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Counterarguments

Counterarguments. Why and How to Use T hem. What is a counterargument?. A counterargument is an argument that is opposed to your thesis/ argument – it’s the other side of the issue. It’s not enough to mention a counterargument; then it just sounds like you’re contradicting yourself.

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Counterarguments

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  1. Counterarguments Why and How to Use Them

  2. What is a counterargument? • A counterargument is an argument that is opposed to your thesis/argument – it’s the other side of the issue. • It’s not enough to mention a counterargument; then it just sounds like you’re contradicting yourself. • You must REFUTE the counterargument, or show that it’s faulty.

  3. Why use counterargument? • It makes your argument stronger because… • You can respond to readers’ possible objections instantly. • It shows that you are reasonable and considering all sides of the issue. • If you come off as reasonable, you become more believable and persuasive.

  4. Picking counterarguments • Address a counterargument that is RELEVANT and REASONABLE. In other words, don’t address a counterargument that no one would ever make, and don’t stray off topic.

  5. Introducing counterarguments • Some may say… • Many people believe… • Others argue… • It might seem as though… • It is often believed… • While itistrue that…

  6. Refuting the Counterargument • Once you address the counterargument, you must refuteit by showing why it’s faulty, unreasonable, or makes a less valid point than your own. • Make sure you support yourself. It’s not enough to say, “But they’re wrong,” or “but that’s not the case.” You must CONVINCE your reader with facts, logic, or emotion.

  7. Introducing the refute • This is not the case because… • What this argument does not consider is… • While many believe this…. • Although this has some truth to it… • This sounds convincing, but… • This argument is faulty because…

  8. Example • For example, here is my sample argument: • “The state should mandate heart testing for all high school and college athletes because too many teenagers are dying from undetected heart issues.” • Here is a sample counterargument: • “Some argue that teens dying from heart issues is so rare that it does not require the state to take any action.” • Here is how I could refute it: • “However, the state must act when any young life is lost unnecessarily, not just when it happens to a number of people it decides is large enough.”

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