COUNTER ARGUMENT
THE
OPPOSITION!
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
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
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“One might object here that….”
“It’s true that…”
“Admittedly…”
“I realize that…”
“I understand you might feel differently about…”
“I am aware of….”
“Many people may think….”
Counter Argument
Example: Bear Hunt
• Thesis: The recent NJ bear hunt was an
unnecessary measure to reduce the bear
population. (My opinion)
• COUNTER ARGUMENT:
“I realize that the bear popluation has
increased and bears have become a
nuisance to populated, residential areas in
NJ.”
THE TURN BACK
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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
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…but
…yet
…however
…nevertheless
…still
…but I believe
…the facts state
…I urge you to
Example of Counter argument
with Turn Against and Turn Back
Thesis: The recent NJ 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 NJ, 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.”