The Argumentative Essay Introducing the Counter-Argument

What is the Purpose of an Argumentative Essay? The purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept—or seriously consider-- your opinion on a controversial issue

Thesis: Stating Your Position Your opinion or position on an issue Must be supported with evidence (quotes, facts, data) Evidence must be explained Example: Physical education should remain a required course at Union Grove.

Counter-Argument A counter-argument is an argument opposed to your thesis, or part of your thesis. It expresses the view of a person who disagrees with your position.

Why use a counter-argument? Makes your the argument stronger by responding to your reader’s objections before they have finished reading (logos). showing you are a reasonable person who has considered both sides of the debate (ethos).

Counter-Argument: Counterclaim + Rebuttal Counterclaim: Consider the opposite side Argues against your claim Turn against your argument to challenge it Rebuttal: Turn back to reaffirm your original position Responds to and refutes issues presented by the counterclaim

The Opposing Side Ask these questions: Who might disagree with my position? Why? What reasons do people have for disagreeing with me? What evidence would support an opposing argument?

Counterclaim Key phrases to use: Many people believe that... It might seem that... It is often thought that... Admittedly... It would be easy to imagine that... Although some may feel that …

Rebuttal Return to your original argument based upon careful reasoning. Show why counterclaim is mistaken: Faulty assumptions Inaccurate facts Incorrect analysis Unacceptable values Acknowledge counterclaim, but show why it is less important

Rebuttal Key phrases to use: But … However … What this argument fails to consider is … This view seems plausible at first, but … While this position is popular, it is not supported by the facts / not logical / not practical because …

Example Thesis: Physical education should remain a required course at Union Grove. Counterclaim: Many students object to taking physical education because they say it takes away from academic subjects that will help them get into college. Rebuttal: What students fail to consider is that their physical health is important

Be Cautious! It is true that counter arguments enrich argumentative writing. However, adding a weak counterargument or overdoing it cause worse results.

Practice: Provide a thesis and counter-argument (counterclaim + rebuttal) for the following topics: Should the city of McDonough impose a curfew on teens? Would a formula that allowed people to live forever be a blessing or a curse?