COUNTERARGUMENT CONCESSION REBUTTAL Acknowledging or recognizing the opposing

COUNTERARGUMENT CONCESSION / REBUTTAL Acknowledging or recognizing the opposing viewpoint, conceding something that has some merit, and then refuting it with another argument COPYRIGHT © 2007 WASHINGTON OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

WHY SHOULD YOU USE A COUNTERARGUMENT?

WHAT IS A CONCESSION? an acknowledgement that your opponent has at least one valid point a strength as it finds common ground with your opponent a chance to establish your ethical appeal: you are a reasonable person willing to acknowledge that there are more sides to an issue than yours **You can’t ignore compelling opposing evidence. You must address strong arguments on the other side; if you don’t, it looks like you are not well prepared and have not looked at the issue you are writing about from all perspectives. **

EXAMPLES “It is true, people have the right to protest, however they do not have the right to disrupt the lives of others. When a quality show like Survivor is interrupted by protestors with no purpose or plan, it is a disruption to people who have not interfered. ” “I realize most teachers don’t want cell phones in class because they distract students from the lesson, but…” Now the writer begins building his side of the argument, showing how it is stronger than the opposing side’s!

CONCESSION / REBUTTAL – YOUR TURN You need one counterargument Your counterargument should relate to the argument you will present in that paragraph. I realize most teachers don’t want cell phones in class because they distract students from the lesson, but school uniforms put an undue burden on parents to buy two sets of clothes. - what? ? I realize most teachers don’t want cell phones in class because they distract students from the lesson, but everyone has a cell phone. - related idea? ? ? I realize most teachers don’t want cell phones in class because they distract students from the lesson, but they are a quiet way to stay busy when an assignment is done. - better You decide which body paragraph you want your counterargument in

TRANSITIONAL PHRASES – CONCESSION / REBUTTAL It is true that…however…therefore… Certainly…but…in short… Admittedly…on the other hand…so… Of course…nevertheless…as a result… Obviously…on the contrary…finally… Sure…however…in addition… COPYRIGHT © 2007 WASHINGTON OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.