The Rebuttal Argument (Portfolio Essay)
College Composition II – Herberg
A rebuttal argument is one where you argue against an existing argument. Rebuttal arguments involve
refutation (identifying where the argument is wrong, flawed, or not complete) and/or offer counter
arguments (offering argumentative points that differ from the original argument). Chose one of your
text/sources you have found on your issue for the rebuttal argument. And you must use at least two
sources to support your rebuttal claims.
The goal of a rebuttal argument is to dismiss or weaken a argument so that it become irrelevant or
questionable to an audience who might be or has been persuaded to accept it.
Learning Goals for the Rebuttal Argument
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To help you develop invention/idea development processes
To let you show that you understand the rhetorical expectations of a rebuttal argument and
can use and shape information to achieve that purpose.
To develop your skills to closely read and critique an argument.
To develop your persuasive skills and your ability and appropriately select rhetorical appeals
for a desired purpose showing audience awareness.
To develop your ability to make meaning out of multiple texts (the primary article as well as
your sources) to achieve a rhetorical purpose and incorporate those text effectively and fluidly
(using signal phrases, contextual information, and appropriate citation).
The Parts of This Assignment
The Argument Map (100 points – non-portfolio assignment).
Summary of article being rebutted (25 points)
The final Rebuttal Argument (a potential portfolio essay)
What to do in an Rebuttal Argument
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You need to determine the elements of the argument that can be refuted. For example, it could
be one or more of the following:
Is it the content/evidence of the argument?
Is it how the evidence is presented?
Is it how the argument is constructed?
Is it an aspect of who is making the argument?
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You need to determine the grounds of the refutation
Is it an aspect of sufficiency, typicality, accuracy, or relevance?
Is it an aspect of bias or extremism?
Is it an aspect of civility or reasoning (or the lack there of)?
CCII Rebuttal Argument
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You need to determine how you will support your rebuttal —in other words what will be your
evidence to support your claims about the argument? You must use at least two sources in
support of your rebuttal.
Resources for the Rebuttal Argument
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The Rebuttal PDF on Blackboard
Chapters 5 and 6 from Writing Argument
o Chapter 5: Using Evidence Effectively
o Chapter 6: Moving Your Audience
Fallacy PDF on Blackboard
Argument Map assignment sheet on Blackboard
Guidelines for the Rebuttal Argument
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Sources: Minimum 2 required (article being refuted and at least one other)
Works Cited Page in APA format
Length: 800 to 1100 words
Typed, double spaced with headers (name and page numbers)
Visuals encouraged if appropriate
CCII Rebuttal Argument
Page 3
Rebuttal Argument Evaluation Worksheet
Argument meets assignment requirement
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A Rebuttal argument is present
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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Relevant and persuasive sources are used to refute the argument
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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Original argument is clearly and sufficiently introduced and it builds concrete and clear context for the paper
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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The argument effectively weakesns or questionss the original arguments
Strong
_________________________________________________ Weak
Essay Focus/Organization
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Ideas are clearly presented and developed with sufficient detail and support for the discussion
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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The essay stays focused on the argument
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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The body paragraphs are focused and with sufficient detail and support for the discussion
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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Sentences are clear and understandable
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
Use of Appeals, Evidence and Sources
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Logical appeals are dominant, developed and supported, appropriate, and relevant
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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Emotional appeals are appropriate and ethical
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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A credible ethos is presented in the argument
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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Sources are appropriately introduced. Signal phrases are used to introduce the sources and source materials. Source
material is blended into the writing transitionally and grammatically.
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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The relevance of the sources is explained
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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Sources are appropriately cited and quoted or paraphrased
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
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Works Cited page is included and follows APA format
Strong _________________________________________________ Weak
Grammar and Mechanics
Minor Problems________________________________ __________Significant Problems
Revision Status
Minor
_________________________________________________ Significant