1. COUNTER ARGUMENT
THE
OPPOSITION!

2. When you counter argue..
You consider a possible argument AGAINST your thesis/opinion
You first TURN AGAINST your own opinion
You then RETURN to your own argument to defend it
This all either occurs within the same paragraph, or in alternating paragraphs.

3. The TURN AGAINST
Think of your target audience..who are you trying to convince of your position?
Think of what your audience would say about YOUR position…remember they are speaking AGAINST what your opinion is!

4. The Turn Against..Possible Phrases
“One might object here that….”
“It’s true that…”
“Admittedly…”
“I realize that…”
“I understand you might feel differently about…”
“I am aware of….”
“Many people may think….”

5. Counter Argument Example: Bear Hunt
Thesis Intro: The recent NJ bear hunt was an unnecessary measure to reduce the bear population. (My opinion)
Counter-Argument:
“I realize that the bear popluation has increased and bears have become a nuisance to populated, residential areas in NJ.”

6. THE TURN BACK Return to your own argument/opinion
Within the same paragraph or in an alternating paragraph as the Turn Against
Use careful reasoning
Show why the opposition is mistaken
Acknowledge that the opposing argument is valid, but suggest why it’s less important than your thesis/opinion

7. The Turn Back Possible Transition Words/Phrases
…but
…yet
…however
…nevertheless
…still
…but I believe
…the facts state
…I urge you to

8. Example of Counter argument with Turn Against and Turn Back
Thesis Intro:
The recent NJ bear hunt was an unnecessary measure to reduce the bear population.
Counter argument with Turn Against and Turn Back:
“I realize that the bear population has increased and bears have become a nuisance to populated, residential areas in NJ, however, slaughtering hundreds of bears for sport is an act of animal cruelty.
Thesis Claim:
Other humane measures such as proper waste disposal would be more effective.”