Writing an opposing argument (concession paragraph)
An opposing argument (or a concession paragraph) usually belongs in an opinion task (you
are given an opinion and you need to evaluate it). In an opinion task, you do not necessarily
need to discuss both sides of the argument; however, many writers like to give concession to
the opposite side of the argument.
Reread these three body paragraphs from the previous section and decide what the two
sides of the argument are and which paragraph contains the opposing argument.
Solving environmental problems is expensive and the financial burden on governments alone is too high. As businesses are often responsible for causing some of the environmental problems, they should help with the cost of solving the problems. This could be done by contributing funds or by implementing new systems to minimise further pollution.
A second reason that solving our environmental problems requires joint contribution is that action and effort are needed. The government can spend money on campaigns or introduce taxes; however, slowing or stopping the problems requires effort from all. If businesses do not stop polluting and individuals do not minimise their waste, no advertising campaign will be effective.
Admittedly, the government does have the power to make an enormous impact on the environment and without government intervention change would probably not happen. The introduction of the carbon tax in Australia is an example of government action helping solve environmental problems. However, without all parties contributing this change would not be effective.
You should have decided that the writer's argument is that governments alone cannot solve environmental problems, and that the opposing argument is that the government has a lot of power and can make large changes. The opposing argument is in the third body paragraph.
The structure of a concession paragraph is the same as other body paragraphs in that it has a topic sentence followed by supporting ideas and examples; however, this paragraph usually uses concession words, such as:
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