A fair alternative-view paragraph states the other side at its best, grants what is true, replies with a reason and returns to your position. It strengthens the argument instead of interrupting it.
This lesson is part of argumentative composition and builds on developing reasons with concrete examples. The Chinese samples are original.
What are the four moves?
- State the other view in a neutral or strong form.
- Concede the part that is true.
- Reply with a reason that still favours your position.
- Return to your position in one sentence.
| Move | Useful wording | Job |
|---|---|---|
| State | 有人认为…… | Introduces the other side without attacking it |
| Concede | 诚然 / 固然…… | Grants a true point |
| Reply | 但是 / 然而…… | Turns to your reason |
| Return | 因此 / 所以…… | Ends back on your position |
Worked example: online classes
Task: 《网络课程可以取代课室上课吗？》Position: 不可以完全取代。
Fair paragraph: 有人认为网络课程可以随时随地学习，不必花时间赶路，所以可以取代课室。诚然，住在偏远地区的学生确实能因此节省交通时间；但是，课室里老师能即时看到学生的表情，发现谁听不懂，网络课程很难做到这一点。因此，网络课程适合作为补充，而不能完全取代课室上课。
Check the moves. State: 有人认为…… Concede: 诚然……节省交通时间. Reply: 但是……即时看到表情. Return: 因此……不能完全取代.
The paragraph keeps the position “不可以完全取代”, which is a limited claim. It does not say 网络课程没有用, which would be hard to defend.
The mistake that costs marks
The common slip is to dismiss the other side or drop your own.
| Sentence | Problem |
|---|---|
| 有人说网络课程更好，这种想法很愚蠢。 | Attacks the person and gives no reason. |
| 网络课程和课室各有好处，大家自己选择吧。 | Abandons the position, so the reader learns nothing. |
| 诚然网络课程方便，但老师能即时看到学生的反应，所以不能完全取代课室。 | Grants a point, replies with a reason, returns to the position. |
A third slip is to write a long paragraph about the other side and only one line of reply. Give the reply at least as much space as the statement.
Check yourself
Task: 《学校应该禁止学生带手机吗？》Position: 应该禁止在课堂上使用。Write a fair alternative-view paragraph in Chinese of three sentences, using the four moves.
Answer
Model: 有人认为手机可以用来查字典，对学习有帮助。诚然，在遇到生词时，手机确实比翻字典更快；但是，手机一响就会让人分心，一个学生低头回复信息的几秒钟，已经错过了老师讲解的重点。因此，应该限制在课堂上使用手机，而不是完全禁止学生带手机。
The state, concede, reply and return moves are all present, and the position is kept. Your wording will differ. The test is that the other side is stated fairly and your last sentence matches your position sentence.
What to study next
The last step of the argument is the ending, so continue with building a conclusion from the argument. The claim-evidence revision desk helps you check that each reply has a reason behind it.
For a teacher to review your paragraphs, see online one-to-one Chinese tuition.