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Learn how to make your argument stronger by acknowledging what the other side thinks.
Imagine you are trying to convince your parents to let you get a pet. You say, 'Dogs are fun!' but they immediately think, 'Dogs are messy.' If you mention the mess first and explain how you'll clean it, you've already won half the battle!
Quick Check
Why does including a counter-argument actually make your own argument stronger?
Answer
It shows you are fair-minded, have researched the topic thoroughly, and helps you address objections before the audience even thinks of them.
To find a counter-argument, you have to step into someone else's shoes. Ask yourself: 'If someone wanted to disagree with me, what would be their strongest point?' This is called finding the opposing viewpoint. For example, if you argue that 'School should start at 10:00 AM,' the opposing viewpoint might be that 'School would have to end much later in the evening.' You aren't saying the other side is right; you are simply acknowledging that their perspective exists.
Topic: Video games should be played in classrooms. 1. Your Claim: Video games help students learn problem-solving skills. 2. The Opposing Viewpoint: Video games can be a distraction from the main lesson. 3. The Counter-Argument Statement: 'Some people believe that video games would distract students from their actual schoolwork.'
Quick Check
If your claim is 'Recess should be 20 minutes longer,' what is one likely opposing viewpoint?
Answer
A likely opposing viewpoint is that a longer recess would leave less time for important subjects like Math or Science.
You can't just drop a counter-argument into your paragraph without warning. You need transition words to act as a bridge. These words signal to the reader that you are switching from your opinion to the other side's opinion. Common transitions include: 'However,' 'On the other hand,' 'Admittedly,' or 'While it is true that...' Using these words prevents the reader from getting confused about which side you are actually on.
Let's combine a claim with a counter-argument using a transition: 1. Claim: Every student should receive a free laptop. 2. Transition: 'On the other hand...' 3. Counter-Argument: '...the cost of providing and repairing these laptops would be very high for the school district.' 4. Result: You have successfully acknowledged a major obstacle to your own plan.
After you state the counter-argument, you must finish with a rebuttal. This is where you explain why the counter-argument, while interesting, is not as important as your main point. You are basically saying, 'I hear you, but here is why I'm still right.' This completes the cycle of a strong analytical paragraph. You move from your point, to their point, and back to your point with even more evidence.
Topic: Plastic straws should be banned. 1. Claim: Banning plastic straws protects sea life from pollution. 2. Counter-Argument: 'Admittedly, some people with disabilities need flexible plastic straws to drink safely.' 3. Rebuttal: 'However, companies can provide biodegradable paper or silicone alternatives that are just as flexible but do not harm the ocean.' 4. Conclusion: You addressed a serious concern but provided a solution that keeps your argument strong.
Which of these is the best definition of a counter-argument?
Which transition word is most commonly used to introduce a counter-argument?
A rebuttal is the part of your writing where you agree that the other side is completely correct and change your mind.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember the four parts of the 'Argument Formula' we discussed: Claim, Transition, Counter-Argument, and Rebuttal.
Practice Activity
The next time you want something (like staying up 30 minutes later), think of one reason your parents will say 'no' and prepare a rebuttal for it before you ask!