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Responding to the counter-argument

Responding to the counter-argument. And other writing tips…. What is it?. Any position that contradicts your opinions (assertions/arguments) that you are presenting in essay. Why include C-A?. Effectively addressing counter-argument can bolster your case

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Responding to the counter-argument

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  1. Responding to the counter-argument And other writing tips…

  2. What is it? • Any position that contradicts your opinions (assertions/arguments) that you are presenting in essay

  3. Why include C-A? • Effectively addressing counter-argument can bolster your case • Don’t underestimate the intelligence of your readers • If you do not address their objections, the reader is not fully convinced • Can sharpen and clarify your point. • Alerts reader to potential confusion

  4. More reasons… • Enhances your credibility • Fair critic who can see both sides of the issue but advocates for the best position • More ways to argue • Your paper focuses on why your reasons are best; counter-argument allows possibility to explore negative reasons

  5. Tips • Deal with one counter-argument rather than a lot quickly (and superficially) • C-A gets own paragraph • Don’t attack harshly. Be fair in and explain fully the alternative ideas

  6. Last tip w/example • Pay attention to transitions • You are “shifting gears”. When introducing C-A, be explicit that this is the C-A. • Why might some disagree? • “I have just discussed awesome reasons suggesting XYZ. Some might point to ABC and believe EFG. HOWEVER, this interpretation is based on a mistaken reading…” Then explain! 

  7. Thesis Reminders • Requirements of a good thesis: • Must be authoritative (have a provable point, argumentative edge, or persuasive viewpoint) • Promotes the writer's attitude toward the subject • Uses specific, concrete language (this avoids 'wimpyness') • *Answers the HOW or WHY you intend to prove your argument • DEBRAS! (and T)

  8. Examples • Example of a poor thesis: • Cheating in high school is widespread, but doesn't work very well. • Example of a better thesis: • Students who cheat show no real gain in grade averages; therefore, this result should be voiced right along with the moral argument not to cheat. • Super hint: If unsure how to give a thesis an edge, try using since, although, or despite to start the thesis sentence.

  9. Brainstorming a Thesis Worksheet • Write the assigned subject area here: ___________________________________________ • Brainstorm several different viewpoints/areas about the subject: • 1. ___________________________________________________________________________ • 2. ___________________________________________________________________________ • 3. ___________________________________________________________________________ • 4. ___________________________________________________________________________

  10. Worksheet… • Choose the viewpoint/area you want to promote and write about. Remember a thesis is your opinion and understanding based on facts about a topic. It must be proven to be valid. Use the space below to write the facts or proof that supports your viewpoint. • _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ • Now, choose the two strongest points that you can elaborate on and incorporate those points into a statement. This is the working thesis. • _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  11. Remember… • Avoid vague words (stuff, it, things) • Avoid 1st and second person (I, me, you, us, we) • Elaborations=why is that significant to proving your thesis. Develop thoroughly! (Answers the “so what” question a reader can say to your argument) 

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