Content Frame

Consider Objections

At some point in the body of your paper, you need to consider at least one serious objection to your argument. Be sure to use directional cues so that your smart, ignorant and hostile audience does not think you are refuting yourself - that you are inconsistent (in rational debate, inconsistency is a more serious flaw than getting a fact wrong). Use phrases such as: "Someone could argue against my position as follows." or "It might appear to some that I have misinterpreted So-and-So", and state the objection to your position.

Then, clearly state how you will overcome the objection, using phrases such as "yet their argument fails since..." or "However, I have not misinterpreted the argument because..." Use premise indicators like 'since' and 'because' as well as conclusion indicators like 'therefore' and 'thus'.

Be sure you use the appropriate indicator. You will be held to the words as written on the page, not what you think you've said. Therefore, since you want to be clear, and because your audience is smart, ignorant and hostile, you should use premise and conclusion indicators to clearly indicate your actual premises and actual conclusion.




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