The Argumentative Essay Introducing the Counter Argument and Rebuttal

What is an Argumentative Essay? The purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept—or seriously consider--your opinion on a controversial issue Has three parts: Claim, Counter Claim, Rebuttal (plus Introduction and Conclusion)

Consider your Audience Whom are you trying to reach? What do they already know about your topic? What is your relationship with your audience and how does it impact your word choice and tone?

CLAIM Your opinion or position on an issue Must be supported with evidence (quotes, facts, data) Evidence must be explained!!!

COUNTER CLAIM Consider the opposite side Argues against your claim Use a counterclaim when you consider a possible argument against your thesis/claim Turn against your argument/opinion to challenge it

REBUTTAL Turn back to your original position/argument . Return so you can reaffirm and defend it. Responds to and refutes issues presented by the counterclaim

The Opposing Side Ask these questions: 1. Who might disagree with my position? Why? 2. What reasons do people have for disagreeing with me? 3. What evidence would support an opposing argument?

Counterclaim: Tone When writing a counterclaim paragraph, your tone should be respectfully skeptical. Use language that does not demean your opponent, but that does relay your disagreement with their position.

Argumentative vocabulary Argue                          Claim                    Assert  Contend Insist Suggest  Point out 

Counter Claim Key phrases to consider using: One might object that... It might seem that... It's true that... Admittedly... Of course...

REBUTTAL Return to your original argument based upon careful reasoning -Show why counter argument is mistaken -Acknowledge it, but show why it is less important

REBUTTAL Key Phrases to consider: but yet however nonetheless still

EXAMPLE CLAIM: “More Americans are choosing low-carb diets because the media promotes low-carb diets as the new way to a skinnier body.” COUNTER CLAIM: “Some Americans don't watch television commercials because they own a DVR or Tivo, but most Americans are exposed to other forms of advertisement in magazines, newspapers, and highway billboards.

Where to put it? Introduction Claim 1 Claim 2 Counter Claim and Rebuttal Conclusion Each of these will be one paragraph! OR

Where to put it? Body ¶ - Each body paragraph may contain a counter argument and rebuttal Claim Data/Evidence Warrant/Commentary – Explanation Counter Argument / Concession Rebuttal

Be Cautious! It is true that counter arguments enrich argumentative writing; however, adding a weak counterargument or overdoing it cause worse results.

Practice: Provide a Claim and Counter Argument for the following topics: 1. To Die or Suffer: The Necessity of Physician-assisted Suicide 2. Are Herbal medicines beneficial to our health?