1. Journal
Write a counterargument and rebuttal for the following thesis statements (2 sentences sentences for each thesis):
Everyone should adopt a vegetarian lifestyle to increase health benefits, prevent animal cruelty, and it’s financially practical.
Contemporary literature should be taught in English classes because classic literature does not engage students, is not relatable to students’ lives, and is difficult to understand.

2. List the following transitions in your notes:
In addition,
Moreover,
Firstly,
While it is true that….
However,
Additionally,
Nevertheless,
Furthermore,
As a matter of fact,
First, Second, Third

3. COUNTER ARGUMENT
THE
OPPOSITION!

4. When you counterargue..
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 occurs within the same paragraph

5. 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!

6. The Turn Against..Possible Phrases
“One might object here that….”
“It’s true that…”
“Admittedly…”
“It is understood that many might feel differently about…”
“While many are aware of….”
“Many people may think….”

7. Counterargument Example: Cell Phones in the Classroom
Thesis: Allowing cell phones in school can expand the traditional student’s tool and information range, increase student participation, and make it easier for teachers to communicate with students. (My opinion.)
COUNTER ARGUMENT:
“Admittedly cell phones have been used to cheat in classrooms, and they can be distracting to students.”

8. THE TURN BACK Return to your own argument/opinion
Within the same 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

9. The Turn Back Possible Transition Words/Phrases
…but
…yet
…however
…nevertheless
…still
…the facts state
…please consider

10. Example of Counterargument with Turn Against and Turn Back
Thesis: Allowing cell phones in school can expand the traditional student’s tool and information range, increase student participation, and make it easier for teachers to communicate with students. Counterargument with Turn Against and Turn Back: “Admittedly cell phones have been used to cheat in classrooms, and they can be distracting to students; however, eliminating cell phone use entirely would be denying students an extremely useful tool that all people in the 21st century need to learn to use appropriately to access information. Measures can be taken to ensure that students are unable to access phones during tests and that students are only using cell phones upon teach approval. For example, …””

11. Read the articles, then do this:
Thesis.
Four topic sentences with three transitions.
Quotes to support each paragraphs.
Counterargument/rebuttal paragraph.
Conclusion.