Counterarguments in MMW
(From Ben Smuin, MMW TA, Winter 2015)
Caution: The following sample sentences are models only. You must use your own
words. Copying any of these sentences verbatim is plagiarism.
Things to remember:
- Counterarguments are required in every MMW writing assignment.
- Counterarguments are actually beneficial to your argument; they make your thesis
stronger. They also provide another way to persuade your reader that your answer is
the better one.
- Counterarguments, like your own argument, need evidence. Providing evidence
shows you’ve carefully considered both sides of the debate and are therefore more
qualified to make an assertion.
- A counterargument isn’t necessarily the opposite of your thesis. Counterarguments
represent the viewpoint of someone who disagrees with your thesis, for any number
of reasons.
- A counterargument allows you to address a reader’s potential objections before they
reach the end of your essay.
How and where to use a counterargument
- There is no set formula concerning the placement of a counterargument. You should,
however, consider the following:
o If you place your counterargument near (or in) the introduction, be careful. A
counterargument in the introductory paragraphs of an essay can be effective,
but most often this is done to introduce a popular thesis that your essay
attempts to refute. You’ll also want to make it clear which is your thesis and
which is the counterargument/prevalent viewpoint (keep in mind this is rare
for MMW 12, since you’re not bringing in outside sources).
o The most common (and clearest) presentation of a counterargument is as
follows:
 Introduction
 Supporting point #1
 Supporting point #2
 Supporting point # 3,4,5, etc. (depends on your essay)
 Counterargument
 Rebuttal
 Conclusion
o This formula allows you to use the rebuttal to reinforce your thesis while
making a clear transition to your conclusion. You never want to end a paper
with a counterargument.
Introducing the counterargument
- There are numerous ways to introduce a counterargument. Remember to be clear;
make sure the reader knows you’re about to offer a counterargument. You can use
single words like ‘but’ and ‘however,’ but you have to use them correctly. Here are a
few examples of clear introductions to a counterargument:
o “Many people [believe/feel/argue/suppose/etc.] that [state the
counterargument here]” Note that this is a fact-based counterargument.
Someone needs to have said it; otherwise we’re trying to read minds.
o “It is often [argued/supposed/imagined/said/etc.] that [state the
counterargument here].” Again, your thesis would need to be challenging an
existing idea.
o “It would be easy to [argue/interpret/suppose/infer] that [state the
counterargument here].”
o “It might [seem/appear/look/etc.] as if [state the counterargument here].”
o Later on (MMW13, 14, and 15), stating the thesis or argument of another
scholar works well as a counterargument, if that particular thesis answers
your question.
The Rebuttal
- While counterarguments are important, remembering to include a rebuttal is perhaps
even more important.
- If you present a counterargument without a rebuttal, you’ve just proven yourself
wrong.
- A rebuttal needs evidence to back it up. You should draw on the evidence you’re
using to support your thesis, and present it in a way that addresses the issues of the
counterargument.
- Like the counterargument, a rebuttal needs an introduction. Here are a few examples:
o “What this argument [fails to consider/overlooks/does not take into
account].”
o “This view [seems/looks/sounds/etc.][convincing/plausible/persuasive] at
first, but…”
o While this idea is [popular/noteworthy/etc.] it is [not supported by the
facts/not logical/impractical/etc.].”
o Although the core of this claim appears/is valid, it suffers from a flaw in its
[reasoning/application/interpretation/etc.].”
Remember:
- Counterarguments and rebuttals need evidence. A sentence or two that says how
someone might disagree with you is not enough. Show your reader how they might
disagree and the evidence they would use. Similarly, a sentence that says the
counterargument is wrong is not enough. Show your reader why.