A Counterargument Primer Counterargument: A portion of a complete argument that addresses the limitations of opposing points
of view. A counterargument helps establish credibility by showing a writer is well-informed, openminded, and rational.
o Rhetoric of organization: A counterargument is usually placed after the introduction or
before the conclusion.
§ After introduction:
• Benefits: Develops credibility and creates a reasonable persona. Because it allows
the writer to end with his/her argument, it minimalizes the opposition’s point.
• Drawbacks: Writers must be cognizant of the counterargument’s purpose and
remember to reconnect to his/her own argument. The counterargument, if missing
elements, may become a summary of the opposition’s argument, resulting in a lack of
cohesion and focus.
§ Before conclusion:
• Benefits: By first formulating one’s own argument, one may discover the
opposition’s argument, if writing under time constraints. A writer can assert the
faulty nature of the opposition’s claims prior to the conclusion.
• Drawbacks: If the rebuttal is weak, the last thing the reader remembers is the
opposition’s points. The opportunity to establish credibility through counterargument
is delayed. More rhetorical moves are required to create cohesion with the
conclusion.
Do:
• Anticipate and address opposing points held by the audience
• Limit the number of opposing points addressed to 2-3 of the most reasonable and/or
popular ones, even if flawed.
• Focus only on the key ideas of opposing points, rather than the details
• Reveal the source of opposing points whenever possible
Don’t:
• Mock or disrespect the opposition’s points to avoid creating an immature persona
• Omit any components of a counterargument
• Don't re-use specific evidence and reasoning from rebuttals in other parts of your
argument
• Allow the rebuttal to shift the argument’s focus
Counterargument Formula:
Qualifying language (concession) and opposition’s point (concession) + rebuttal
Counterargument Example:
Although Cullen believes that the Dream of the Coast does not “celebrate the idea of
work” but “effortless attainment” (Cullen 160), he does not take into account the hours
Americans work, more hours than all other countries except China and Japan
(Robinson XX). Americans work hard to achieve the comforts of the American
middle-class life, even forgoing vacations and the forty-hour workweek. Especially
after the most recent recession, American’s need to and do work extended hours to
maintain the traditional middle-class material lifestyle, despite the resulting loss of
leisure time.
RCD ELA 11 Unit 2 Task 2; modified 6.23.15
Components of a Counterargument
Concession: The concession acknowledges one or more of the opposition’s claims. In order to
concede, one must use qualifying language, i.e.: although, nevertheless, whereas. A formula and
example for a concession appear below:
Rebuttal: The argument against the opponent on the terms introduced in the concession. A rebuttal
should respectfully place the opposition’s argument as subordinate to the writer’s own argument.
Respectful subordination is created through qualifying language, which functions as a transition to the
writer’s own argument, evidence, and explanations. The rebuttal comprises a majority of a
counterargument.
Cohesion: Unity in an argument created through links in language (i.e., transitions, synonyms,
repetition, pronoun references), as when words in one sentence are repeated in another, and especially
because some words or phrases depend for their interpretation upon material in preceding or following
text. Keep in mind language used to create cohesion can also serve other functions within a paragraph.
Cohesion Example:
Although Cullen believes that the Dream of the Coast does not “celebrate the idea of
work” but “effortless attainment” (Cullen 160), he does not take into account the hours
Americans work, more hours than all other countries except China and Japan (Robinson
XX). Americans work hard to achieve the comforts of the American middle-class life,
even forgoing vacations and the forty-hour workweek. In addition, Americans need to
and do work extended hours to maintain the traditional middle-class material lifestyle,
despite the resulting loss of leisure time, especially after the most recent recession.
Underline = cohesion created through ideas; italics = cohesion created through language; bold = transition
Show your quality!
•
•
•
Impress readers with your sophisticated and subtle reasoning, and used sources, not only for their
information, but for the authority and expertise that they can loan you.
Refutation is not about logic only. Appeal to your readers’ emotional sensibilities and their
values.
Make the process intellectually enjoyable to yourself, without creating the impression that you
are sparring with adversaries.
RCD ELA 11 Unit 2 Task 2; modified 6.23.15