Using
Counterarguments in Writing
Counterargument:
A
counterargument is an argument (point/reason/evidence/explanation) that your opponent
would make.
Rebuttal:
A
rebuttal is when you respond directly to your opponent’s argument/point to
explain/show how/why they are wrong.
Helpful
Sentence Starters for Including Counterarguments in Writing
·
“Some people may argue…but…”
·
“A possible concern is…”
·
A common counterpoint is…”
·
“For example, they [proponents/opponents] contend that…”
·
“Those who believe… claim that …”
·
“That is an understandable concern; however…”
·
“This argument is wrong because…”
·
“Although some people think/believe… others understand…”
·
“The evidence, however, supports/disproves the argument that…”
Example #1
Many
people argue that bullying is a natural part of society and that the only way
to prevent the more serious effects of bullying is to punish those who do it
and help the victims. But this is only doing something after the
fact, when our society should be working toward prevention. Once bullying has started to
the point that it has been brought to adults’ attention, a cycle is in place
that is hard to get out of. The bully feels in power and sometimes also
ashamed. Sometimes there are others involved, spectators that keep the bullying
going by laughing or joining in. And often the victim has internalized some of
the messages they have gotten, and feels that no one can help them.
Example #2
E-cigarettes
are just as harmful to bystanders' health as regular cigarettes are. E-cigarette proponents claim that the
electronic cigarettes are not toxic to others in the smokers' vicinity because
it is just water vapor that is being expelled into the air. They emphasize the fact that there there is
no tobacco or carbon monoxide being released.
Even though this is true, what the proponents fail to mention is
the other harmful elements that are in the smoke. Dr. Glantz, from Prevention magazine,
states, "…there are several carcinogens that have been identified so far,
and we haven't identified everything that's in these formulas." Not only does this prove that e-cigarettes
expose toxic chemicals to others, but it also shows that e-cigarettes could be
even more harmful than is currently known since not all of the carcinogens have been
identified. Why risk the chance of
harming others' health by allowing e-cigarettes in buildings? We should just ban all cigarettes, electronic
or not, in order to ensure the safety of innocent bystanders.
Adapted from http://7thgradehumanities.weebly.com/counterargument--rebuttal.html
