Metadiscourse and Counterargument Integration in Student Argumentative Papers

Abstract

Incorporating counterarguments can be challenging for many student-writers, including those for whom English is a second or other language. In this study, we present findings that may lead to improvements in students’ understanding of the benefits of integrating counterarguments. In our study, expert readers were presented with excerpts of student academic writing in order to assess the degree to which counterarguments could be identified through student deployment of metadiscoursal features. The results suggest that student-writers deploy metadiscoursal features with insufficient frequency and consistency. The results further suggest that when metadiscoursal features are used in counterarguments, their deployment is largely restricted to the sentence-initial position. The study also considers the pedagogical and technological issues associated with the findings.

A Comprehensive Exploration of Lecturer’s Written Corrective Feedback on Students’ Counterargument Paragraphs in Enhancing Argumentative Writing Proficiency

“…The recent results, as presented in Figures 8 and 9, focusing on the firstlowest and second-lowest scoring students, highlight the importance of effective refutation in addressing the misuse of AI. This aligns with the emphasis from the previous study, which stated that while articulating a robust thesis and providing supporting evidence is crucial, acknowledging opposing viewpoints enhances the depth and credibility of the overall argument (McCarthy et al, 2021). Specifically, Figures 8 and 9 in the present study recommend that both low-scoring students incorporate more detailed examples and furnish more substantial evidence to strengthen their arguments.…”

“…Interestingly, including counterarguments is imperative for cultivating a nuanced and compelling discourse. While articulating a robust thesis and providing supporting evidence is essential, acknowledging opposing viewpoints enhances the depth and credibility of the overall argument (McCarthy et al, 2021). Previous research has indicated that an excellent essay articulates a distinct perspective supported by logical arguments and addresses opposing viewpoints with evidence, highlighting the importance of critical thinking (Noroozi et al, 2020).…”