COUNTER ARGUMENT THE OPPOSITION Counterargument In persuasiveargumentative writing

COUNTER ARGUMENT THE OPPOSITION!

Counterargument • In persuasive-argumentative writing, used to show your readers that you are knowledgeable about a full range of positions other than your own. • As a rhetorical strategy, it demonstrates that you are interested in finding common ground and compromise with your opponents. • As a statement of your character, it shows that you are honest and forthcoming about other viewpoints that might jeopardize your position.

Counterargument • remains neutral in tone • introduces the counter-argumentative process as if to say, “Let me see if I understand my opponent correctly: . . ” • establishes common ground. • shows you are representing the opposition as fairly as possible.

• Be sure to do a full and thorough job of accommodation; do not, for example, write, “My opponent might make a good point, but. . . ” • Don’t forget to include examples in every stage of the counterargument.

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 • • “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 • • • 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 • • …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. ”

CLAIM: “More Americans are choosing low-carb diets because the media promotes low-carb diets as the new way to a skinnier body. ” COUNTER CLAIM: “Some Americans don't watch television commercials because they own a DVR or Tivo, but most Americans are exposed to other forms of advertisement in magazines, newspapers, and highway billboards.

Sports are an important part of growing up. Parents often wonder what is the best sport for children to play. Although there are many sports, I believe soccer is an ideal sport for children. One reason is that soccer teaches teamwork. Each position has a specific job. Forwards have the responsibility of scoring goals. The fullbacks’ job is defense, and the halfbacks assist both forwards and fullbacks. Defense of the goal is the duty of the goalie. In order to win all must do their jobs well and rely on each other for help. Certainly, team sports can intimidate children. Some children may be physically smaller than others. Age group teams are meant to solve this problem, but it is not unusual to see large differences of height and weight in children of the same age. Others may not be as athletic as other team members. Children are particularly sensitive about how they compare to their peers. When they cannot run as fast as other team members or are not as agile, they fear ridicule. However, learning to work as part of a team is essential to success in many other areas. Children have to learn to cooperate both at school and home. In school students are expected to work together without conflict. Many teachers use cooperative groups to teach. At home children are expected to be part of the family team and help with chores that need to be done. When they are older, these children may have a job that requires teamwork. Only rarely does a person work in job that does not require working with others. Office workers have to work together to accomplish the tasks given to them. Construction workers have to be part of a team effort to finish buildings on time and on budget. • Therefore, I believe parents should encourage their children to play soccer. While some children may feel intimidated at the beginning, by learning to be part of a team, they will be preparing themselves for future success.