The counterclaim

1. The counterclaim Argumentative Writing English 2

2. A counterclaim is… • any position that contradicts the thesis • Bad: Some think Brave New World’s dehumanization is worse than 1984. • Good: While 1984’s dehumanization can be seen through its psychological warfare, the scientific alterations made to the State’s citizens demonstrate the blatant dehumanization through genetic mutations, stripping citizens of individuality.

3. Part one: Turn Against • a different conclusion could be drawn from the same facts • You introduce this turn against with a phrase like: • One might object here that... • It might seem that... • It's true that... • Admittedly... • Then you state the case against yourself as briefly but as clearly and forcefully as you can, pointing to evidence where possible • Easy Terms: Argue AGAINST YOURSELF. If you had this argument verbally, what would someone say against you?

4. Part two: turn back • Your return to your own argument • Refute the counterclaim, showing why it is mistaken—an apparent but not real problem; • acknowledge its validity or plausibility • Concede its force and further your idea accordingly • Easy Terms: Prove your own counterclaim WRONG. Use its faults against itself to prove you are RIGHT.

5. Counterclaim Paragraph • State the counterclaim • Turn against • Explain the counterclaim • Give evidence • Provide the warrant (elaboration/ analysis) • Turn back • Explain the evidence AGAINST the counterclaim • Give evidence • Provide the warrant (elaboration/ analysis) • Conclude paragraph

6. Counterclaim paragraph • On the one hand _____; on the other hand ______________. • Although _____________, in reality _______________. • Author X contradicts what she/he says earlier… While she argues ___________, she/he also ______________. • Evidence supports that ___________; however, _____________. • While it is true that ______, it does not necessarily follow that ________.