Writing an
Argumentative Essay
Counter-Arguments
Objectives
By the end of today’s lesson you will be able to:
•Make a counter-argument
to a view that has been
expressed, addressing
weaknesses in the
argument and offering
alternatives.
Planning Your Argumentative Essay
1. Clearly state your position. What do you believe
about the issue? What are your reasons for
believing that way?
2. Consider your audience. What do your readers
know about the issue? What are their opinions on it?
3. Gather support for your arguments. Where will
you find the information you need? What facts,
statistics, examples, anecdotes (personal short
story), and quotations support your position? Which
evidence is strongest? What support might people
who object to your position present? How can you
answer those objections?
COUNTER-ARGUMENT
Address the opposing viewpoint
 Every controversial issue has two
sides.
 Once you can support your
position with research, you need
to explore what others think.
PREPARING YOUR ARGUMENTS
 Look at the three main reasons for
your opinion.
 What objections would others have to
each of your reasons?
 Write these down under each of your
reasons. Now you have three arguments
and three counter-arguments.
Steps To Identifying A CounterArgument
• What is this argument saying?
• What are some common things people say
against this topic?
• Who is saying this?
What is an argument?
• Definition- Presenting and supporting a claim,
but also mentioning the opposite opinion
What is a counter argument?
• Definition- The opposing view on a topic. The
opinion of a person who might argue with you.
The TURN AGAINST
• Think of your target audience..who
are you trying to convince of your
position?
• Think of what your audience would
say about YOUR position…remember
they are speaking AGAINST what your
opinion is!
The Turn Against..Possible
Phrases
• “One might object here that….”
• “It’s true that…”
• “Admittedly…”
• “One might realize that…”
• “One could understand you might feel
differently about…”
• “I am aware of….”
• “Many people may think….”
Counter Argument Example:
Bear Hunt
• Thesis: The recent Florida bear hunt
was an unnecessary measure to reduce
the bear population. (My opinion)
• COUNTER ARGUMENT:
“I realize that the bear population has
increased and bears have become a
nuisance to populated, residential areas
in NJ.”
THE TURN BACK
• Return to your own argument/opinion
• Within the same paragraph as the Turn
Against
• Use careful reasoning
• Show why the opposition is mistaken
• Acknowledge that the opposing argument
is valid, but suggest why it’s less
important than your thesis/opinion
The Turn Back
Possible Transition Words/Phrases
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
…but
…yet
…however
…nevertheless
…still
…but I believe
…the facts state
…I urge you to
Even though,
Example of Counter argument
with Turn Against and Turn Back
Thesis/Claim: The recent Florida bear hunt was an
unnecessary measure to reduce the bear
population.
Counter argument with Turn Against and Turn Back:
“I realize that the bear population has increased
and bears have become a nuisance to populated,
residential areas in Florida, however, slaughtering
hundreds of bears for sport is an act of animal
cruelty. Other humane measures such as proper
waste disposal would be more effective.”
Argument
Mobile phones are a waste of money since landlines are much cheaper
Counter-argument
Argument
Smoking should be banned in all public places because passive smoking
damages other people
Counter-argument
Argument
There should be a law to make people recycle bottles and cans in order to cut
down on the waste we produce
Counter-argument
Argument
People should be allowed to download as much music as they want from the
internet because CDs are overpriced
Counter-argument
Argument
Counter-argument
Thieves should be given longer prison sentences because it would cut down
on crime
When you counter argue..
• You consider a possible argument
AGAINST your thesis/opinion
• You first TURN AGAINST your own
opinion
• You then RETURN to your own
argument to defend it
• This all occurs within the same
paragraph
Where should your counter
arguments go in your essay?
• They need to go in your body paragraphs.
• You can start your body paragraphs with the counter
argument or include it with your reasons and evidence.
• OR
• You can add a separate paragraph that address the
opposing viewpoint.
• If you have a separate paragraph, your essay will be 6
paragraphs.
• I suggest you include the counter argument/ address the
opposing viewpoint in each body paragraph.
Common Mistakes
• Some common mistakes when refuting
include:
• Stating an opposing argument without
saying why it is less effective.
• Being too general, like “…and that
argument is less effective because it is
wrong.”
• Refuting an argument other than the
one you have stated in your essay.
Why Counter-arguments?
• Addressing the claims of the opposition is an important
component in building a convincing argument.
 It demonstrates your credibility as a writer—you have
researched multiple sides of the argument and have come
to an informed decision.
 It shows you have considered other points of view -
that other points of view are valid and reasonable.
Why Counter-arguments?
• Consider your audience when you offer your
counterargument:
 Conceding to some of your opposition’s concerns
can demonstrate respect for their opinions.
 Using rude or deprecating language can cause
your audience to reject your position. Remain
tactful yet firm.
Cite your Evidence!!!
• Researched material can aid you in proving
the claims of your argument and disproving
oppositional claims.
• Be sure to use your research to support the
claims made in your topic sentences—make
your research work to prove your argument.