…how to lay the smack down on your unsuspecting opponent! Language of Argument …how to lay the smack down on your unsuspecting opponent!

Counterargument, Counterclaims, & Rebuttals Making Ethos, Logos, & Pathos Work to Win an Argument

Counterargument (n) Opponent’s argumentative statement; the other side’s position

Support that makes an opposing point to the counterargument. Counterclaim (n) Support that makes an opposing point to the counterargument. Rebuttal (n) A statement that gives reasons why an accusation is untrue; when you make a rebuttal of a counterclaim in an argument, you give reasons why that counterclaim is not a good argument.

Argument (Position) & Claims (Support) Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution. Driving a private car is a typical citizen’s most air polluting activity. Because cars are the largest source of private, as opposed to industry produced, air pollution switching to hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting pollution. Another reason hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution is because hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor. This combination of technologies means that less pollution is produced. The evidence clearly shows that if more typical citizens drove hybrid cars, then less pollution would be created from burning fossils fuels.

Counterclaim and Rebuttal Some people feel that instead of focusing on cars, which still encourages a culture of driving even if it cuts down on pollution, the nation should focus on building and encouraging use of mass transit systems. While mass transit is an environmentally sound idea that should be encouraged, it is not feasible in many rural areas, or for people who must commute to work. Thus, hybrid cars are a better solution for much of the nation’s population that needs the independence a private vehicle in order be mobile in modern society. Moreover, too many modern cities were designed around the car, not mass transit. Therefore, hybrid cars would be a more practicle solution that private car owners pay for rather than asking tax payers to pay for improvements to a mass transit system. Once again, the evidence clearly shows that hybrid cars are a better solution to reduce air pollution.

Sentence Starters for Counterclaim & Rebuttal “On the other hand, some people believe ______...” “One may argue _________; however, _____...” “Some people feel that_________; however,_____...”

Rules to Follow Make the Counterclaim real! You will not fool anyone by misrepresenting people who disagree with you; in fact, you will only weaken your own position because you will appear to fear the truth. Bring up a counterclaim that represents a (seemingly) valid objection to your claim.

Never make a counterclaim you cannot refute Never make a counterclaim you cannot refute! Bringing up the opposing viewpoint and then failing to show why it is wrong will cause your audience to doubt that your position is the only right one (which is the point of persuasion). Make it clear that you do not agree with the counterclaim! Do not allow your audience to think you are simply contradicting yourself. How can you persuade someone to accept your claim if you sound like you do not completely accept it?

Do not repeat a reason you have already given to rebut the counterclaim! The rebuttal should focus specifically on the objection in the counterclaim. If you merely repeat what you have already said, your audience will assume you cannot think of an effective response. You are allowed to have more than one rebuttal! The more reasons you can give to show that the counterclaim is wrong, the better.

Building Your Argumentative Thesis Building Plan The thesis statement MUST clearly state your argument. The thesis should be placed in the opening paragraph. The first paragraph should also: 1) Introduce some of the support you will use in your essay. 2) Take into account an opposing view.

Topic Area Environment Labor Health Animal Welfare Chemicals Economics Check the topics you are interested in from the gallery walk Environment Labor Health Animal Welfare Chemicals Economics

Controversial Issue Should corporations be allowed to serve soda and fast food as school lunches in LAUSD public schools?

Corporations (should / should not) be allowed to serve soda and fast food as school lunches in LAUSD public schools because… REASON #1 REASON #2 REASON #3

Corporations (should / should not) be allowed to serve soda and fast food as school lunches in LAUSD public schools because… REASONG #1 (CD – concrete detail) schools should not promote unhealthy eating habits to students, REASON #2 If schools sell out to the corporations due to a desperate need for revenue, then our community will suffer long term health consequences because of the unhealthy eating habits taught and supported in LAUSD schools. REASON #3 schools should not promote unhealthy eating habits to students, if we sell out as schools to the corporations we will have long term health consequences for our students. Commentary (CM) for Reasoning (CD) #1

Counterargument & Counterclaims Counterargument Some people may (think, believe, argue, claim)… Counterclaims because...

His experience with gastric bypass surgery Argument: Health Effects Increase of obesity, morbid obesity, and obesity related health problems since the increased popularity of fast food (Schlosser & Wilson 194, 201-202) 2/3 adults & 1/6 children overweight or obese 50 million Americans Obese & 6-7 million “morbidly obese” – weigh 100 pounds more than they should (Schlosser & Wilson 194) New fat cells make body vulnerable to disease (Schlosser & Wilson 196) Obesity linked to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, stroke (Schlosser & Wilson 201) Food Poisoning (Schlosser & Wilson 180-186) Sam’s story His experience with gastric bypass surgery Rare disorder, tangled intestines Can only eat a few teaspoons of food, can no longer eat burgers or soda or sundaes Warren Allen’s story Died from complications of the surgery (Chapter Big) Personal Connection Step-dad, step-cousin, and step-aunt had gastric bypass surgery Family history of cancer, high blood pressure, & diabetes Overweight & obesity run in family genes Increased fast food consumption in the 80s when working mom wasn’t able to cook all the time & old enough to be more independent w/out a sitter Community Connection Fast food is everywhere, affordable Business model targets working class communities Latinos & Blacks increased percentage of diabetes compared to Whites & Asians

PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS CAUSE CAUSE Health Problems Organic/Natural Foods Obesity Health related issues from obesity, diet high in fat, sugar, & salt with low exercise Food Poinoning SOLUTIONS Organic/Natural Foods Localy grown foods without chemicals such as insecticides or fertilizers Animal Husbandry techniques Grazing grss fed cows Community Gardens Farmers Markets No Meat Mondays, Vegetarianism or Veganism CAUSE Feeding corn to cows in feedlots for meatpackers to affordably meet the demand of fast food chains EFFECTS EFFECTS CAUSE Using chemicals to process food smells to make high fat, high sugar, high salt taste good EFFECTS EFFECTS