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.
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 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.
In this case, using this counter argument is likely to damage your thesis more than it supports it.
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.
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.
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.
With any argument or position, there are alternative or opposing positions. These opposing positions are called counterarguments.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are some counter argument transition words that you can use to introduce counter arguments and throughout your essay.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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):
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.