Academic Writing: Reading Responses
| Chinese Name | Student ID # | ||
| Pinyin Name | Zhu Yuanhu | Class Section # | 3 |
| English name (optional) | Tiger | Date | 2025-3-28 |
Clarifying
Write a good thesis, and then write a 300-350 word paragraph that answers ONE opposing viewpoint to that thesis. The goal is not just to present an argument for the other side, but to present the best argument and ANSWER it. Your paragraph should have this structure.
One objection that people raise to [thesis] is that [summary of opposing viewpoint]. However, this objection doesn’t really hold up because [reason why your thesis is the better answer].
There maybe be several opposing viewpoints, but focus on only ONE. The goal is not an overview or summary of multiple opposing views, but a deep response to one. Respond to the best objection, not the weakest. Do not respond to a "straw man" or "slippery slope" argument; respond to a good and potentially difficult to answer opposing view.
As always, the header of your homework should have your name, student ID, section #, and an exact word count for the paragraph.
An example based on the example we used in class is here: Answering an Opposing Viewpoint, Arranged Marriage Example.pdfDownload Answering an Opposing Viewpoint, Arranged Marriage Example.pdf
PEER CRITIQUE is not required for this assignment, but I still recommend it; getting good feedback makes your writing better.
Writing
Name : Zhu Yuanhu Word count: 339
Student ID:
Helping kind people around you can save your time rather than waste your time. One objection that people refuse to help others is that they don’t have time. However, this objection doesn’t really hold up. First, similar with a sponge with water, there is time if being squeezed. Get rid of things not important or not urgent, people will find they have enough time indeed. It is not having no time but having no will. Some think it not important, some think it not concerned with them, so they take no time as excuse.
I mean kind people, not ungrateful guys. If kind people ask you for some help, it is important for them. They will remember your favour. You will get good friendship. With time going by, they also develop themselves . Once you are in trouble in the future, your kind friends will also help you in return. And it will save you a lot of time.
Helping kind people can also strengthen your ability. I mean skillful tasks rather than normal things. For example, if a strong man asks you to hand him some water again and again, it is his laziness rather than his true need, you surely can refuse to do so. But if people ask you for help because they have difficulty in some skillful things, it is a chance for you to practice yourself and learn new methods to solve the problems. Practice makes perfect. When your improve your abilities, next time if you face the same question you will deal with it easily. It can also save you a lot of time in the future.
It seems easy to refuse people because of no time, but it is hard to rebuild relationships if necessary. When it comes, you will have to spend more time. If people ask you for some help, it is a chance to know different people. It can help you understand whom you want to be and choose a right way of your life instead of wasting time.