Question

Read the passage. (1) I think that schools should switch from using paper textbooks to using computer tablets. (2) Textbooks were effective in the pre-digital age, but now we live in a technology-based society, so schools need to get with the program and adopt a modern approach to learning. (3) In fact, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission said that "it’s time for the next stage” of learning with tablets and pointed out how textbooks are often out of date. (4) Opponents argue that tablets aren’t a good choice because initially they’re very expensive. (5) The secretary of education pointed out that tablets can be updated regularly, which saves money in the long run. (6) Not to mention the pluses of having the latest and greatest info! (7) Many experts agree that switching to tablets is important for the future of education. How should the writer revise sentence 4?

Answer 1

When constructing an argument, one thing writers do is concede a point.  This technique demonstrates to readers that the author considered both sides of the argument and that the argument being presented is not entirely one sided.  Thus, what the author is doing here is conceding the point that tablets can be cost prohibitive.  However, when conceding a point, it is best to immediately follow it up with a rebuttal.  In this particular instance, what the author should do is include information on cost and perhaps try to undermine the point being conceded by mentioning the cost of text books, which can, too, be quite pricey and cannot be updated as easily as information on a tablet.