1. Opposing Counter- Views Arguments
There WILL BE those who do not agree with your opinion
They WILL HAVE evidence that can weaken your argument
You MUST RECOGNIZE their evidence
You MUST WORK to weaken their opposing evidence

2. What is an opposing viewpoint? What is a counter-argument?
Opposing Viewpoint - Objections to the writer’s claim/your claim. Evidence that can weaken your claim
Counter-argument - Weakens the opposing viewpoint. Evidence used to explain why the opposing viewpoint should not considered.

3. Counter-argument in action!
My Claim (the writer’s opinion)
Thieves should be given lighter sentences since this type crime doesn’t involve physical harm
Opposing Viewpoint (someone who doesn’t agree with the writer’s claim)
Many argue that thieves should be given longer prison sentences because it would cut down on crime.
Counter-argument (a counter/argument against the opposing view)
However, this could lead to over crowding and increased budgets needed to care for these individuals.

4. Signal Words – Use Them! Introducing an opposing view:
Acknowledge Believe Declare Report Claim
Respond Comment Disclose Imply Point out
Suggest Dispute Insist Argue Refute
Assert Contend Reject Deny
Many argue that thieves should be given longer prison sentences because it would cut down on crime.
Introducing a counter-argument:
While this may be true However
This is outweighed by Nevertheless
However, this could lead to over crowding and increased budgets needed to care for these individuals.

5. Recognizing Opposing Views Preparing Counter-Arguments
Developing a Claim
Recognizing Opposing Views
Preparing Counter-Arguments

6. Counter-Argument Activity
Payment for Athletes
Claim: Athletes should not receive payment for their participation in any sporting activity
Opposing View: Many claim that they should be paid since the school makes money as a result of their talents
Counter-Argument: While this may be true, the fact is that athletes are actually already being paid because they receive free or reduced costs to attend school.

7. Develop a counter-argument for the following opposing viewpoint
Claim
College athletes should not receive any type of salary for participating in sporting activities.
Opposing Viewpoint
Many claim that college athletes should be paid a salary since the school makes money as a result of their talents
Counter-argument
While it may be true that they deserve some type of payment, it must be considered that they are already being paid as a result of scholarships that provide them an education at either a free or reduced cost.
Your Turn to Practice
Develop a counter-argument for the following opposing viewpoint
Smoking is a personal choice and government does not have the right to deny anyone the right to smoke.
Citizens point out that smoking should be banned in all public places because passive smoking damages other people

8. Claim
College athletes should not receive any type of salary for participating in sporting activities.
Opposing Viewpoint
Many claim that college athletes should be paid a salary since the school makes money as a result of their talents
Counter-argument
While it may be true that they deserve some type of payment, it must be considered that they are already being paid as a result of scholarships that provide them an education at either a free or reduced cost.
Your turn again….
Now you need consider a possible opposing view AND then weaken it with a strong counter-argument
Downloading music from the internet without paying is stealing and should be considered a crime