COUNTER-ARGUMENTS & REFUTATIONS English II Semester 1, 2015

Organizational pattern: Introduction Argument 1 Argument 2 Counter-argument Refutation Conclusion Introduction: - Begin with an attention grabbing hook and general statements. - Last sentence: THESIS  your position Argument 1: - Topic sentence stating your 1 st argument - Present evidence/examples Argument 2: - Topic sentence stating your 2 nd argument - Present evidence/examples Conclusion: - Restate your position and summarize your arguments - Conclude with a STRONG closing remark Counter-argument Refutation: - Opposing viewpoint - Why that viewpoint is incorrect

What is a counter-argument?  An opposing argument or viewpoint that goes against your idea or argument Example: Your argument: Cell phones in class have a negative influence on student learning Counter-argument: Cell phones in class are a good thing because they aid student learning and allow students to look up new words and information

Why include a counter-argument? We include a counter-argument to create balance in an essay, and to show that we have thought about all sides of the issue.

The Fox Issue  Turn to pg 151  Write down all the arguments FOR culling fox (Jean’s)  Write down all the arguments AGAINST culling foxes (Tom’s)

Match an argument with its counter-argument 1. Foxes turn over rubbish bins and dig holes in gardens 2. Foxes attack children 3. There are too many foxes 4. Foxes are pests, like mice or rats 5. Foxes need to be put down to stop them entering gardens a) Foxes will actually try to stay out of people’s way b) Foxes keep down pests by eating rats and mice c) Foxes control their own numbers d) Dogs and cats also rip open garbage cans and dig holes e) There are other ways to keep them out

Don’t forget a refutation! After you introduce a counter-argument you must refute it. This is very important.

What is a refutation?  Your answer to the counter-argument  You must show why the counter-argument is weak or incorrect Example: Some critics believe that cell phones in the classroom is a good idea because students can use them to look up new words and do research. While this may be true sometimes, it is more likely that allowing cell phones in class is restricting students learning because students learn to rely on them instead of trying to think for themselves.

The counter-argument and refutation must match 1. Foxes turn over rubbish bins and digging holes in gardens 2. Foxes attack children 3. There are too many foxes 4. Foxes are pests, like mice or rats a) Dogs and cats also rip open garbage cans and dig holes b) Foxes will actually try to stay out of people’s way c) Foxes control their own numbers d) Foxes keep down pests by eating rats and mice

Nouns to describe people People FOR something  proponent  supporter  advocate  backer People AGAINST something  opponent  the opposition  critic

Phrases to introduce a counter-argument Sample sentence structures: 1. Some people may argue that….; however, …… 2. Although some people claim that…., still they do not consider….. 3. Opponents of this position argue that…, but….

Example paragraph Supporters of fox culling believe that it is necessary in order to prevent foxes from entering private gardens and attacking pets. However, it is possible to keep foxes out of gardens without resorting to killing them. Many commercially available products exist that prevent foxes from entering premises. These include chemicals that can be sprayed on the grass to discourage them from entering, special fox-proof fences that foxes cannot cross, audio boxes that emit unpleasant ultrasonic sounds, and machines that sense movement and spray jets of water at the object. These are effective at keeping out foxes, while also being non-lethal. Counter- argument Refutation Evidence to support refutation

Homework  Think of a counter-argument for the topic you chose  What evidence can you use to refute it?  Write a paragraph that includes a counter- argument and a refutation.  Only write on the solid lines

The Breakdown: Paragraph 1 Introduction It has become quite easy and extremely fashionable in the world today to condemn smoking. From the myriad reports on the dangers of smoking, to lawsuits finding cigarette companies liable for the damage caused by smoking, and campaigns run by governments and health organisations, the general public has been made aware of the harmful effects of smoking. Yet, despite this knowledge, many people continue to smoke. This has led some people to believe that the only way to reduce smoking is to implement a law banning smoking. However, although it can be harmful, smoking should not be banned because it will cost non-smoking tax payers a lot of money, it employs thousands of people in 3 rd world countries, and the government should not tell people what to do with their bodies.

The Breakdown : Paragraph 2 First Argument First, banning smoking will cost non-smoking tax payers a lot of money. In the USA, excise tax on cigarettes ranges from 30 cents to over $4.00 (tobaccofreekids, 2013). According to RJ Reynolds (2014), over the last 15 years this tax has earned the government over 500 billion dollars. While a portion of this money is spent treating smoking related illnesses, much of it goes on other government programs. Without this source of revenue, money would need to be found elsewhere, and other taxes would need to be raised.

The Breakdown : Paragraph 3 Second Argument A further point is that the tobacco industry also employs tens of thousands of people throughout the world, particularly in poor, 3 rd world countries. Without the production and global sales of cigarettes, these people would have no jobs, and would be unable to support themselves or their families. According to an International Labour Organisation report, "These workers and their families, in thrall to the tobacco sector for their livelihoods, are faced with the prospect of an uncertain future” (2013).

The Breakdown : Paragraph 4 Counter Argument The reasons some people believe smoking should be banned are well known. Smoking has been shown to be dangerous to health. Heart disease, bronchitis and lung cancer have all been linked to cigarettes. Nevertheless, smoking is a personal decision. One of the fundamental principles of a free society is one’s right to choose what to do with their own body. Banning smoking violates this right. It also sets a dangerous precedent by allowing the government to implement laws that take away our freedom of choice.

The Breakdown : Paragraph 5 Conclusion In conclusion, smoking should not be banned because of the financial implication it would have; both domestic taxes and global employment would be negatively impacted. Furthermore, it would violate people’s freedom of choice, and open the door for further government interference. Therefore, whether or not people agree with it, smoking should remain a personal choice.