Using "They Say"

When a person is forming an argument it seems very odd to introduce an opposing argument. The majority of people try to avoid doing this; pretending like their's is the only argument. So why would we do this? Why would we bring up a viewpoint contrary to our own? One reason is that we can strengthen our own arguments by weakening others. When I use an opposing argument to bolster my own I like to imagine that my argument is a fire, and opposing arguments are wood. When I introduce the opposing arguments, my argument not only destroys them, but grows bigger and stronger because of it.

Another reason to introduce an opposing argument to your audience is to take the strong points of that claim and use them to capture the idea of your own argument. In this style you say, "I agree with him when he says____, but the way he wraps up his argument is incorrect."This method not only helps to bolster the legitimate strength of your claim, but also develops you as an intelligent and unbiased author in the eyes of your audience.