1. Counterarguments
Persuasive Writing

2. Counterarguments
Addressing the claims of the opposition (the other side) is an important part of building a convincing argument.

3. What is a counterargument?
An argument offered in opposition to another argument

4. Use a counterargument to…
Expose the weakness in the opposing position
Show why the arguments of the opposing side are less convincing

5. How?
Anticipate the weakness of your own argument that you know the other side will try to expose and provide a defense for them.
Think…
What will the other side say about what I’m trying to prove?
Why would they think I’m the one who is wrong?
What will I say in response to why they think I’m wrong?

6. How do I construct a counterargument?
First
Second
One might object here that...
But how...?
It might seem that...
But why...?
It's true that...
But isn't this just...?
Admittedly,...
But if this is so, what about...?
Of course,...
…however, a better solution…
Although some may argue,…
…I believe

7. Example
It is true that some educators believe that forcing students to wear school uniforms will improve discipline problems. But how? Do they think by making everyone look the same they will make everyone act the same? It is unreasonable to think students will change their behavior just because they are wearing a uniform.

8. Where do I use a counterargument?
A counterargument can appear anywhere in the essay, but it most commonly appears
Introduction
before you propose your thesis—where the existence of a different view is the motive for your essay, the reason it needs writing
First Body Paragraph (after your introduction)
in which you lay out the expected reaction or standard position before turning away to develop your own

9. Where do I use a counterargument?
Within a paragraph
where you imagine a counter-argument not to your main idea but to the sub-idea that the paragraph is arguing or is about to argue
A paragraph just before the conclusion of your essay
where you imagine what someone might object to what you have argued.

10. CAUTION BE CAREFUL DON’T LET YOUR COUNTER ARGUMENT GET AWAY FROM YOU!
DON’T TALK YOURSELF INTO CHANGING SIDES!
YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE OPINION THAT YOU STATED IN YOUR THESIS!
IF YOU DO, IT COULD BE SEEN AS FLIP- FLOPPING OR FENCE-SITTING!
YOU WILL NOT PASS THE TEST IF YOU DO THIS.
REMEMBER THAT THE PURPOSE IS TO PERSUADE– TO STATE ONE OPINION IN THE THESIS AND ARGUE THAT POINT OF VIEW!
IF YOU DON’T DO THIS THEN YOU HAVE NOT FULFILLED THE TASK AND YOUR ESSAY WILL BE UNSCOREABLE!

11. Practice Read prompt Two groups (pro/con) Develop your argument
Class debate