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The concept of view and counter-view is similar to the basics of a debate where participants present their views and counter-views on a topic given to them. A view represents the favourable or positive outcome of a statement in a problem, whereas a counter-view represents the opposite or negative outcome. The concept of view/counter-view is essential in English as it can give you an idea of your inherent analytical and problem-solving abilities. In this lesson, we will discuss how to frame a view and counter-view with the help of a few examples.

What are view and counter-view?

Most people have an opinion on something. We can take view and counter-view as a discussion of a subject. As every coin has two faces, many people have views and counter-views on various educational and political topics. 

As stated above, a view means to have an opinion about something. On the other hand, a counter-view offers a different perspective on the same topic. With the help of a counter or opposing view, you can see the effects of an object in a different way. 

How to form a counter-view

When framing a counter-view, you should always consider why the topic is wrong. Sometimes, the hints of the counterpart are given in the question itself, which can help you structure your arguments on the subject. 

To understand how to form a counter-view, let’s look at an example. 

Suppose you are asked to present a list of counter-views on the topic “Advantages of using a Helmet.” Some of the pointers you would come up with are: 

  1. Obstruct vision
  2. May cause suffocation
  3. Troublesome to carry
  4. Costly for some people

Based on these points, you would frame your counter-view argument in the following way:

Wearing helmets is regarded as a precautionary measure for two-wheeler owners. The government, police, and many authorities have mandated the use of helmets for the two-wheeler riders and their backseat passengers. But there is a negative side to wearing helmets.

  • Helmets can obstruct vision and surrounding noises, which may result in accidents.
  • Wearing a helmet during summers is uncomfortable as it can restrict the rider’s ventilation. A person with breathing problems would find it extremely hard to ride with a helmet on.
  • A helmet is inconvenient to carry around due to its size.
  • Helmets can be expensive and inaccessible to the poor who barely manage to meet both ends. 

Examples of view/counter-view

Let’s look at two more examples of views and counter-views:

  1. Village life is better than city life

Views:

  • Villages are subjected to lesser pollution than cities. 
  • They are surrounded by more greenery and offer their residents a cooler climate.
  • Rural life is slow and peaceful. 
  • Villages provide a good visual precept of natural places, landscapes, or sceneries.

Counter-views:

  • The progress of a city can be faster than a village.
  • Urban lifestyles offer better medical facilities and entertainment.
  • Cities provide more jobs or employment.
  • Urban life is fast-paced and exciting.
  1. The present education system is becoming a burden to a student.

Views:

  • The question paper is too difficult.
  • The syllabus is too vast to cover.
  • There is no time for students to work on themselves.
  • The system only focuses on learning, not on practical problems and personality.

Counter-views:

  • Now, tests have become easier as students can take oral exams.
  • Students no longer fear strict and tough examinations.
  • Classification and judgement are done properly.
  • The units in a lesson are very short and simpler to remember.

  • Conclusion

    The concept of view and counter-view is an important topic in English. It is a crucial part of unseen passages where the examiner judges your problem-solving and analytical skills with the help of comprehension. In the same problem, the examiner can ask you to put your views and counter-views on the topic or any statement given in that comprehension. 

    This lesson guides you through this significant concept with the help of a few examples. With regular practice, you can master the art of presenting your views and counter-views in the English language.