1. Today’s Focus Develop a counter-argument to an opposing viewpoint that has been expressed… address weaknesses in the opposing viewpoint and offering alternatives.

2. What is a counter-argument? Counter-argument - argument made to contradict or argue against the opposing viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoint - Objections to the writer’s claim (you).

3. What’s your counter- argument? My Claim  Thieves should be given lighter sentences since this type crime doesn’t involve physical harm Opposing Viewpoint ---  Many argue that thieves should be given longer prison sentences because it would cut down on crime. Counter-argument —  However, this could lead to over crowding and increased budgets needed to care for these individuals.

4. Signal Words – Use Them! Many argue that thieves should be given longer prison sentences because it would cut down on crime. (Opposing view sample) Introducing an opposing view: Acknowledge Believe Declare Report Claim Respond Comment Disclose Imply Point out Suggest Dispute Insist Argue Refute Assert Contend Reject Deny However, this could lead to over crowding and increased budgets needed to care for these individuals. (Counter-argument sample) Introducing a counter-argument: However Nevertheless While this may be true This is outweighed by

5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKsd25UkZfQ Developing a claim and counter-arguments

6. Opposing Viewpoint Many claim that college athletes should be paid a salary since the school makes money as a result of their talents Counter-argument - Rebuttal While it may be true that they deserve some type of payment, it must be considered that they are already being paid as a result of scholarships that provide them an education at either a free or reduced cost. Opposing Viewpoint People contend that mobile phones are a waste of money since landlines are much cheaper Counter-argument – Rebuttal Opposing Viewpoint Citizens point out that smoking should be banned in all public places because passive smoking damages other people Counter-argument - Rebuttal Opposing Viewpoint Individuals suggest that there should be a law to make people recycle bottles and cans in order to cut down on the waste we produce Counter-argument - Rebuttal Opposing Viewpoint Music lovers insist that they should be allowed to download as much music as they want from the internet because CDs are overpriced Counter-argument - Rebuttal

7.  Select 3 of the stated opposing view statements  Develop counter-arguments for each of the opposing views  Underline/circle each of the signal words used in each sample  Be prepared to share your examples Counter-Arguments Activity