WRITING REBUTTALS Opposing Views/Counter Claims

What is a rebuttal?  In your argumentative research paper, you want to include a paragraph or more where you acknowledge the opposing view and argue that your view or side is more valid.  The presentation of evidence and reasoning meant to weaken the opposing view or counter claim is called the rebuttal.

Why do we need to include this?  In your argumentative research paper, you want to include a paragraph or more where you acknowledge the opposing view and argue that your view or side is more valid.

How do I write a rebuttal paragraph?  The idea is that you summarize your opponent's argument in a fair way, giving reasons why they think their argument is right  Then, rebut the opposing view, by introducing additional evidence that makes your argument even stronger.  Try to reserve your strongest or most thought- provoking piece of evidence for this section of your paper. This way you will leave the reader convinced that your claim is the correct one.

 Thesis: Teenage curfew is more effective in two-parent families.  Some people argue that curfew is just as effective in single parent homes as it is in two-parent homes.

Step 1 INTRODUCE THE OPPOSING VIEW: State or summarize the opposing view. Begin by identifying whose opinion it is. Thesis: Teenage curfew is more effective in two-parent families. Some people argue that curfew is just as effective in single parent homes as it is in two-parent homes.

 Some common introductions to counterarguments are "Some say that....." or "Some argue that...."  It is often argued that... It is true that... Opposing views claim...

Step 2 ARGUE BACK: State your logical argument refuting that reason. Begin with a transition word that shows contrast. On the other hand, it is more effective to implement a curfew to teenagers when two-parents are in the household because it is harder for teenagers to break the rules without getting caught and held accountable.

Step 3 USE FACTS, QUOTES, OR EXAMPLES TO SUPPORT YOUR REBUTTAL: Smith states that many times in a single family home the parent may set rules but is not always present to implement consequences when curfews are broken (10).

Step 4 FOLLOW WITH COMMENTARY: This defeats the purpose of implementing the curfew in the first place. It only makes sense for parents to set rules such as curfews that they can monitor if not obeyed. Otherwise, it makes no sense to make rules in the first place.

Step 5 WRITE A CLOSING SENTENCE THAT TIES TO YOUR THESIS: Rules are only valuable if they are monitored so in the case of implementing curfew for teenagers, it is evident that two-parent families are more effective since both parents can work together to not only set the rules but monitor that it is obeyed as well.

Another Example Thesis: It is vital that cell phones continue to be prohibited in schools. STEP 1: Introduce Opposing View Many students claim that they need their cell phones with them at all times in case there is an emergency.

STEP 2: Argue Back However, in the event of an emergency, it is vital that administrators and local authorities are able to communicate quickly and efficiently. Having students frantically calling parents, texting siblings, and spreading panic will make an emergency more dangerous and harder to manage.

STEP 3: Use evidence to back up your claim Ninety seven percent of law enforcement authorities in Livingston, state that in an emergency in a school, keeping students quiet and able to listen to the directives of those in charge is vital. Furthermore, in districts where cell phones are permitted, the majority of students confess that while they have never had an emergency situation in school where their cell phones helped them, they frequently text or surf the internet when in class. Students themselves verify that cell phones are simply diversions and not necessary for safety.

Step 4: Add Commentary This information proves that students as well as law enforcement know the unnecessary dangers and distractions that cell phones cause especially in the case of an emergency.

Step 5: WRITE A CLOSING SENTENCE THAT TIES TO YOUR THESIS If law enforcement officials and students agree that students’ cell phones are not only unnecessary, but can, in fact, cause chaos in the event of an emergency, it is evident that cell phones simply don’t belong in our schools.