Phrases for Counterargument
When your opponent’s argument is true but yours is better:
While it is true that . . . but
There is some truth to the argument that . . . However
It is true that . . . However,
When your opponent’s argument might be true but you are not sure:
It may be true that . . . but
Even if . . .
Even if it’s true that . . .
When your opponent’s argument is false:
It’s not true that . .
They claim that . . . but in fact . . .
Counterargument Outline
Use this form to help you create an outline and organize your ideas. Use short phrases instead of full sentences to indicate what you mean.
First, who is your audience?------------------------------
Second, what is your purpose? ----------------------------
I. Intro.
Write your topic here: ------------------------------
Indicate the background information you believe your audience needs to understand the argument:
Write your thesis here:
II. Body paragraph 1 could be your concession paragraph if your thesis statement begins with a positive comment on some aspect of the writer’s argument. It also could be a brief summary of their argument if you have not provided this in the introduction. IF you choose to summarize in this paragraph, make sure you do NOT begin to rebut. Just briefly, objectively,
Summarize.
III. What is the first problem with their argument?------------------------------------------
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Is there a quote you can use to show the reader this problem? Write it here: ----
Write why this is a problem here: ------------------------------------------------------
Write any other reasons why the point is wrong or the logic is faulty here: -----
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IV. What is the second problem with their argument?
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Is there a quote you can use to show the reader this problem? Write it here: ----
Write why this is a problem here: ------------------------------------------------------
Write any other reasons why the point is wrong or the logic is faulty here: -----
V. What is the third problem with …argument?
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Is there a quote you can use to show the reader this problem? Write it here: -----
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Write why this is a problem here: ------------------------------------------------------
Write any other reasons why the point is wrong or the logic is faulty here: -----
______________________________________________________________
VI. Concession paragraph: What point(s) do the authors make that you agree with?
_______________________________________________________________
Why is this idea correct or worth considering? __________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Why should the reader still heed your view? ___________________________
VII. Conclusion: Write why your counterargument must be listened to:
_______________________________________________________________
Write another reason: _____________________________________________
Suggest a solution or plan of action: _________________________________
The Types of Claims
Fact: facts, statistics, real examples, quotations, induction, analogies, signs, informed opinion
Definition: authorities, accepted sources, analogies, examples, signs
Cause: facts, statistics, historical and literal analogies, signs, induction, deduction, quotations from authorities
Value: value proofs, motivational proofs, literal and figurative analogies, quotes, induction, signs, definition, cause
Policy: data, motivational and value proofs, literal analogies, authorities, deduction, definition, statistics, cause
Claim of Fact
C: Candidate Smith does not value human life.
S: Candidate Smith is pro-abortion.
W: Candidate Smith has had an abortion.
Someone who values life does not support abortion.
Candidate Smith supports the death penalty.
Claim of Policy/Advocay
C: Classes should be canceled on Martin Luther King Day.
S: He was a civil rights leader who was assassinated.
W: Civil rights leaders are assassinated.
Assassinated people deserve holidays in their name.
Classes should be canceled for assassinated civil rights leaders.
Claim of Value/Evaluation
C: American Beauty is a good movie.
S: It won the Academy Award for best picture in 1999.
W: 1999 was a good year for movies.
Annette Benning should have won best actress.
Good movies win the Academy Award.
Claim of Definition
C: Good students study frequently, never turn work in late, and answer questions in class.
S: Three out of five professors agree that this is true.
W: Three out of five professors provide enough evidence to determine the qualities of good students.
You should be a good student.
If you don’t answer questions in class, you are not a good student.
Claims of Cause
C: Pollution harms the ozone layer.
S: Scientists have determined this to be the case.
W: We should stop using hair spray.
Scientists are able to determine what harms the ozone layer and are trustworthy.