1. Writing a Counterargument Paragraph
English 9

2. What is a counterargument?
Paragraph right after your body paragraphs arguing for your side
This paragraph starts by showing the “other side’s” argument
Try presenting the other side by saying
Some people say….

3. Elements of a Counterargument paragraph
Just like your other body paragraphs, this paragraph:
Start with a topic sentence
Contains evidence with proper citation
Includes analysis of evidence

4. They are wrong because…
Refutation
Unlike your other body paragraphs, your counterargument contains a refutation, when the writer tries to CRUSH the other side’s argument.
Try saying:
They are wrong because…

5. Example counterargument paragraph
On the other hand, some people say Shrek is not an epic hero because he is antisocial. As role models, heroes should be able and willing to interact with their peers. Shrek lives in a swamp, removed from most people. In fact, one of the first times viewers see Shrek, he is scaring villagers by roaring at them. A hero would not intentionally scare others, but would instead try to calm their fears. They are wrong because in this example, Shrek was being attacked by those villagers for being an ogre. In reality, Shrek was acting very heroically when he scared off the villagers because he was standing up for himself against his bullies.