Answering the other side
The strongest argument is the one that has already survived the best objection to it.
Part of your national curriculum
- Writing: Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information, including well-structured formal expository and narrative essays
- Writing: Amend the vocabulary, grammar and structure of their writing to improve its coherence and overall effectiveness
- Spoken English: Participate in formal debates and structured discussions, summarising and/or building on what has been said
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Address and rebut a counter-argument
Key learning points
- • Concede, then turn
- • Straw men lose marks
This lesson at a glance
- 30 minutes
- 12 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
Watch & discover
Part 1 of 12
Visual introductionPicture this
Answering the other side
The strongest argument is the one that has already survived the best objection to it.
In a nutshell
Address and rebut a counter-argument
Explore the idea
Part 2 of 12
Learn
Concede, then turn
State the opposing point fairly, accept what is true in it, then show why your position still holds. 'It is true that… However, this overlooks…'
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 12
Learn
Straw men lose marks
Weakening the other side to beat it is obvious to a reader. Take the strongest version of the opposing case.
Reset break
Part 4 of 12
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 3 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Quick check
Part 5 of 12
Quick check
Part 6 of 12
Quick check
Part 7 of 12
Reset break
Part 8 of 12
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 3 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 9 of 12
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 10 of 12
Game · Recall cards
What should follow a piece of evidence?
Card 1 of 4
Mastery quiz
Part 11 of 12
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Answering the other side
4 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. What should follow a piece of evidence?
2. Why concede a valid concern?
3. What makes the strongest conclusion?
4. A rebuttal should first…
Lesson round-up
Part 12 of 12
Lesson round-up
Ready when you are
Quiz score
Not sat
Games
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Points this lesson
0
Best run
0 in a row
Luna: 0 out of 3 on the practice checks. Only if you feel up to it — one more?
Ask LunaPart 1 of 12 · Watch & discover
How this is going
- Not looked at yet
Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information, including well-structured formal expository and narrative essays
- Not looked at yet
Amend the vocabulary, grammar and structure of their writing to improve its coherence and overall effectiveness
- Not looked at yet
Participate in formal debates and structured discussions, summarising and/or building on what has been said