Counter-argument

1. Counter-argument Some say this is difficult, but in reality, it’s really very simple.

2. Counter-argument: what’s the point? • Actually makes your argument stronger because you can respond to your reader’s objections before they are done reading your paper. • Shows you are a reasonable person and have considered both sides of the debate.

3. How do I begin? • Begin by brainstorming what the other side believes. • Pick one belief from the other side • Start a new paragraph right before your conclusion • Begin the paragraph with what the other side’s belief is • Follow this with continued support for your belief • *The key here is to remain respectful of the other side. If you begin being disrespectful, your counter-argument will not have a positive effect. It will actually harm your argument.

4. Ways to begin Counter Claim Paragraphs • Many people believe that__________. • It is often thought that _____________. • It might seem as if _________________. • While it is common that ____________.

5. Ways to transition From the opposite side back to your opinion • What this argument fails to consider is _____________. • This view sounds convincing at first but ____________. • Although the core claim is valid, it suffers from the flaw in its _____________.

6. Example The writer’s opinion is that science is the best academic class. Counterclaim: It is often thought that social studies is the favorite academic class for middle school students. However, what this argument fails to consider is that science allows for more hands-on activities. For example, when studying amphibians, you get to dissect a frog rather than just read about an event from the past. (Continue paragraph with other supportive statements.)