for this writing course, where is the correct location to present a counter argument?

by Dr. Pauline Romaguera 5 min read

Also, counterarguments are not often seen in the middle of academic papers because they often do not make sense placed in the middle of all of your main points. The most common places for a counterargument are in the introduction, the paragraph after your introduction, or the paragraph after all of your main points.

A counter-argument can appear anywhere in your essay, but it most commonly appears: As part of your introduction—before you propose your thesis—where the existence of a different view is the motive for your essay, the reason it needs writing.

Full Answer

Where do you put the counter-argument?

The most common places for a counterargument are in the introduction, the paragraph after your introduction, or the paragraph after all of your main points. Placing your counterargument in your introduction is one effective way to include your counterargument.Dec 3, 2014

How do you present a counter-argument?

Counterargument in two steps
  1. Respectfully acknowledge evidence or standpoints that differ from your argument.
  2. Refute the stance of opposing arguments, typically utilizing words like “although” or “however.” In the refutation, you want to show the reader why your position is more correct than the opposing idea.
Apr 6, 2020

Where should a writer address the counterclaim?

A counterclaim can be included anywhere within the body of the essay except the conclusion. There are some cases where you can write a counterclaim at the second last sentence of the introduction paragraph followed by the thesis statement which acts as the refutation.Nov 23, 2021

How do you find the counter-argument in an essay?

Identify the opposing argument. Respond to it by discussing the reasons the argument is incomplete, weak, unsound, or illogical. Provide examples or evidence to show why the opposing argument is unsound, or provide explanations of how the opposing argument is incomplete or illogical.

What is a counter argument in writing?

A counterargument is an argument that goes against your thesis and that expresses the perspective of someone with an opposite point of view from your own. While it may seem that acknowledging your opponent's argument would undermine your own argument, if done well, a counterargument actually fortifies your point.

What is counter argument in position paper?

A counterargument is a viewpoint that opposes your main argument. Counterarguments are part of good persuasive writing and speaking strategy, because they show that you've considered other points of view. They also set up the chance to refute the opposition and show why your position is the right one to have.Sep 9, 2021

Where should a counterclaim go in the body of an argument?

David Oldham, professor at Shoreline Community College, states, “The short answer is a counter-argument (counterclaim) can go anywhere except the conclusion. This is because there has to be a rebuttal paragraph after the counter-argument, so if the counter-argument is in the conclusion, something has been left out.”Mar 6, 2017

How does addressing a counterclaim help your argument?

Counterclaim: You should anticipate a counterclaim that negates the main points in your argument. Don't avoid arguments that oppose your own. Instead, become familiar with the opposing perspective. If you respond to counterclaims, you appear unbiased (and, therefore, you earn the respect of your readers).

When addressing a counterclaim it is important to find?

When addressing a counterclaim, it is important to find ,,,.. to weaken that claim. What is one reason that an author may choose to relate events in memoir form? Look at the frames from Iqbal. Read the excerpt from Free the Children.

How do you start a counter-argument example?

A counter-argument is an additional point which goes against the previous point of a certain question. For example, a question could be "What are your views on ..." where you would state why you think it is good, and then the counter-argument comes in on why you also think a certain thing is bad.Mar 4, 2018

How many counter arguments should an essay have?

In my advice to students I say that yes, they should have a counter-argument in every essay. In fact, they should aim for three counter-arguments to show their full range of critical thinking abilities.Jan 18, 2019

How do I write an argumentative essay?

Advanced argumentative essay structure
  1. 1 Introduce the problem.
  2. 2 Explain your perspective.
  3. 3 Explain your opponent's perspective. Refute their points one-by-one as you go.
  4. 4 Present your evidence.
  5. 5 Conclude your argument.
  6. 1 Introduce the problem.
  7. 2 Explain your opponent's perspective first. ...
  8. 3 Explain your perspective.
Apr 23, 2021

Why is it important to write a counter argument?

Whether in debate or in an academic thesis, a counter argument can be used to both weaken opposing viewpoints and strengthen your own.

What is counter argument?

What is a counter argument? A counter argument is any argument that is opposed to your thesis. It explains why your thesis – in part of in full – is incorrect, and uses evidence and logical reasoning to undermine your thesis.

What happens when you use a counter argument in a thesis?

In this case, using this counter argument is likely to damage your thesis more than it supports it.

When writing a thesis or participating in a debate, it’s important to label your counter argument as something that

When writing your thesis or participating in a debate, it’s important to label your counter argument as something that other people believe, rather than something that forms the core of your own argument.

Why do we use counter arguments in debate?

In debate, counter arguments are frequently used offensively – to undermine a point raised by an opponent – and to strengthen the argument you’re making by showing the flaws in any arguments against it.

What is the most important skill to develop?

Developing a good counter argument is one of the most important skills anyone can possess. Being able to understand your opponent’s argument and turn it around is a very powerful persuasive skill that can be used to win debates and influence people.

What is a counterargument?

With any argument or position, there are alternative or opposing positions. These opposing positions are called counterarguments.

Why include a counterargument?

Including a counterargument paragraph when writing an argumentative paper shows your reader you know and understand that other positions exist, you have considered these, and you can respond to them. Doing this gives you credibility and can strengthen your own argument.

What is included in a counterargument paragraph?

Keep in mind that you must do more than simply identify an opposing position. When writing your counterargument paragraph, you should respond to that other position. In your paragraph:

What is a Counter Argument?

The most common counter argument definition describes it as an opposing position of a stated position or argument. For instance, somebody can argue that does are the best pets compared to cats because they are social. A counter argument, in this case, can be that cats are the best pets because they are self-sufficient.

How to Write a Counter Argument Quickly

You probably want to know how you can come up with an argument that opposes the stated position fast. Well, the first step is to know counter argument starters. These are the signs that a writer uses to start a rebuttal. They let the readers know that the writer is expressing a different or opposite view of the thesis.

How to Start a Counter Argument

The first and perhaps, the most important thing is to know how to introduce a counter argument. This should be easy. Start by expressing the opinion that you are refuting. State that it’s a view to subtly hint to your readers that it’s neither a truth nor a fact. Let the readers know that you are stating the views of another person.

Use Counter Argument Transitions

Now that you know how to start counter argument, you should learn to use transitions. Using the right transitions will make your argument flow smoothly. Thus, counter argument transition words make it easier for readers to understand your position.

What to Include in a Counter Argument Paragraph

You can’t claim to know how to write counter argument if you don’t know what should go into every paragraph of your essay. Composing this essay entails more than just identifying and refuting the opposing position. You have to respond to the opposing view or position objectively and with supporting evidence.

What are some examples of counterarguments?

Examples of the counterargument structure 1 Argument against smoking on campus: Admittedly, many students would like to smoke on campus. Some people may rightly argue that if smoking on campus is not illegal, then it should be permitted; however, second-hand smoke may cause harm to those who have health issues like asthma, possibly putting them at risk. 2 Argument against animal testing: Some people argue that using animals as test subjects for health products is justifiable. To be fair, animal testing has been used in the past to aid the development of several vaccines, such as small pox and rabies. However, animal testing for beauty products causes unneeded pain to animals. There are alternatives to animal testing. Instead of using animals, it is possible to use human volunteers. Additionally, Carl Westmoreland (2006) suggests that alternative methods to animal research are being developed; for example, researchers are able to use skin constructed from cells to test cosmetics. If alternatives to animal testing exist, then the practice causes unnecessary animal suffering and should not be used.

Is it illegal to smoke on campus?

Argument against smoking on campus: Admittedly, many students would like to smoke on campus. Some people may rightly argue that if smoking on campus is not illegal, then it should be permitted; however, second-hand smoke may cause harm to those who have health issues like asthma, possibly putting them at risk.

How to Start Counter Argument

Would you like to know how to start a counter argument sentence? Well, first things first. Express the opinions you’re refuting as a view. Calling it a view will subtly hint that they are neither facts nor truths. Make it clear as quickly as you can that you’re stating someone else’s views.

Counter Argument Transitions

Here are some counter argument transition words that you can use to introduce counter arguments and throughout your essay.

Counter Argument Paragraph

What does a counter argument paragraph outline look like? In a counter argument, you do more than just identifying an opposing position. You should respond to that opposing position. What should you include in a counterargument paragraph? Here’s an outline to guide you:

How Should You Present a Counter Argument?

When presenting a counter argument, you should express it as objectively, thoroughly, and fairly as possible. It is not the best approach to simply write a quick sentence and then refute it. It is great when you can state the reasons why someone might hold that view.

Counter Argument Essay Example

Let’s consider this counter argument example. Let’s assume the thesis statement for your persuasive essay claims that Americans are safer due to gun control laws (controversial topics are always easy picks for persuasive essays). You can also state places in America where gun control has reduced crime. A counter argument can go something like this:

How to start a counter argument?

You may have seen a counter argument example and realized that the author presented ideas in a certain way. Well, your paragraph should be outlined properly to present the opposing viewpoint properly. Here is a simple outline that you can follow: 1 Start the paragraph with the acknowledgment of the opposing viewpoint. For instance, you can star that “Some people argue that…” or “My opponents believe that…” 2 Transition to your argument using the right starters. For instance, say “However,…” “Conversely…” or “But,…” 3 Provide evidence or examples to support your viewpoint. For instance, use real-world event examples as your evidence. You can also quote a book or share a personal experience. However, you must be specific. 4 Elaborate your evidence or example by explaining how the evidence or example proves the viewpoint that you’re opposing wrong or invalid. 5 Elaborate all the examples that you provided as evidence. 6 Conclude the paragraph by recapping your position. Make sure that you also acknowledge the opposing viewpoint in your conclusion.

What is a counter argument transition?

Counter argument transitions are used to link ideas. They are used to demonstrate that two ideas or things are similar. Examples of these words and phrases include “likewise”, “not to mention”, “also”, “by the same token”, “then again”, “not only”, and some words which are rather hard to spell.

Why Would You Learn How to Write a Counter Argument?

It definitely sounds like a bad idea to learn how to write a counter argument, not to mention to use it in your essay. The main purpose of this paragraph is to rebut your argument and counter your thesis statement. Why would you do that? It looks counterintuitive. However, it is not. And it is, in fact, a very powerful way to support your thesis.

Some Easy Counter Argument Starters for Students

Now that you have your answer to the “what’s a counter argument” and “why should I use such a thing in my writing” questions, it’s time to get down to business. Let’s learn how to start a counter argument in the easiest way possible.

Learn How to Write a Counter Argument in One Minute

You now know how to start a counter argument sentence, but this doesn’t mean you know how to write the counter argument paragraph outline. You merely know the counter argument words that should be used in the paragraph. Here is the right way to start a counterstatement in your essay (either in the introduction or as part of a body paragraph):

Need a Good Counter Argument Example or Some Help?

Of course, the best way to learn more about counter arguments is to read some counter argument examples. The only problem is that almost every counter argument example you find on the Internet has some errors. And even if you find a great paragraph somewhere, you won’t be able to use it in your essay.

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What Is A counterargument?

  • With any argument or position, there are alternative or opposing positions. These opposing positions are called counterarguments. Think of it this way: if my argument is that dogs are better pets than cats because they are more social, but you argue that cats are better pets because they are more self-sufficient, your position is a counterargumentto my position.
See more on writingcenter.uagc.edu

Why Include A counterargument?

  • Including a counterargument paragraph when writing an argumentative papershows your reader you know and understand that other positions exist, you have considered these, and you can respond to them. Doing this gives you credibility and can strengthen your own argument.
See more on writingcenter.uagc.edu

What Is Included in A Counterargument paragraph?

  • Keep in mind that you must do more than simply identify an opposing position. When writing your counterargument paragraph, you should respondto that other position. In your paragraph: 1. Identify the opposing argument. 2. Respond to it by discussing the reasons the argument is incomplete, weak, unsound, or illogical. 3. Provide examples or evidence...
See more on writingcenter.uagc.edu