An argument wouldn’t be an argument if no one disagreed with you. Why would you even bother making your case? In a written argument, an opposing argument is called a counterargument. Although you could mention only one point of view in your essay—yours—a stronger approach is to acknowledge a possible opposing argument and deal with it directly. Typically, writers mention counterarguments in order to refute, or disprove, them.
Read the excerpt from “Choose Wisely,” the analytical essay about The Outsiders. See if you can identify a counterargument.
Some may argue that these three characters have very little opportunity to make positive choices. After all, they are poor, have unstable or toxic home lives, and are belittled and discriminated against by the majority of society. In fact, at the beginning of the novel, this is Ponyboy’s view. His attitude is that he and his friends are trapped in this environment with no hope of escape. But by the end of the novel, Ponyboy begins to understand that he has choices. He realizes he can choose not to fight with Darry, to make something of himself, and to tell others what he has learned. Even under the most difficult circumstances, Ponyboy discovers that people have a choice: They can choose how to look at life—positively or negatively, how to live life—generously or selfishly, and how to treat others—respectfully or disrespectfully.
Now try to answer these questions. When you think you know the answer, click the question to see a response.
“Some may argue that . . .” |
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“But by the end of the novel, Ponyboy begins to understand that he has choices. He realizes he can choose not to fight with Darry, to make something of himself, and to tell others what he has learned. Even under the most difficult circumstances, Ponyboy discovers that people have a choice: They can choose how to look at life—positively or negatively, how to live life—generously or selfishly, and how to treat others—respectfully or disrespectfully.” |
