1. How to Counter-Argue Like
a Boss!
With Example

2. It’s the big, big BUT! Let’s turn this negative into a positive!
Formal 5 Part Counterargument Model or how to defeat your opponent like a boss.
One might argue…
because…
But…
Therefore…
It’s the big, big BUT! Let’s turn this negative into a positive!

3. Let’s Break Down Each Step!
One might argue:
- What is your opponents STRONGEST argument? It is important to refute the strongest argument against your position to weaken their overall argument. State their claim clearly, with a matter of fact tone.
because:
- BRIEFLY state why the opposition feels as they do. It is important to address the issue fully, but be careful that you don’t add any points to their argument.

4. Let’s Break Down Each Step!
But, However:
REFUTE, REFUTE, REFUTE. This piece is critical. Do not change the subject. Do not switch to a claim of your own. You must directly address their strongest argument. Ask yourself: how can I turn their strongest argument into a weakness?
Often I find students will address the oppositions argument, but they change the subject in this section. RESIST the TEMPTATION! Keep your points on subject!

5. Let’s Break Down Each Step!
Because:
- Now that you have found a reason to diminish the oppositions’ strongest argument, tell your reader why they should believe you (with formal writing, of course).
Therefore:
- State clearly and concisely the conclusion you would like your reader to draw.

6. Formal 5 Part Counterargument Model or how to defeat your opponent like a boss.
One might argue that Julius Caesar was a brutal leader
because he killed many people.

7. Formal 5 Part Counterargument Model or how to defeat your opponent like a boss.-
One might argue that Julius Caesar was a brutal leader
Because he killed many people. +
How could we make this into a positive?

8. Formal 5 Part Counterargument Model or how to defeat your opponent like a boss.
One might argue that Julius Caesar was a brutal leader
because he killed many people,
but (however,) he saved the city of Rome by eliminating the people who threatened this empire

9. Formal 5 Part Counterargument Model or how to defeat your opponent like a boss.
One might argue that Julius Caesar was a brutal leader
because he killed many people,
but (however,) he saved the city of Rome by eliminating the people who threatened this empire
because it was his responsibility as a leader to protect the people and he took this responsibility very seriously as demonstrated through the destruction of opposing forces to invaders.

10. Formal 5 Part Counterargument Model or how to defeat your opponent like a boss.
One might argue that Julius Caesar was a brutal leader
because he killed many people,
but (however,) he saved the city of Rome by eliminating the people who threatened this empire
because it was his responsibility as a leader to protect the people and he took this responsibility very seriously as demonstrated through the destruction of opposing forces or invaders.
Therefore the brutality shown towards the enemy was necessary for the preservation of the Roman Empire

11. Formal 5 Part Counterargument Model or how to defeat your opponent like a boss.
One might argue that Julius Caesar was a brutal leader because he killed many people, but he saved the city of Rome by eliminating the people who threatened this empire because it was his responsibility as a leader to protect the people and he took this responsibility very seriously as demonstrated through the destruction of opposing forces or invaders. Therefore the brutality shown towards the enemy was necessary for the preservation of the Roman Empire.