Language of Argument
…how to lay the smack down on your
unsuspecting opponent!
Language of Argument
Counterclaims and Rebuttals
Language of Argument
Counterclaim (n): An argument that makes an
opposing point to another argument.
Rebuttal (n): A statement that gives reasons why an
accusation is untrue; when you make a rebuttal of
a counterclaim in an argument, you give reasons
why that counterclaim is not a good argument.
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
You should buy a motorcycle. They are smaller than cars
and allow you to move into and through traffic with ease. By
being able to move into and through traffic with ease, you
can save time by not having to sit in traffic.
Some may argue that because motorcycles are smaller
than cars, you should not buy one. While this argument is
valid in the sense that motorcycles can be more dangerous
than cars because they are smaller, the benefits of driving a
motorcycle, such as saving money on gas, make it a good
reason to buy.
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution.
Driving a private car is a typical citizen’s most air polluting
activity. Because cars are the largest source of private (as
opposed to industry produced) air pollution, switching to
hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting pollution.
Another reason why hybrid cars are an effective
strategy to fight pollution is because hybrid cars combine a
gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor. This
combination of technologies means that less pollution is
produced.
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Some people feel that instead of focusing on
cars, which still encourages a culture of driving even
if it cuts down on pollution, the nation should focus
on building and encouraging use of mass transit
systems. While mass transit is an environmentally
sound idea that should be encouraged, it is not
feasible in many rural areas, or for people who must
commute to work; thus hybrid cars are a better
solution for much of the nation’s population.
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Sentence starters for Counterclaim and Rebuttal
“On the other hand, some people believe ______...”
“One may argue _________; however, _____...”
“Some people feel that_________; however,_____...”
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Make the Counterclaim real!
You will not fool anyone by misrepresenting people
who disagree with you; in fact, you will only
weaken your own position because you will
appear to fear the truth. Bring up a counterclaim
that represents a (seemingly) valid objection to
your claim.
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Never make a counterclaim you cannot rebut!
Bringing up the opposing viewpoint and then failing
to show why it is wrong will cause your audience
to doubt that your position is the only right one
(which is the point of persuasion, after all).
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Make it clear that you do not agree with the
counterclaim!
Do not allow your audience to think you are simply
contradicting yourself. How can you persuade
someone to accept your claim if you sound like you do
not completely accept it?
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Do not repeat a reason you have already given to rebut
the counterclaim!
The rebuttal should focus specifically on the objection in
the counterclaim. If you merely repeat what you have
already said, your audience will assume you cannot
think of an effective response.
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
You are allowed to have more than one rebuttal!
The more reasons you can give to show that the counterclaim is
wrong, the better.
The Context of your Claim
How do you start your letter?
Before you can jump into your claim, evidence, warrants,
counterclaims and rebuttals, you must explain the context
for your argument in an introduction.
Three teenagers, all of which are deserving, are applying for
admission to your university and the basketball program.
The Context of your Claim
How do you start your letter?
This is your chance to WOW the reader!!!
The Context of your Claim
You may want to address these questions in your
introduction:
 What was the process for deciding which teen
should be first on the list?
 Who made up the committee (group) that is making
the recommendation?
 What considerations did you take into account as
the criteria for judging each candidate?
How to Write Your Letter
Introduction:
Evidence #1:
Warrant:
Claim:
Evidence #2:
Counterclaim:
Warrant:
Rebuttal:
Closing Out Your Argument
How do you END your letter?
After you have stated your claim, evidence,
warrants, counterclaim, and rebuttals, it is
time to tie is all together in a conclusion!
Closing Out Your Argument
A good conclusion in an argument paper should
include a call to action!
You’ll want to reiterate who your athlete of
choice was, state the two most important
qualities he/she possesses (evidence), and what
exactly you want the committee to do!