Understanding without permanent neutrality
Original practice source: a commentary about understanding disagreement.
Explaining another person’s view accurately can improve a disagreement. It prevents a convenient version of the opposing case from replacing what was actually said. Listening may also reveal a concern which the first response overlooked.
Understanding is not the same as endorsement. Someone can recognise why a view is attractive and still judge its evidence or consequences inadequate. Fairness may require a clear decision after careful consideration, rather than equal approval for every claim. The useful question is how the judgement was reached and whether it remains open to relevant information.
A national newspaper is running an essay competition on the statement: “If you understand both sides of a disagreement, you should not take a side.”
Write an essay for the competition arguing your view. You may use ideas from the source and your own ideas.
60 exam-style questions on Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language 2.2.1 Writing for audience and purpose. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.