Modul4
Module 4 - Argument and counterargument
How to recognise a real argument and respond to different opinions
Introduction
In the previous module, we learned how to draw conclusions. You already know that not every conclusion is correct just because it sounds logical. Now we will learn something else — how to recognise an argument. We will also learn how to respond to a different opinion without attacking it. This is an important part of critical thinking.
What is an argument?
An argument is a reason why we think something. An argument answers the question: "Why do you think that?"
For example:
- "We should have more breaks." → That is an opinion.
- "We should have more breaks because students are tired and concentrate better after resting." → That is an argument.
An argument explains the reason.
What is NOT an argument?
An argument is not:
- an insult,
- an attack on a person,
- a statement without explanation,
- a statement such as "because that's the way it is" or "because that's the way it's always been".
Examples:
- "That's nonsense." → That's not an argument.
- "You don't understand." → That's an attack on a person, not an argument.
Counterargument
A counterargument is a different perspective on the same issue. For example:
- Argument: "More breaks will help students."
- Counterargument: "More breaks mean less time for teaching."
Both statements contain a reason. Critical thinking means being able to perceive both sides, both perspectives, and think about them.
Strong and weak arguments
A strong argument:
- is specific,
- has an explanation,
- is based on facts or experience.
A weak argument:
- is vague,
- contains only emotions,
- does not give a clear reason.
How to respond to a different opinion?
You can say, for example:
- "I understand why you think that."
- "I have a different perspective on the matter."
- "Can you explain that further?"
- "I don't know, I need more information."
Critical thinking is not about winning. It's about understanding.
📌 Summary
- The argument is justified.
- The counterargument is justified in a different way.
- An argumentative attack is a foul — it is not an argument.
- It is okay to disagree.
Practical exercises
✍️ Practical exercise 1: Read the text and answer the questions.
Some pupils think that school should start later because they are tired in the morning. Others argue that this would be difficult for parents who go to work early.
What reason do those who want school to start later give?
👀 Show solution
Reason: Pupils are tired in the morning.
What reason do those who disagree give?
👀 Show solution
Counterargument: It would be difficult for parents.
Does the text contain an argumentative attack?
👀 Show solution
No. Both sentences contain a reason — they are arguments.
✍️ Practical exercise 2: Read the text and answer the questions.
Some people say that exchange programmes in Europe help students gain experience. Others say that exchange programmes are not good because they are too expensive.
What reason do people who support exchanges give?
👀 Show solution
They help students gain experience. That is their reason.
What reason do people who criticise them give?
👀 Show solution
They are too expensive. That is their reason.
Do both sentences contain a reason?
👀 Show solution
Yes. Both sentences contain a reason. That is why they are arguments (argument and counterargument). We are not discussing who is right in this exercise. We are learning the structure of argumentation.
✍️ Practical exercise 3: Read the text and answer the questions.
Some people say that new cycle paths should be built in the city because it would improve the safety of cyclists. Others say that it is unnecessary because only a stupid person would think that cycle paths are needed when they can ride on the road and drivers are careful.
Find the reason given by people who want new cycle paths.
👀 Show solution
It would improve safety for cyclists. That is the reason.
Find the sentence that is not an argument.
👀 Show solution
"Only a foolish person would think that cycle paths are necessary." This sentence does not contain a reason.
Is there an argumentative attack in the text?
👀 Show solution
Yes. The sentence "...only a foolish person would think..." is an attack on people, not an argument.