Lecture on Counter Arguments in Student Essays

Introduction

• Speaker: Tim Freitas
• Main Topic: Role and placement of counter arguments in student essays.
• Key Question: Should a student include a counter argument in their essay?

Key Points

Nature of Writing

• Writing should not be seen as a checklist.
• An essay can be sophisticated without a counter argument.
• Excellence in writing is not solely dependent on including a counter argument.

Examples of Counter-Argument Essays

• Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
• Robert Louis Stevenson's letter to Father Damien
  • Both are examples of sophisticated essays centered around counter arguments.

Responding to Prompts

• Students should respond based on the prompt's context.
• Some prompts may not lend themselves to counter arguments (e.g., 2012 prompt on certainty and doubt).
• Forcing a counter argument can lead to poor essay writing.

Placement of Counter Arguments

Classical Argument Style

• Place counter argument before the conclusion.
• Structure: Claim → Support → Counter Argument → Conclusion.
• This method is traditional and widely accepted.

Modern Considerations

• Contentious Audience:
  • Place counter argument at the beginning to address audience concerns immediately.
  • Concession upfront shows understanding of different perspectives.
• Agreeable Audience:
  • Place counter argument towards the end.

Thesis-Driven Placement

• Follow the structure of the thesis:
  • If thesis begins with a concession, start the paper with the counter argument.
  • If thesis ends with a concession, place counter argument near the conclusion.

Conclusion

• Counter arguments are not mandatory for a strong essay.
• Consider audience and thesis structure when deciding placement.
• Effective use of counter arguments can enhance an essay's persuasiveness.

Additional Resources

• Further quick questions are available for additional guidance.
• Upcoming discussion on whether to list rhetorical choices in thesis statements.
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