COUNTER ARGUMENT

THE
OPPOSITION!

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 paragraph

The TURN AGAINST

Think of your target audience..who are
you trying to convince of your position?
Think of what your audience would say
about YOUR positionremember they
are speaking AGAINST what your
opinion is!

The Turn Against..Possible

Phrases

One might object here that.

Its true that
Admittedly
I realize that
I understand you might feel differently about
I am aware of.
Many people may think.

Counter Argument
Example: Bear Hunt
Thesis: 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.

THE TURN BACK

Return 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 its less important than your
thesis/opinion

The Turn Back

Possible Transition
Words/Phrases

but
yet
however
nevertheless
still
but I believe
the facts state
I urge you to

Example of Counter argument

with Turn Against and Turn Back
Thesis: 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.