COUNTERARGUMENTS
4/19/22
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By the end of today, you should be able
to identify the components of a good
counterargument!
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AGENDA
1. Recap: What is an argument?
2. What is a counterargument?
3. How to create a counter argument
4. Examples
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RECAP: WHAT IS AN ARGUMENT?
In an argumentative essay, you will be taking a position
or side on a topic with the end goal of convincing the
reader to agree with your point of view. You must support
your opinions with reasons and evidence (OREO).
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WHAT IS A COUNTERARGUMENT?
• A counterargument involves
Kids should be
in school year
round, even in
the summer!
Kids should not
have year round
school, and
should have
summers off.
Argument
Counterargument
acknowledging opposing
points of view, and then
explaining why your
argument makes more sense
•
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Counterarguments are used
to show the reader that you
have considered both sides of
an argument, which makes
your essays more persuasive
as a result
HOW DO I MAKE A COUNTERARGUMENT?
• First, you must identify what the opposition is (Step 1)
• Brainstorm possible reasons the opposition might have for their
argument
• Provide evidence for why their reasons are invalid (Step 2)
• Explain how the evidence provided discredits the opposition (Step 3)
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COUNTERARGUMENT EXAMPLE
I think juice is the best kind of drink. There are many
different kinds of juices, like apple juice, orange juice, or grape
juice, so you can ind one that suits your tastes. Fruit juices also
provide a lot of vitamins and nutrients that you might need in
your daily diet. Many juices are also fresh and don’t have any
added sugars or chemicals.
Some people might argue that soda is a better drink
because they think it’s more lavorful, and caffeine can help give
them energy to stay awake. However, most sodas have incredibly
high amounts of added sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which
is very unhealthy. Furthermore, the natural sugars present in
juice can provide more sustained energy over a longer period of
time, while caffeine will cause you to crash after a few hours.
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YOUR TURN!
First, pick a topic and identify your position
•
•
Provide 1-2 reasons for your position (2-3 sentences)
Address a possible argument the opposition may use to defend their position (1-2
sentences)
Provide a reason with evidence why your position is better than the opposing position (1-2
sentences)
Your paragraph should be at least ive sentences long!
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•
•
Make sure you have a clearly de ined opposing position!
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•
COUNTERARGUMENT SENTENCE STARTERS
Stating the
counterargument
•
•
•
A common
misunderstanding is …
However, some
argue…
Disproving the
counterargument
•
•
While some think
________, the reality is …
Some argue ________.
However…
Others may believe
that…
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Providing evidence for
your claim
•
The truth is…
•
In fact…
•
Furthermore…
SUMMARY:
WHAT ARE THE 3 STEPS OF A
COUNTERARGUMENT?