Counterargument In persuasiveargumentative 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 ID: 646176
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Slide1
COUNTER ARGUMENT
THE
OPPOSITION!Slide2
CounterargumentIn 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.Slide3
Counterargumentremains 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
.Slide4
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.Slide5
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 paragraphSlide6
The TURN AGAINSTThink 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!Slide7
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….”Slide8
Counter Argument Example: Bear HuntThesis: 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.”Slide9
THE TURN BACKReturn 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/opinionSlide10
The Turn BackPossible Transition Words/Phrases…but
…yet
…however
…nevertheless
…still
…but I believe
…the facts state
…I urge you toSlide11
Example of Counter argument with Turn Against and Turn BackThesis: 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
.”Slide12
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
.Slide13
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.