Opposing Viewpoints While writing an argumentative paper it is important to remember that there is another side to the issue. You definitely need to pick one side and support it, but you cannot ignore the other side of the issue completely. Acknowledging the opposing viewpoint gives your paper validity and can strengthen your case if you can give support against the opposing viewpoint.

What does the rubric say? Advanced Content- Clearly addresses the opposing viewpoint. What this looks like: Gives one reason that people who disagree with your claim might say to prove you are wrong. Uses solid reasons to prove why people who disagree with your claim are wrong about that reason and how you are actually correct in your claim. Proficient Content- Acknowledges the opposing viewpoint. What this looks like: Gives one reason that people who disagree with your claim might say to prove you are wrong.

Example For example, if your paper’s TOPIC is about whether people under 21 in Pennsylvania should be able to legally purchase alcohol and your CLAIM is that they should NOT be able to do so, the OPPOSING VIEWPOINT is, of course, that they SHOULD be able to purchase alcohol. Reasons could be: 1) other states, including Louisiana, allow it and 2) studies have shown that in states where minors are able to legally buy but not consume alcohol, there is less drunk driving. A good way to work the opposition into your paper is the following: "People may argue that studies have shown that in states where minors can legally purchase but not consume alcohol, there are less drunk drivers, but..."(support for your side of the issue). Wording the opposition in this way shows that you are acknowledging the opposing viewpoint while strengthening your own argument.

You’ve practiced this already… Every member of a sports team should not receive an award for simply being a part of the team (  claim). Giving trophies to everyone sends the wrong message (  reason). In life no one is getting rewarded for just showing up or doing what is required (  support for the reason). Although trophies can encourage kids to keep playing (  acknowledges an opposing view point), it is not an effective way to motivate players. (  provides a reason as a counter-argument). The trophies lose their meaning when everyone gets one. (  concluding sentence restates the claim)

Another example… Every member of a sports team should not receive an award for simply being part of the team. Awards should be earned based on an individual’s effort and accomplishments. If trophies are given out without being earned, they lose their meaning. Coaches need to make players realize that each member is capable of earning an award based on his own effort. This will motivated players to try their best so that they can receive a trophy and make a better team. Although some people may argue that when everyone gets an award, they feel happy. They would be so much happier and proud when they know they worked to earn it. A coach sends an important, life long lesson about what he values most when he only rewards those who put forth the most effort.

Analyze this… Trophies should be rewarded only to the best players. When everyone receives a trophy the meaning of the trophy is gone. Karen Coffin, a coach who writes about youth sports, and Dr. Michelle Anthony, an author and psychologist who works with kids and schools, agree that trophies are not the best way to motivate players. While some people argue that trophies encourage kids to continue to play sports, a small show of appreciation, like a pat on the back, is enough to encourage kids to play more. Instead of giving meaningless trophies, let’s reward only the best players. Number your paper Claim: (rewrite the sentence that states the claim) 2.Reason: (rewrite the sentence that states the reason to support the claim) 3.Evidence: (who or what is the authoritative source that the writer uses to prove her claim?) 4.Opposing viewpoint: (rewrite the sentence that acknowledges the opposing viewpoint) 5.Counter-argument: (rewrite the sentence that disproves the opposing viewpoint) 6.Concluding sentence: (rewrite the concluding sentence)