Counterclaim/Rebuttal Example Breaking it Down...

What is the Counterclaim? Counterclaim: The opposition’s argument ALWAYS ATTACK THEIR STRONGEST POINT

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO SUPPORT YOUR REBUTTAL WITH EVIDENCE!! What is a Rebuttal? Rebuttal: Evidence used to contradict, counter, or refute the counterclaim. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO SUPPORT YOUR REBUTTAL WITH EVIDENCE!!

Counterclaim/Rebuttal Outline 1. Topic sentence (introduce counterclaim) 2. Give Rebuttal 3. Give the Evidence 4. Explain how the evidence weakens the opponent’s claim 5. Closing Sentence

Topic Sentence This is where you introduce the counterclaim. Make sure you choose their strongest reason! Sentences usually start with something like… My opponent will likely say… Some may say… While it is true that… My example… My opponents, those opposed to a vegetarian lifestyle, will most likely point out that a diet without meat cannot possibly provide a completely nutritious and balanced diet

Rebuttal Now we have to give a reason why their claim is flawed. Make sure you’re able to back up your reason with evidence. My example… However, studies have shown that a vegetarian diet can and does deliver complete nutrition and can even provide health benefits

Evidence Your rebuttal should hint to the evidence you are going to give. Now you need to give the evidence and explain how it helps to weaken your opponent’s claim (your counterclaim). The American Dietetic Association found that “a vegetarian diet can meet protein requirements, provide all the essential amino-acids (building blocks of protein), and improve health”(ADA 1226). The journal adds that according to the USDA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “meat is not an essential part of a healthy diet”(1226). Not only does the ADA disprove my opposition’s claim, it strengthens my argument that you should switch to a vegetarian diet by stating that meat is inessential to one’s diet. Evidence Explanation

Closing Sentence Your closing sentence should sum up everything you said, without sounding repetitive, and drive your point home. While many may believe a meatless diet equals an imbalanced diet, the research speaks for itself; a vegetarian lifestyle is the way to go.

Last Minute Tips Argument is only as strong as your evidence Don’t have to DISPROVE just weaken Use transition words and phrases like: However... Although… In Contrast… Conversely... Good Luck!!