COUNTER ARGUMENT THE OPPOSITION When you counter argue

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 either occurs within the same paragraph, or in alternating paragraphs.

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 Intro: 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 or in an alternating 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 Intro: 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. Thesis Claim: Other humane measures such as proper waste disposal would be more effective. ”