To keep your position while answering a counterargument, concede only what is true, reply with a reason, and check that your last sentence matches your first. The test is whether a reader can still tell what you argued.
This lesson is part of Chinese argument and synthesis. The basic pattern is in addressing an alternative view fairly.
What is the same-position test?
Write your position in one line before you start. After drafting, compare it with your last sentence. If the two do not say the same thing, the concession has moved your position.
| Check | Question |
|---|---|
| Wording | Does the last sentence use the same side, even if the words differ? |
| Strength | Is the strength the same, for example 应该 not 也许可以? |
| Reply | Does your reply give a reason, not only a polite agreement? |
Worked example: homework and revision
Task: 《学生应该每天都有家庭作业吗？》，with the position 不应该每天都布置。
Counterargument: 每天的作业能帮助学生养成复习的习惯。
Over-conceding paragraph: 有人说每天的作业能帮助学生养成复习的习惯，这个说法很有道理。学生的确需要每天复习，所以每天有作业是好的。因此，学校也许可以每天都布置作业。
The last sentence now says the opposite of the position. The concession took over.
Repaired paragraph: 有人说每天的作业能帮助学生养成复习的习惯。诚然，复习习惯很重要；但是，每天都有作业会让学生把作业当成任务，而不是学习。如果改为每周三次，并让学生自己选择练习的内容，同样能养成复习习惯，又不会占满他们的晚上。
因此，学校不必每天都布置家庭作业。
Run the test. The wording 不必每天都布置 matches 不应该每天都布置, the strength is similar, and the reply gives a reason (把作业当成任务) and an alternative (每周三次). The concession is narrow: only 复习习惯很重要.
The mistake that costs marks
The slips are too much agreement and too little reply.
| Sentence | Problem |
|---|---|
| 这个说法很有道理，所以每天有作业是好的。 | Agrees with the whole counterargument and gives up the position. |
| 这个想法完全错误。 | Gives no reason. |
| 复习习惯重要，但每周三次就能做到，不必每天。 | Narrow concession, a reason and the position kept. |
Check yourself
Task: 《学校应该禁止学生带手机》, position 应该禁止在课堂上使用手机, counterargument 手机可以用来查字典. Write a four-sentence answer in Chinese and run the same-position test.
Answer
Model: 有人认为手机可以用来查字典。诚然，在遇到生词时，手机的确很方便；但是，课堂上一个通知就能让学生分心，错过老师讲解的重点。如果需要查字典，学生可以使用学校提供的字典或在老师许可下短暂使用。
因此，仍然应该禁止在课堂上自由使用手机。
Test: the last sentence still says 禁止在课堂上使用手机, with the same strength. The concession is narrow (查字典 is convenient), the reply has a reason (分心), and an alternative is offered. If your last sentence says 可以使用手机, the position has drifted.
What to study next
Try all four habits together on the integrated practice set. The claim-evidence revision desk helps you compare your first and last lines.
For a teacher who challenges your position aloud, see online one-to-one Chinese tuition.