The Argumentative Essay Introducing the Counter Argument and Rebuttal

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

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 (DETAILS!)

COUNTER CLAIM Consider the opposite side Argues against your claim Turn against your argument to challenge it and then turn back to reaffirm your position

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

REBUTTAL Turn back to your original position Responds to and refutes issues presented by the counterclaim. **rebuttal - the speech act of refuting by offering a contrary contention or argument **refute - overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof

REBUTTAL Key Phrases to use: 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? (One Example) Introduction Claim 1 Claim 2 Counter Claim Rebuttal Conclusion Each of these will be one paragraph!

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. Should public schools have uniforms? 2. Should high school athletes maintain 2.5 GPAs?