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Persuasive Writing vs. Writing an Argument. Are you prepared to consider your opponent, then prove that he/she is wrong?. When you counter argue. You consider a possible argument AGAINST your thesis/opinion. You first TURN AGAINST your own opinion.
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Persuasive Writing vs. Writing an Argument Are you prepared to consider your opponent, then prove that he/she is wrong?
When you counter argue.. • You consider a possible argument AGAINST your thesis/opinion. • You first TURN AGAINST your own opinion. • You then RETURN or TURN BACK to your own argument to defend it. • This all occurs within the same paragraph.
The TURN AGAINST… • Think of your target audience… who are you trying to convince of your position? • Think of what your audience would say about YOUR position…remember they are speaking AGAINST what your opinion is! • Example: • You are grounded for getting a D on the last English test, but you really want to go to the party Billy Bob is throwing on Saturday night. • Think of four reasons why you should be able to go, then four counter arguments your mom will make as to why you shouldn’t go.
The Turn Against… Possible Phrases • “One might object here that….” • “It’s true that…” • “Admittedly…” • “It might seem obvious that…” • “Some may have different opinions, but …” • “Although it seems that ….” • “Many people may think….”
Counter Argument Example: Bear Hunt • Opinion: The recent NJ bear hunt was an unnecessary measure to reduce the bear population. (My opinion WITHOUT saying, “I feel …”) • Turn Against: “Although the mass numbers of bears in the area are causing major upheaval and these animals have become a nuisance to residential areas in New Jersey, …
Remember, in the “Turn Back” … • return to your own argument/opinion. • keep it in the paragraph as the Turn Against (can be the same sentence if the TA is a subordinate clause). • use careful reasoning – not just opinions. • show why the opposition is mistaken. • acknowledge that the opposing argument is valid, but suggest why it’s less important than your thesis/opinion.
The Turn BackPossible Transition Words/Phrases • …but • …yet • …however • …nevertheless • …still • …but remember • …the facts state • … it is crucial that people REMEMBER: NO YOU or NO I!!!
Counter Argument Example: Bear Hunt • Opinion: The recent NJ bear hunt was an unnecessary measure to reduce the bear population. (My opinion WITHOUT saying, “I feel …”) • COUNTER ARGUMENT: “Although the mass numbers of bears in the area are causing major upheaval and these animals have become a nuisance to residential areas in New Jersey, the recent state-wide bear hunt was an unnecessary measure to reduce the bear population. Instead of killing the innocent animals, they could have been trapped and transported to various national forests. * Notice how I added a counter argument and went back to my side/opinion INCLUDING the use of facts by giving an alternative solution!