For This Writer's Notebook You Will Write Two Paragraphs

For This Writer's Notebook You Will Write Two Paragraphs A Counterar

For this Writer's Notebook, you will write two paragraphs, a counterargument and a refutation paragraph. You will use the essay “What’s a College Education Really Worth?" by Naomi Schaefer Riley as the counterargument. In other words, you will prove why she is wrong in your refutation paragraph. You will defend the thesis statement "The benefits of graduating from a four-year university outweigh the negatives." Read and take notes over the article “What’s a College Education Really Worth? Not Enough”—by Naomi Schaefer Riley (link above). Read and take notes over the handout "Writing a Counterargument and Refutation Paragraph" that is attached. Complete the counterargument and refutation activity for your next Writer's Notebook activity below. You are required to have a counterargument in your final argumentative research essay. Your next Writer's Notebook activity will help you practice writing counterarguments and refutation paragraphs. These are not easy paragraphs to write. Be sure to follow the templates provided to you in the PPT/handout. In your counterargument paragraph, you will quote from the article “What’s a College Education Really Worth?" by Naomi Schaefer Riley. In your refutation paragraph, you will come up with reasons why graduating from a four-year university has more benefits than negatives. Follow the ideas in the handout over counterarguments and refutations. In the end, you will have TWO paragraphs: a counterargument that uses Schaefer Riley's ideas and quotes from that article and a refutation paragraph that has your own ideas about why graduating from college is beneficial. If you want, you may find an article that has a good quote about the benefits of graduating from college and use it in your refutation paragraph. But it is not required. You can simply use your own ideas. Grading rubric: Only the opposing view is in the counterargument 10; Only the author's claim is in the refutation 10; Counterargument paragraph opens with a transition 10; Opposing view topic sentence 10; Evidence from Schaefer Riley (cited) 10; Explanation of evidence 5; Summary sentence 5; Refutation paragraph opens with an acknowledgment 10; Transitions to claim 10; Evidence 10; Explanation 5; Reference to thesis 5; Total 100.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate over the value of a college education has become increasingly prominent, with critics questioning whether the investment in a four-year degree genuinely translates into better opportunities. Naomi Schaefer Riley, in her article “What’s a College Education Really Worth?”, argues that many college programs fail to provide tangible benefits and that students often accrue substantial debt for questionable returns on investment (Riley, 2014). She suggests that the escalating costs and the limited employment advantages for some graduates make higher education less worthwhile. Riley emphasizes that not all majors lead to lucrative careers and points out the booming industry of for-profit colleges, which often target vulnerable students with promises of quick and easy credentials but little long-term value. This perspective raises a significant concern: that many students may not recoup their expenses or secure meaningful employment post-graduation, casting doubt on the overall worth of a traditional college degree.

While Riley’s criticisms highlight genuine issues related to rising tuition and employment uncertainties, her portrayal of the college experience as largely futile overlooks the broader benefits that accrue to graduates. A college education not only provides specialized knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, independence, and networking opportunities that can greatly influence personal and professional growth (Baum & Payea, 2014). Moreover, numerous studies have shown that college graduates tend to experience higher lifetime earnings and lower unemployment rates than those without degrees (Carnevale, Smith, & Strohl, 2013). These economic advantages are complemented by the development of soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability—qualities that are highly valued in today’s dynamic job market. Therefore, despite the criticisms, the overall benefits of obtaining a four-year college degree outweigh the negatives, offering both tangible financial benefits and intangible personal growth that prepare individuals for long-term success.

References

• Baum, S., & Payea, P. (2014). The Benefits of College Education. College Board.
• Carnevale, A. P., Smith, N., & Strohl, J. (2013). Recovery: Job Growth and Education Requirements Through 2020. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
• Riley, N. S. (2014). What’s a College Education Really Worth? Not Enough. The Wall Street Journal.