How To Write the Counterargument Paragraph
Terminology:
- Concession: acknowledgement of the other side
- Refutation or Rebuttal: an answer that challenges a specific claim or charge
- Counterargument: the other side of an argument
Format of the
counterargument:
- Topic Sentence: Introduce the opposing side’s arguments. You are acknowledging the other point of view. You will use phrases such as the following:
- Some critics argue/assert/contend/claim/state . . .
- Many believe that . . .
- It has been argued/asserted/contended/claimed/stated . . .
- Opponents argue/assert/contend/claim/state . . .
- Expert Source that supports the counterargument: This sentence backs up the
sentence with a quotation or
paraphrase of evidence from an expert. It includes
the name of the author/source,
the title of the article or web site, and, if necessary,
the expertise of the source to
show the validity of the evidence.
For example:
In
“When Patients Request Assistance with Suicide,” Dr. Michael Maskin,
an
associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia-Presbyterian
Medical Center
in New York,
argues that in many cases, dying patients’
thinking
is simply occupied by negative reactions to their condition (2).
- Explanation sentence: This sentence begins with a transition (therefore,
thus, to explain, as a result, to
elaborate, in other words, etc.) and
explains the evidence and/or provides an
example of what it is saying.
- Concession sentence: Concede (acknowledge) the other side’s validity in a
respectful way. You might begin
with phrases such as the following:
- For this reason, opponents believe/argue/claim/contend/stress etc.
- As a result of _______________, many believe/argue etc.
- It is understandable why the opposition believes/argues etc.
- Critics have a valid point about . . .
- Refutation/Rebuttal sentence: This is where you refute or challenge the
opposition’s viewpoint and remind
readers of your stance. You will begin
by using a phrase such as the
following:
·
Nevertheless/nonetheless/however +
your argument
·
Though it is a valid
point/argument + your argument
·
Even though (one part of the
argument) is true, it still does not . . .
·
Though he/she/they make a good
point, + your argument
Make sure that you complete the rebuttal by
refuting the actual counterargument
that you
are using in this paragraph. Do not argue against a different
counterargument,
as there are usually several. Stick to the one counterargument
throughout
the entire paragraph. If you want to address more than one counter-
argument,
then you will need to do so in separate paragraphs. Obviously, it helps
to pick
counterarguments that you can refute easily.
Example
Main Claim: Terminally ill patients have the right to end their own lives, and
those who choose to help them should not be punished for doing so.
1 Critics argue that the
reason why some terminally ill patients wish to commit suicide is nothing more
than melancholia. Patients suffering terminal illness might tend to be
negative, hopeless, and depressed. 2 In “When Patients Request
Assistance with Suicide,” Dr. Michael Maskin, an associate professor of
clinical psychiatry at Columbia-Presbyterian
Medical Center
in New York,
argues that in many cases, dying patients’ thinking is simply occupied by
negative reactions to their critical condition (2). 3 In other words, most of
the reasons why terminally ill patients request doctors and/or loved ones to
assist them in committing suicide might be caused by certain problems such as
hopelessness, because there is no effective treatment, anxiety over expensive
medical bills, and regret for being a burden to their families (Maskin 2). 4
For this reason, opponents argue that the terminally ill patient needs
psychotherapy, and that his wish to end his life should never be considered. 5
Though it is true that psychotherapy might help the terminally ill patient
confirm his decision, and that it is not
a medical doctor’s job to help patients end their lives, it is, however,
ultimately the patient’s decision and his life to end. No person or law should
prevent or punish loved ones who assist in that choice.
adapted
with revisions from Sourcework, by
Heinle & Heinle, 2006.
Rubric
20/20: There is a clearly written topic sentence(s)
that introduces the counterargument,
using appropriate transitions. The introduction to the counterargument
is followed by expert evidence in the form of a quote or paraphrase that
includes the source’s expertise. Then, there is an explanation of the evidence
and an example to illustrate the evidence. Following the explanation, there is
a concession sentence respectfully acknowledging the opposition’s view point.
Finally, the writer refutes the counterargument in a respectful tone. In
addition, transitions are used appropriately, the wording is accurate, and the
sentence and paragraph structure are sound. The paragraph reads smoothly and is
practically error-free in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
18/20: All of
elements of the counterargument paragraph are there as explained above.
However, a citation might be missing, or there may be an awkward sentence, a
mistake in wording, or a couple of other minor errors that do not impact the
overall meaning of the paragraph.
16/20: In this paragraph, there are a few errors in
sentence structure, wording, grammar, etc., but they do not impede
understanding. Also, transitions might be needed, or one of the five elements
of the counterargument paragraph might need some work; it’s all there, but it
needs revision.
14/20: In this paragraph, there are several errors
in sentence structure, wording, grammar, etc. that make reading the paragraph
difficult in places. Or, there is a missing element, such as no evidence,
explanation and example, concession, or rebuttal. Or the parts do not go
together, meaning that the rebuttal might argue against a different
counterargument.
12/20: This
paragraph is missing more than one of the five elements. Or the errors are so
frequent that the point of the paragraph is lost. Or the handwriting is
difficult to read. Or there is language used that is condescending or
disrespectful of the opposition.
10/20: This is
not a counterargument paragraph.
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