To what extent do you agree with the statement below? Discuss it in pairs or groups:
- Teaching children is easier than teaching adults
In argumentative writing, you will have to be able to respond to points that oppose your own opinion. However, you may not be able to prove every point false and sometimes must concede, which basically means to say "yes, but ..." Here are words commonly used to show contrast and concession:
- However
- While
- Despite
- Nevertheless
- Although
- Even so
Now consider the following statement:
- Teaching children is easier than teaching adults because children are naturally curious.
By conceding, you can agree with the supporting point while disagreeing with the overall opinion.
- It may be true that children are naturally curious; however, that does not necessarily mean they are easier to teach than adults.
- Just because children have a natural curiosity does not mean it is easier to teach children than to teach adults.
- While children do have a natural curiosity, there are many factors that make teaching children more difficult than teaching adults.
Be sure to then strengthen your response with a supporting point.
- It may be true that children are naturally curious; however, that does not necessarily mean they are easier to teach than adults. It is often easier to teach an adult because he or she has more life experience and a clearer understanding of reality.