Global warming is hurting the ecosystem because many species of coral can survive only in very specific temperature ranges. As the earth heats up, these species die off.
Response 1: The coral reef species that will die off are harmful to the environment because they produce toxins that kill any other plant species in the area. Warmer temperatures will increase biodiversity in coral reefs.
Offensive—this response says killing some coral reef species is actually a good thing because it will increase biodiversity. This is an example of an impact turn.
Response 2: Those species won’t die off. Even if some areas get to warm for them, places that are cold now will warm up just enough. Species won’t go extinct; they’ll just start growing in different places.
Defensive—this response contradicts the claim that the coral reef species will die off, but it doesn’t establish a positive argument in favor of global warming.
Response 3: It doesn’t matter if some species of coral die off because those species aren’t very important to the ecosystem and there will still be lots of other species.
Defensive—this response mitigates the impact of coral species dying, but it doesn’t establish a positive argument.
The proposed cap and trade system will hurt the economy because it will force electrical companies to increase their rates.
Response 1: Actually, slightly higher electrical prices won’t hurt the economy because most businesses and consumers can easily reduce their power consumption by remembering to turn off lights, washing dishes by hand, etc…
Defensive—the response mitigates the claim the economy will be harmed, but it doesn’t establish that the cap and trade proposal will be beneficial in any way.
Response 2: Actually, the proposal will help the economy by creating a profit incentive to reduce energy consumption. That will help a whole new industry of green technology businesses spring up.
Offensive—the response says that the cap and trade proposal will actually help to improve the economy. This is an example of a link turn.
Response 3: Actually, electric prices will remain the same under a cap and trade system because most electrical companies won’t be in danger of exceeding their caps.
Defensive—the response contradicts the claim that electric prices will up, but it doesn’t say that cap and trade will decrease prices or do something else positive.