Counterarguments

Introduction

A counterargument is a way of acknowledging what others might say against your thesis; then, shutting them up with why you are right with your viewpoint. A counterargument is a possible argument against the argument you made in your paper.

Finding the correct place to put this counterargument is like a puzzle; you can put it anywhere it fits. The counterargument can go anywhere that you want, except the conclusion. Let's explore different locations to add counterarguments.

Counterargument in an Introduction

Placing your counterargument in your introduction is one effective way to include your counterargument. Stating the counterargument before you introduce your topic and/or state your thesis can be successful because it informs the reader why you are writing the academic paper in the first place.

Introduction Example

Below is an example of how a counterargument can be used in an introduction paragraph:

Around the world, there are hundreds of dams of different sizes. Dams are used for irrigation, flood defenses, water supply, and hydroelectric power. Despite these positive elements, however, there are also many bad elements related to dams. Dams have a negative global impact because they eat up valuable land resources, ruin wildlife habitats, effects endangered species, and create damaging greenhouse gases.

First, the author effectively conveys the counterargument, “dams are used for irrigation, flood defenses, water supply, and hydroelectric power.”

Then, the author creates a transition from the counterargument to the thesis by using language to show the reader that the author does not agree ("despite" and "however") and will in fact contradict the statement: "Despite these positive elements, however, there are also many bad elements related to dams."

Finally, the author states the thesis that will be discussed throughout the paper, which is the “Dams have a negative global impact because they eat up valuable land resources, ruin wildlife habitats, effects endangered species, and create damaging greenhouse gases.”

Counterargument as a Body Paragraph

You could include counterargument(s) as a body paragraph(s). This is most effectively used to start-off your series of body paragraphs or to end them. You could have a whole paragraph devoted just to what the other side might say about your thesis. Then, of course, tell that side why they are wrong with the facts that you have gathered in your research.

Body Paragraph Example

Below is an example of how a counterargument can be used as an entire body paragraph:

Some scholars and researchers claim that there are negative impacts of technology on a child’s developing mind. According to one research study, scholars claimed that “moderate evidence also suggests that early exposure to purely entertainment content, and media violence in particular, is negatively associated with cognitive skills and academic achievement” (Kirkorian 8). They therefore argue for technology to be eradicated from educational practices.

The body paragraphs that follow this one will provide arguments with evidence that counteract this paragraph's claim that technology is bad for children as an educational tool since it negatively effects cognitive development.

Counterargument as a Topic Sentence

Counterarguments can be incorporated into each of your body paragraph's topic sentences. At the beginning of each body paragraph, you could utilize 1-2 sentences to accomplish this. To do so, you would:

1. First, present the opposing view on the topic you are about to discuss in your paragraph.

2. Then, get into your point of view on the topic of your paragraph (how you would normally present a topic sentence).

This is a very effective method of utilizing counterarguments because you are point-by-point immediately addressing why the other side is wrong, and you are right.

Here are some example topic sentence starters for counterarguments:

• Another perspective may argue that ________. However, this is incorrect because ________.

  • (Then, you would present your supporting details as usual for the rest of the body paragraph.)

• Others may argue that ________, but the reality is________.

  • (Then, you would present your supporting details as usual for the rest of the body paragraph.)

Topic Sentence Example

Below is an example of how a counterargument can come before your topic sentence in a body paragraph. The counterargument is shown in underlined, green text, while the topic sentence of the paragraph is depicted in italicized, fuchsia text. The rest of the un-formatted portions of the paragraph represent supporting details and a concluding sentence.

Some may argue that students lack the responsibility to have drinks in class. This, however, is not true. Students drink soda in the cafeteria all the time, and rarely is there a spill. Also, there could be a compromise where students only bring in clear liquids. This would eliminate any stains if there was a spill. A final reason is that there could be a rule that all drinks had to have twist on or snap on lids. These reasons eliminate the concern of our lack of responsibility

Counterarguments in a Conclusion

Nope. Remember, conclusions are for a wrap-up and analysis of arguments and evidence that was already presented in your paper. Unless you already have a counterargument in your introduction or body, do not introduce it for the first time in your conclusion.