Balance your answer
This is the first lesson on advanced argumentation techniques. It will show you how to give balanced answers using a main argument and a counterargument.
Most issues have two sides, and acknowledging them will make you seem more nuanced and mature in your outlook. You do not need to do this with all your answers, but using an argument with a counterargument can show that you see both sides of the issue.
Using counterarguments to give a balanced answer is also a good idea to use in meetings with coworkers and when making group decisions.
Balanced answers take more time than one-sided answers. We are going to look at how and when you can use these types of answers.
Answer this question quickly:
What season do you like best?
Your student will answer with a place and the good things about it. Make note of what they say. This is their main argument.
Now ask your student:
Is that season perfect? ...[wait for them to say no]... Why not?
Your student will now have a counterargument.
If the student has trouble with this, you can model it for them. For example:
Here's how you can say that as a balanced answer:
•My favorite season is...
•It's great because...
•However, [something negative about the season]...
Anyway, to wrap up, [season] isn't perfect, but it is [reason to love it]!
Teaching tip: This is a good opportunity to give a brief lesson on intonation to express contrast. Although the verb to be is usually reduced, the word is in the conclusion should be stressed because it contrasts with isn't.
NOTE
The topics or questions well-suited to balanced answers are:
- Personal questions of preference, like your favorite food or your hometown.
- Controversial topics like politics, economics, immigration or energy sources.
Transition phrases
What general transition phrases can you think of to move from one side of an argument to the opposite view?
Examples:
- On the other hand…
- However…
Can you think of any others?
Types of counterargument
There are two types of counterargument:
- opinion; and
- fact.
Discuss each with your teacher, and think of phrases you can use to introduce them.
Conclusions
Ending a balanced answer clearly means you have to firmly state which side of your opinion is stronger. Discuss strong endings with your instructor.
General transition phrases
- On the other hand... (If you know you are going to use this phrase, you can start with, "On the one hand...")
- However...
Pointing out the intonation of positives and negatives is important:
- "It isn't perfect, but on the other hand it IS good."
- or, "It's good, but on the other hand it ISN'T perfect."
Your student may think of some of the phrases below as well, especially "Some might say". Point out that the following phrases are only for either opinions or facts.
Counterarguments of opinion
- Some people might say...
- Some people may think...
- Of course...
- One might object here that...
E.g.: I'm from New York—it's a fantastic city! There is so much culture, like, on Broadway you can see world-class theater any night of the week. Of course, some people might say it's too expensive. That's true, but the wages are also pretty high. So, all in all, it's worth it.
Counterarguments of fact
- Though in fact...
- Admittedly...
- It's true that...
- Of course...
E.g.: I think nuclear power is a good idea because it's better than coal, the waste is contained and it doesn't contribute to global warming. Admittedly, it's very dangerous if there is a nuclear meltdown, but modern nuclear plants are much safer.
Ending a balanced answer
Ending your answer requires more complex phrases than a simple one-sided argument. Here are some to use:
- So, all in all...
- So to wrap up, although [negative point], I definitely think [positive point].
-
I'd say the pros outweigh the cons.
- In the end, I'd say it's worth it.
Note
- You may prefer to give a one-sided answer in a sales meeting, or if you are trying to convince a client or friend of a point of view.
- Also, in meetings, not every answer has to be balanced—some can be firmly on one side of the issue. But giving a couple of balanced answers will show others you can think critically.
Now, practice giving balanced answers to a personal and a controversial question.
1. Choose one personal question, and give a balanced answer.
- What's the best thing to eat in your city?
- Where is the best place to live?
- What do you think are the best things about being a child?
2. Choose a controversial topic and give a balanced answer:
- Should freedom of speech be absolute, or should it be limited?
- What do you think of your government's policy on immigration?
- What do you think about free trade deals?