W11 Writing Practice: Counterarguments

Name: Milton César Aroní Llantoy

Instructions
Review the W11 Writing Lesson: Counterarguments in your course. Then answer each of
the following questions.

1. What prompt question are you going to answer in your persuasive essay
due in Week 13? Check ONE.

☐ Based on what you learned about the definition of a primary emotion, do you
believe anger is a choice, or should it be considered a primary emotion? Why or why
not?
☐ Does everyone come to earth with the same amount of potential? Why or why
not?
☐ Do you believe that people have a specific “calling” in life? Why or why not?
☒ What counts more-- hard work or talent? Why?

2. What is your thesis statement? (should only be one sentence)

Example: My spiritual and secular study as well as my own life experience has taught me
that life callings can change as spiritual gifts and needs in the world change.

Throughout my own life experience, I have come to realize that both hard work and
talent are important; however, if you work hard on a specific skill, you can be better than
people who naturally have this talent.

3. What popular and reasonable counterargument do you intend to cover in

your counterargument paragraph?

Example: The counterargument to my own argument (thesis statement) that I intend to

engage in this paragraph is the “fear-of-missing-out” (FOMO) mentality that many people
have these days. I know of so many people that believe that a failure to act on certain
opportunities has caused them to miss out on what could have been their life calling.
The counterargument to my own argument that I intend to engage in this paragraph is
the fixed mindset that many people have even these days. I know many people who think
that talented people will have an easier time trying to succeed in life than those who are
untalented.

4. What is one logical supporting detail you will share to refute the
counterargument?

Example: I found a quote from President Hinckley (an expert testimony) that says we
should not “nag ourselves with thoughts of failure” nor “set goals far beyond our capacity
to achieve.” He promises that as we do our best, Heavenly Father will “accept our efforts.” I
think this nicely counters this idea that we have one shot at callings in life.

The arduous studies of Dr. Angela Duckworth, published in her book "Courage: The
Power of Passion and Perseverance", show that effort is worth at least twice as much as
talent. I think this scientific studies nicely counters this idea.