is backed by a lot of evidence, his definition of the issue is inconsistent and unsupportable. By starting with the word "while," the writer indicates that he or she will be arguing against this idea later in the sentence.
[Reveal subpoint 3] In the following sentence, "however" serves as the transition back into the author's argument. 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.
Slide 6
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How do I organize the opposition paragraphs?
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Speaker: Understanding, now, how to use opposing viewpoints, you may ask, "How do I organize the paragraph dealing with opposing points?" When you present an opposing viewpoint, first [Reveal bullet point 1] state the opposing viewpoint objectively and fairly. Next, [Reveal bullet point 2] present your own argument, clearly showing why you disagree with the opposing view. Once you have done this, you need to [Reveal bullet point 3]refute your opponent's argument using evidence that supports your own argument. One of the most effective ways to refute an opposing viewpoint is to expose any faulty assumption or inconsistencies in the arguments. Addressing opposing viewpoints will make your argument stronger as you analyze their logic in this manner.
Slide 7
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Where should I put opposing viewpoints?
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Speaker: Opposing viewpoints can and should be addressed in various places throughout your paper. You could address an opposing viewpoint in [Reveal bullet point 1] your introduction before your thesis if the opposing viewpoint is the motive for your essay. It can be placed [Reveal bullet point 2] after your introduction, where you can map the expected reactions to your argument before you talk about them. Often, it's best to address opposing viewpoints [Reveal bullet point 3] in your body paragraphs when the opposing viewpoint relates to an idea in that paragraph. It is also very common to discuss opposing arguments near the end of the paper, just before the conclusion. [Reveal bullet point 4] right before the conclusion.
Speaker: No matter where you put opposing viewpoints, make sure you do not overdo it. It is helpful to address more than one opposing view, but too many might obscure your main idea and make your argument hard to follow.
[End of video]