Counterarguments in Your Classical Argument Essay

How to show that you’re always right

A Review

Over time, we have learned that a counterargument:Examines alternative points of view

and opposing argumentsNotes the advantages and

disadvantages of these viewsExplains why your view is better than

others

How Should the Counterargument Be Introduced? In general, the strategy is to make it clear quickly

that this is someone else’s view. Typical introductory strategies include the following: Many people

[believe/argue/feel/think/suppose/etc.] that [state the counter-argument here]

It is often [thought/imagined/supposed/etc.] that [state the counter-argument here][It would be easy to/One could easily] [think/believe/imagine/suppose/etc.] that [state the counter-argument here]

It might [seem/appear/look/etc.] as if [state the counter-argument here]

Another idea… You can also cite specific writers or

thinkers who have expressed a view opposite to your own:On the other hand, Satrapi shows

that...However, Hughes has

written, ...Satrapi demonstrates...

How Should the Rebuttal Be Introduced?

In all cases, the job of the rebuttal is to show the reader that the opposing view is now being answered. Here are some typical strategies. These are generic examples; they work best when tailored to suit the specifics of the individual topic. What this piece [overlooks/fails to consider/does

not take into account] is ... This work [seems/looks/sounds/etc.]

[convincing/plausible/persuasive/etc.] at first, but…

While this book is popular, it is [logical/impractical/artistic etc.]

Although the author’s approach is successful, it suffers from a flaw in its [delivery/application/etc.]

Now Let’s Look At Some Poor Rebuttals…

Faulty Factual Assumption, Faulty Analytical Assumption, Faulty Values, and True But Irrelevant

Faulty Factual Assumption

Racism is a thing of the past; therefore, students don’t need to bother with it.

What is wrong with this rebuttal? How could we improve it?

Faulty Analytical Assumption

Learning about racism might make students more racist.

What is wrong with this rebuttal? How could we improve it?

Faulty Values

Who cares if students are racist?

What is wrong with this rebuttal? How could we improve it?

True But Irrelevant

Students are already familiar with racism; they don’t need to study it in school.

What is wrong with this rebuttal? How could we improve it?

Counterargument Exercise!