COUNTERARGUMENTS 4/19/22 1 By the end of today, you should be able to identify the components of a good counterargument! 2 AGENDA 1. Recap: What is an argument? 2. What is a counterargument? 3. How to create a counter argument 4. Examples 3 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). 4 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 • 5 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) 6 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. f f 7 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! 8 f • • Make sure you have a clearly de ined opposing position! f • 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… 9 Providing evidence for your claim • The truth is… • In fact… • Furthermore… SUMMARY: WHAT ARE THE 3 STEPS OF A COUNTERARGUMENT?