Definition

Counterargument: A viewpoint that opposes your main argument. In other

words, it is what you imagine the other side would say about your argument.

Examples

Food: You want to grab a bite to eat and you say, “I want ice cream.” Your
friend in turn says, “Are you crazy? Ice cream has too many calories!”

Littering: Littering is bad for the environment. Counterclaim, littering creates

jobs that help the economy such as recycling and garbage collection.

Pet: A child may argue for a dog. The parents remind the child his sister is
allergic to dogs. The boy uses the counterargument that she has been around
some dogs without any problems. He is ready for each argument against the
dog, perhaps stating there are breeds of dogs that are hypoallergenic. He may
also argue that a dog will build up the sister's tolerance.

Counterclaim Paragraph

The counter-claim will the TOPIC sentence of your counterargument paragraph.

Your job is to:
 Acknowledge the counter-claim
 Give reasons or explain the counter-
claim
 DISPROVE the counter claim with a
rebuttal.
Sample Paragraph
Ice Cream is TOO fattening.
It is true that ice cream has a lot of calories,
but we can burn those calories off by walking
to the ice-cream shop.

Counter Argument Starters

 The opposing view is that…

 Some people think…
 Some people may say that…
 One might object here that…
 It might seem that…
 It is true that…
 Admittedly…

Rebuttal

 A rebuttal is basically your way of saying “no, you are wrong, and here’s why.”

 You must use evidence to support your rebuttal. Use a quote, paraphrase, or summary
with a citation.
 Put Them All Together!

 Counter Claim
 Reason/Support for Counter Claim
 Rebuttal with Citation

Example

There are those who claim video games are not good for kids brains. They say that playing
video games can make kids be lazy and unable to focus on real world things. However,
according to research conducted by Oxford University found that playing up to an hour a day
resulted in kids being less hyperactive and socially happier.