Build an Argument with a Counter-Argument

The key idea

Choose one clear position, support it with evidence, present the other view fairly, and explain why your position remains convincing.

What is it for?

Learn to state a clear position, support it with reasons, present an opposing view, and answer it fairly.

What you need to know

A clear position that states what you believe.
A strong reason supported by a practical example.
A fair explanation of the opposing view.
A clear reply that answers the opposing view.
A conclusion that restates your position without adding another reason.

1. State a clear position

Your position tells readers what you believe about a topic. It must make a clear claim, not simply name the subject.

Avoid claims that are too strong. Words such as tend to, may, and in many cases sound more careful.

Write one clear sentence that states your position.
Make sure readers can identify your main claim.
Use careful words when the claim has exceptions.

Remote work can improve employees' daily lives.

This sentence gives a clear position without making an absolute claim.

In many cases, flexible hours help workers manage family duties.

The phrase in many cases shows that the claim has limits.

2. Support your position

Each main paragraph should develop one strong reason. Explain why the reason supports your position.

Then add an example that makes the reason easier to understand. A clear example is more useful than several unsupported claims.

Start with one main reason.
Explain how the reason supports your claim.
Add a specific example from everyday life.
Use as a result or for example to show the link.

Remote workers save travel time, so they can prepare dinner earlier.

The sentence connects a reason with a practical result.

For example, one employee may use that extra hour for childcare.

This example shows how saved time can help someone.

3. Present the opposing view fairly

A counter-argument explains why someone may disagree with your position. Present that view fairly before you answer it.

Do not make the other side sound foolish. Use phrases such as some people argue that or it could be said that.

Choose a reasonable point that supports the other side.
Explain the concern without exaggerating it.
Use neutral words to introduce the opposing view.

Some people argue that office work makes teamwork easier.

This sentence presents a reasonable opposing view.

It could be said that new employees need more direct support.

This sentence gives another possible reason to disagree.

4. Answer the opposing view

After presenting the other view, explain why your position still makes sense. You can accept part of the opposing view first.

Use however, even so, or although to connect the ideas. Your reply should answer the concern, not repeat your original claim.

Accept any reasonable part of the opposing view.
Explain what the opposing view does not consider.
Give a practical reason or example for your reply.
Keep your tone calm and fair.

Even so, regular video meetings can help remote teams share updates.

The reply offers a practical answer to the concern about teamwork.

Although office meetings help some teams, remote workers can also meet online.

The sentence accepts one benefit and then presents another option.

5. Finish with a clear conclusion

Your conclusion reminds readers of your position. It should follow from the reasons and reply already explained.

Do not introduce a new reason at the end. Use a phrase such as overall or for these reasons to close your argument.

Restate your position in different words.
Briefly connect your main reasons.
Avoid adding new evidence or a new opposing view.

Overall, remote work offers useful benefits when teams plan their work carefully.

The conclusion restates the position and adds no new reason.

For these reasons, flexible work arrangements deserve serious consideration.

This sentence gives a clear final position.

How to do it, step by step

State your position clearly in the opening paragraph.
Explain your strongest reason and support it with an example.
Present a reasonable counter-argument in a separate paragraph.
Answer that view with a clear reason or practical example.
Restate your position in the conclusion without adding new reasons.

Formulas and key language

Use it for	Example	Another example
I believe that + claim	I believe that remote work offers useful benefits.	I believe that shared meals improve family life.
One important reason is that + reason	One important reason is that workers save travel time.	One important reason is that students need quiet study time.
For example, + specific case	For example, a worker can collect a child after school.	For example, a family can share dinner earlier.
Some people argue that + opposing view	Some people argue that offices support better teamwork.	Some people argue that printed books are easier to use.
It could be said that + opposing view	It could be said that new workers need direct support.	It could be said that shared rooms reduce home distractions.
However, + reply	However, online meetings can keep remote teams connected.	However, a printed schedule can also be shared online.
Even so, + reply	Even so, flexible hours can help parents manage their time.	Even so, short calls can solve many work problems.
Although + opposing point, + main claim	Although offices support teamwork, remote work can save travel time.	Although buses are convenient, cycling may suit short journeys.
As a result, + outcome	As a result, workers may have more time for family.	As a result, students can finish their tasks earlier.
Overall, + restated position	Overall, remote work offers useful benefits for many employees.	Overall, careful planning makes shared tasks easier.

UK / US: Both British and American English use these argument phrases. Spelling may differ, such as organise (British) and organize (American).

Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B2 upgrades page.

Model text

Why Remote Work Deserves More Support

Position

Remote work should be available to more employees because it can improve daily life. Workers often spend less time travelling, and they can organise their tasks around family needs. This arrangement may also reduce travel costs.

The opening states a clear position and gives reasons.

Supporting reason and example

One important benefit is the time workers save. For example, an employee who spends an hour travelling each way could use that time for exercise or childcare. As a result, the working day may feel less exhausting. Furthermore, flexible hours can help people attend appointments without missing a full workday.

This paragraph explains a reason and supports it with everyday examples.

Counter-argument

Some people argue that office work supports better teamwork. Colleagues can discuss problems immediately, and new employees can learn by watching experienced staff. These points are reasonable, especially when tasks need close cooperation.

The writer presents the opposing view fairly and accepts its strengths.

Even so, remote teams can stay connected through regular video meetings and shared work plans. Managers can also arrange office days when face-to-face support is needed. Although remote work cannot solve every problem, careful planning can reduce many difficulties.

The reply answers the concern and explains how teams can manage it.

Conclusion

Overall, remote work deserves wider support because it saves time and offers greater flexibility. Office work remains useful for some tasks, but employees should have more choice when their duties allow it.

The conclusion restates the position and recognises a sensible limit.

Common mistakes

✗ Remote work is always better for every worker.

✓ Remote work is often better for some workers.

Always and every make a claim too strong.

✗ Some people argue office work supports teamwork.

✓ Some people argue that office work supports teamwork.

The word that clearly introduces the opposing claim.

✗ Some people argue that offices support teamwork. This is stupid.

✓ Some people argue that offices support teamwork. This view has limits.

Insulting the other side makes your argument less fair.

✗ Even so, remote work saves travel time. New workers need support.

✓ Even so, remote work saves travel time, although new workers need support.

The reply should connect clearly with the concern.

✗ Overall, remote work saves travel time. Another reason is cheaper food.

✓ Overall, remote work saves travel time and offers flexible hours.

A conclusion should summarise earlier points, not add a new reason.

✗ Remote work is better because it is better.

✓ Remote work is useful because workers save travel time.

Repeating the claim does not explain or support it.

Plan it, then check it

Plan

Write your position in one clear sentence.
Choose one strong reason and add a specific example.
Write one fair opposing view and explain its concern.
Answer that concern and restate your position in the conclusion.

Check

Does the opening state a clear position?
Does each main reason have a useful explanation or example?
Is the opposing view fair and reasonable?
Does the reply answer that view directly?
Does the conclusion restate the position without adding a new reason?

Practice

EXERCISE:

Choose the strongest argument sentence

Choose the sentence that best fits the named part of an argument.

1.Choose the clearest position about remote work.

The second sentence makes a clear claim about remote work.

2.Choose the best supporting example for saving travel time.

The third sentence gives a specific example of saved time.

3.Choose the fairest counter-argument.

The first sentence presents a reasonable concern without insults.

4.Choose the best reply to concerns about teamwork.

The second sentence answers the concern with a practical solution.

5.Choose the most careful claim.

The third sentence uses may and avoids an absolute claim.

6.Choose the best conclusion for an argument about remote work.

The first sentence restates the position without adding a new reason.

Now write

Your task

Write a short argument of 150-190 words on this topic: Remote work is better than office work. Use the draft below as your starting point, or replace its ideas with your own. Draft: Many employees can work from home for part of the week. They may save travel time and manage family duties more easily. However, some workers learn faster when colleagues share the same office. Explain your position, support it with reasons and examples, present the opposing view fairly, and answer it. Finish by restating your position. Use made-up details and do not include private information.

Target: 150-190 words

Word bank

in many casesone important reasonfor examplesome people argue thatit could be said thathowevereven soalthoughas a resultfurthermoreface-to-face supportflexible hourstravel costsoveralldeserves wider support

Sentence starters

I believe that remote work...
One important reason is that...
For example, an employee...
Some people argue that...
Even so, remote workers...
Overall, I believe that...

Use made-up people, places, and details. Do not share private information.

Instant feedback on your own text is part of Premium.

Check your writing

Does my opening state a clear position?
Have I supported my reasons with clear examples?
Have I presented the opposing view fairly?
Does my reply answer the opposing view directly?
Does my conclusion restate my position without adding a new reason?

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