1. Your Audience and the Counter-Argument

2. What Is a Counter-Argument
Remember the concession-thesis-reasons model we’re using? The concession is the counter-argument.
A counter-argument is an argument that runs against your thesis. It is the side you are NOT on.
Why a counter-argument matters:
The audience you’re trying to persuade already cares about it; know what they think
You’ll have more credibility if you can demonstrate that you know why they think the way they do
It’s the only way you can win the argument

3. How to Address Counter-Arguments In Your Essay
Be respectful
Try to find a way to agree with a part of it
“Of course you want your kids to be safe at all times; all good parents do. And the thought of giving your kids more freedom must be scary. But if you teach your kids how to make safe decisions and ...” (continue with your argument)

4. When to Address Counter-Arguments
If your audience objects to two or more of your arguments:
Address counter-arguments when you’re making those points.
Their counter-argument
Your point
Your evidence (quote, paraphrase, summary)
Summary statement that emphasizes your point
If your audience objects to just one argument:
Address the counter-argument at either the beginning (body paragraph 2) or before the conclusion (body paragraph 5).

5. Your Argument Evidence
Using Counter-Arguments Within the Essay
Counter- Argument
Summary of counter-argument
Lead into your argument
Your Argument Evidence
Evidence 1
Evidence 2
Summary Statement
Summary sentence 1
Summary sentence 2
Paragraph Outline

6. Workshop Time
Use the remainder of the class to work on your essay. You may check out a laptop or use your smartphone. Use the time to:
Continue to search for evidence to back up your claims
Write your first draft – it is due next Friday
Study for your first vocabulary quiz (next Friday). See the Taco for more info.
I will conference with students today. Please be ready.