How does the writer establish logos with a counterargument? by mentioning high achievement rates, the writer can point out the need for further improvement. by mentioning high achievement rates, the writer shows that the united states has reached educational excellence. the effect of mentioning high achievement rates is to discourage further reforms. the effect of mentioning poor achievement is to show that the united states desperately needs educational reform. the effect of mentioning poor achievement is to show that the united states can easily achieve improvement.