Introduction
The
Internet has quickly become the most common resource for information
in the world. Internet users visit online search engines to look
up answers to their questions. A single search term can come up
with dozens of web pages. Although some web pages contain valid
information, others may have unreliable or false information. This
is why some people say that the Internet is not a good resource
for information. Let’s see what Henry and Ashley have to say about
this issue.
Henry
(Constructive)
The Internet is a good resource for information. A single search
can come up with many different web pages. It is true that some
web pages do not contain reliable information. However, users must
learn how to differentiate between websites that contain false information
and those that can be trusted. I still claim that the Internet is
a good resource for information because it allows people to search
for their answers in a quick and efficient way.
Ashley
(Constructive)
The Internet is not a good resource for information. People are
increasingly dependent on it to find information. However, anyone
can post anything online! This means that someone can post completely
falsified information and pass it off as a fact. People often encounter
exaggerated or unproven claims online. However, most do not know
how to differentiate between a fact and a fiction. Therefore, it
is better for people to rely on books, encyclopedias, newspapers,
or teachers to find answers to their questions.
Henry
(Rebuttal)
Before the Internet, it took people a much longer time to find answers
to their questions. For example, people often had to visit a medical
specialist to receive a diagnosis about the simplest medical ailments.
However, people can now search their symptoms online and get a good
idea of what might be the problem. I think that all the resources
that you listed are very important. However, they cannot beat the
Internet’s speed and ease in providing information.
Ashley
(Rebuttal)
Just because something is quick and easy does not make it the best
option. The Internet also provides too much false information. It
is unrealistic to teach all Internet users how to differentiate
between reliable and unreliable information. It is even difficult
for experts to make this differentiation sometimes. For example,
people now often search their symptoms online instead of going to
the doctor. However, they will all surely misdiagnose themselves
because of the false information on the web.
Judge’s
Comments
The winner of today’s debate is Henry. Both debaters made great
arguments. However, Ashley made an exaggerated claim when she said
that all Internet users will misdiagnose themselves using information
online. Be wary of using words such as “all” or “everyone.” These
absolute words should only be used if you are absolutely sure that
there are no exceptions. Otherwise, your opponent can beat your
argument by simply listing one exception to your claim.