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How To Write A Counterclaim For A Successful Result

You might have probably heard about a counterclaim or written one that did not go well with you, which is why you are here. We understand your frustrations and anxiety about writing counterclaims, which is why we developed this comprehensive article.

Here is what to expect:

An in-depth explanation of what a counterclaim is The necessity of a counterclaim How to write a good counterclaim Characteristics of an excellent counterclaim Structure and formatting of counterclaims

After reading this post, you will have all the information you need to craft an award-winning paper. We will not leave anything to chance until you know how to write a counterclaim like a top-class student!

What is a counterclaim in writing, why is a counterclaim necessary, how to write a counterclaim from scratch, detailed guide on how to start a counterclaim paragraph, how to write rebuttal, characteristics of a good counterclaim, example of a good counterclaim.

A counterclaim refers to an argument that opposes the author’s claim. The writer presents the claim and then refutes it, giving reasons why others should not take up the contrary view and agree with their initial stand.

The counterclaim opposes the thesis statement in your essay. So, this is how a counterclaim comes about:

You first introduce the topic in the introductory paragraph
Create a thesis statement in the last sentence
Write a counterclaim that rebuts the initial argument

Many students fail to appreciate the fact that there is a difference between a claim and a counterclaim. The claim demonstrates your position of argument or the assertion of a fact, whereas a counterclaim negates a specific claim by refuting it.

Any top-rated argumentative will always have a counterclaim which disagrees with and disapproves of a claim. Such a claim also provides reasoning that further clarifies a particular argument. The two main purposes of a counterclaim are as follows:

It enhances the credibility of the author: A strong argumentative essay will utilize the rhetorical appeal of ethos. With a counterclaim, a writer will prove that they researched extensively on the topic and are not trying to hide possible information from the audience. It also allows the writer to provide a rebuttal to the essay. The rebuttal is used to disprove the counterclaim within the writer’s argument.

For instance, if the claim is that the government should ban gun use, the counterclaim would be that it should not ban it because it infringes on human rights. There should always be reasons and evidence for you to have a successful counterclaim.

In the next few lines, we will provide all you need to know about starting a counterclaim and delivering the best! So stay tuned.

Every successful essay begins with thorough background research on the topic of discussion. Exploring all possible angles of your essay before embarking on the writing process is recommended—those who end up with a good counterclaim put in extra hours in research and extensive consultation.

You can read thousands of articles on how to write a counterclaim, but without the right background research strategies, that great essay might amount to nothing. So, if you want to crack your counterclaim paragraph like a guru, here are excellent tips for you:

Understand your topic Explore what previous authors have done on it Identify the knowledge gaps Seek facts to defend your claim

Once you have all the information needed for your topic, nothing will stand in the way of you writing a top-notch paper that will impress your professor. When you have factual proof of every statement you make in your essay, you will have a non-biased and credible paper. That means that the sources you use should always be credible and directly relevant to the topic of your essay.

After stating all the base knowledge you need about counterclaims, we now want to dive into the practical part of writing a counterclaim argument. Let’s explore how to write counterclaims by looking at the elements needed:

The main counterclaim: It states an opposing argument to the claim.
The evidence includes a previous position to show that others welcome the view.
An explanation entails providing reasons why people hold the particular view you presented.
A rebuttal: Here, you will explain the weakness of the counterclaim and present show why your original position is correct.

The process might be challenging initially, but with the right tools and expert advice, you will be up and running in minutes. A counterclaim is included in argumentative writing to address the opposite side of the argument and provide a rebuttal.

The process of writing an outstanding counterclaim in an argumentative essay is as follows:

Where do you put a counterclaim in an essay? Every top-ranking essay begins with a catchy intro comprising statistics or a rather dramatic intro to a particular problem. The thesis statement follows, and the then claim comes on stage. Therefore, the counterclaim comes after you have backed up your claims with evidence and further arguments. How long is the counterclaim? It depends on the number of counterclaims and the overall length of your essay. A typical counterclaim should be at least one paragraph long. Remember that you are not just stating it but explaining why it is so. That is why most guides on writing a counterclaim and rebuttal will recommend either writing them in one paragraph or separately. What different points of view do others hold? You should always understand all the possible points that may arise to counter your claim. Researching why people oppose your claim will give you room for a balanced and reliable paper. It requires a creative mind to determine how your claim goes against the common view. How to introduce a counterclaim now: The general rule is that you should present the contrary opinion fairly. You will only be ready to craft a brilliant counterclaim once you dive into the possible arguments that others who oppose your thesis make. Sincerely present the contrary opinion fairly.

Always remember to use transitions when moving on to present your counterclaim. Just like in a debate, the contrary side will come after the proposers have made their submissions. Therefore, you can begin your counterclaim paragraphs with the following:

On the contrary, side
Critics say that

Having presented the other side, you will detail why people also hold that view. It is where the evidence comes in to solidify your counterclaim.

It is advisable to have it in a similar paragraph where your counterclaim is, but if that is not possible, begin it in a new paragraph. However, always remember to keep it short while bringing out the following:

How the contrary position in your counterclaim is false or weak.
Presenting the advantages in the counterclaim but giving reasons why the opposite view may not hold water.
Describe how your main argument outweighs the risks in the counterclaim.

After introducing the counterclaim, you have to discuss why the counterclaim is incorrect. You can start the rebuttal in several ways, such as:

Despite this information Nevertheless However

It is your opportunity to prove why the contrary view is wrong.

You cannot achieve this milestone without considering all sides of the argument first. That is why most researchers in college and university take their time before beginning the writing process. It provides a base for the facts and opinions and saves the time one will spend completing the argumentative essay.

Acknowledging the valid points of the other side is necessary for any form of argumentative writing. This practice eliminates the thought of narrow-mindedness from the reader’s point of view, which may make your essay less effective.

Instead of making your argument look weak, a counterclaim will strengthen your essay by proving that you thoughtfully considered all possible angles before writing your essay. Nobody will accuse you of bias or inadequate research when you have a formulated counterclaim.

A good counterclaim, therefore:

Acknowledges what the opposing side says Provides evidence from the opposing side Refutes the point of view and evidence

It is also crucial to state that when you have more than one claim in your paper, there is always an option of writing a counterclaim for each. You are not limited to presenting the different counterclaims in the same essay. However, follow the structure outline above in terms of length and format.

Additional characteristics of a world-class essay include:

Objectivity in the language use
Fairness in the diction
Evidence to back up the counterclaim
Fairness in the rebuttal

By validating any underlying concerns, you eliminate room for doubt or error. Remember also to explain why your argument works in that context.

Below is a brief example of what a good counterclaim can look like, from professional dissertation writers :

“On the other hand, some students say homework presents unnecessary stress and pressure. This point of view makes sense because the article states that too much homework may be overwhelming for students, which is why most of them do not complete it. However, homework does not harm the student because the article also says that homework is necessary to test students’ understanding after classroom learning. Therefore, even though homework may cause stress and pressure on the student, it does not harm the student in any way.”

From the example, you can note the following:

Phrases that can begin a counterclaim:

On the other hand, some people say Admittedly, some people say Certainly, some people say

Phrases to refer to the initial claim:

However Nevertheless On the other hand

Phrases to bring paragraph to a conclusion:

Thus Therefore As a result

A good counterclaim will always give you an edge over your competitors in any case.

Writing A Counterclaim Can Be Very Easy

Writing an all-inclusive counterclaim is not a big deal if you have all the facts rights – our writing service and master thesis help offers top-notch assistance with an incredible team of writers and research gurus. We will help you identify winning arguments and provide you with the best rebuttals.

Do not second guess what you will score in your counterclaim essay when you can try out our custom thesis writing service today. Make your pick today and improve your score effortlessly.

How to write a Counterclaim Paragraph, Sentence or Rebuttal

by Joseph Kenas
January 18, 2024

If you are writing an argumentative essay, you will find yourself including counterclaims. In this guide, we guide you on how to write a good counterclaim in an essay and how to frame your counterclaim sentence and paragraph in rebuttal.

Counterclaims are mostly included in an argumentative essay where you are required to convince your readers to agree with your arguments and point of view concerning the topic in question.

What is a Counterclaim in an Essay?

A counterclaim can be regarded as the argument or arguments that oppose the thesis statement in your essay. Within the introduction, you introduce the topic and create a thesis statement in the last sentence that makes it clear to your audience the point(s) you want to prove and the strategy you will use to prove it.

The counterclaim demonstrates to the reader that you have put into consideration the perspectives of the opposing side and you find such perspectives to be weak.

As such, a counterclaim will allow you to respond to the potential arguments of your readers before they complete reading the essay.

Additionally, a counterclaim demonstrates that both sides of the debate have been put into consideration, hence strengthening your position.

Difference Between a Claim and a Counterclaim

There is a big difference between a claim and a counterclaim. When writing essays, one may need to include both in the same essay, especially when presenting an argumentative topic.

The difference between a claim and a counterclaim lies in their assertion. A claim is a statement that demonstrates the position of argument or the assertion of a fact or a truth. On the other hand, a counterclaim is an argument that negates a specific claim by rebutting it. While a claim asserts the writer’s argument, a counterclaim rebuts.

When writing an essay, particularly an argumentative essay, you will have a topic and a thesis statement that will show the readers the points you are going to prove and how you will prove them.

Most of your paper will be dedicated to proving your claim to the reader so that they can agree with your point of view.

A good claim should be arguable and at times controversial to allow the readers to think otherwise about your perspectives as the writer.

It can also come up with their interpretations concerning the topic.

Because of this, the essay will be based on the claim and you will demonstrate why your claim is accepted. On the other hand, a counterclaim is a statement of opposition that will allow the readers to perceive the whole picture of the arguments.

Though this is the case, the counterclaim demonstrates that the writer has anticipated arguments against their claim and has provided proof, through the counterclaim, that the readers’ perspectives are false or weak.

As such, when the counterclaim is stated, it is addressed concerning its weaknesses or limitations. This enhances the claim’s strength.

How to Write a Good Counterclaim in an Essay

If you wish to write a good counterclaim, make sure that it takes the form of two stages.

The first stage is where you go against your claim or argument so that you can challenge it and the second stage is where you turn back to your claim or argument to re-affirm it.

When writing a good counterclaim, you imagine that some of your readers will be skeptical and you have to make them agree with you.

For example, if you want to present a counterclaim showing that there was a problem with how you demonstrated your claims, like an unwarranted assumption, certain evidence was played down or ignored, and so on, you can support the counterclaim by presenting the disadvantages or drawbacks of the issues with the presentation. Then, give an alternative proposal or alternative that would make more sense to the readers.

To refute the counterclaim, you announce with words like ‘yet’, ‘but’, ‘however’, ‘still’, or ‘nevertheless’ to indicate that you are about to show why the counterclaim is wrong. Acknowledge that it is a good claim but demonstrate that yours might help the argument more.

Where to Write a Counterclaim in an Essay

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.

You can also write a counterargument after the introduction to show the anticipated reaction to your point of view before moving forward with writing your actual claims.

Moving forward, the reason why you cannot place the counterclaim within the conclusion is that you have to include a rebuttal paragraph or statements after you have written the counterclaim. Therefore, a counterclaim located at the conclusion will miss the rebuttal paragraph or statements.

However, argumentative essays can take different structures. Even though such essays will have a basic structure of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, the differences will occur within the body paragraphs. Such differences dictate where the counterclaim(s) are located.

There is a structure where the counterclaims are located within all the body paragraphs. In this case, you will write your claim, followed by a counterclaim, and then a rebuttal. This means that for every claim you present to support your thesis, there will be a counterclaim and a rebuttal.

The most common structure is where you present your claims and present the counterclaim(s) before the conclusion. The counterclaim is immediately followed by a rebuttal.

Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Counterclaim

When it comes to the dos of writing a counterclaim, always ensure that it is followed by a rebuttal to demonstrate that your claims are superior to it. Secondly, courteously present your counterclaims to avoid upsetting the reader.

Acknowledge the anticipated arguments from the readers.

Demonstrate that the readers’ points of view are valid but your perspective makes more sense.

Finally, appeal to the logic of the readers through the use of valid evidence.

Concerning the don’ts when writing a counterclaim, do not include a counterargument just for the sake of it.

Make sure that the counterargument is valid in its own right and it is verifiable through evidence.

This is because your readers will also use logic and evidence when thinking about your claims. Secondly, do not use a disrespectful or uncourteous tone when addressing the other side of the argument.

Examples of Counterclaims

A counterclaim in a separate paragraph.

Counterclaim: “Opponents argue that after-school sports can increase the likelihood of sports-related injuries (Bancroft, 2018). Even minor injuries sustained from participation in after-school sports increase absent rates and the expense of creating injury reports for students (Sizemore, 2019)” .

Refutation: “Although students do suffer both serious and minor injuries in after-school sports, these injuries are quite rare (Kinney, 2016) .

Embedded Within a Paragraph

“Without free after-school sports programs, many students would still play sports without adult supervision and even more injuries would result”. Counterclaim : “However, some people would argue that after-school sports can increase the likelihood of sports-related injuries (Sizemore 2019)”. Refutation: “Although students do suffer both serious and minor injuries in after-school sports, without school-sponsored sports, the likelihood of more injuries from less supervised recreational leagues or privately sponsored leagues with fewer safety regulations would be much worse” .

How Long Should a Counterclaim Be?

A counterclaim can be as long as a paragraph if it appears after the introduction paragraph or at the end of the body before the conclusion. However, if a counterclaim is located within a paragraph, it can be a few sentences long (2-3).

However, the length of a counterclaim depends on the length of a claim in general. You can learn more about how to write a claim paragraph in that guide so that you can learn the two in general.

How many Counterclaims can you Put?

This depends on the structure of the essay. If the counterclaim appears after the introduction or before the conclusion, then it will only be one. However, if it is embedded within paragraphs, then they will be as many as the supportive augments.

This is because they will be used to refute every claim made within the body paragraph. If your supporting claims are 5 then the counterclaims will be 5 and so on.

Check out how to write college essays in our guide that we hope will lead you to score well.

Joseph is a freelance journalist and a part-time writer with a particular interest in the gig economy. He writes about schooling, college life, and changing trends in education. When not writing, Joseph is hiking or playing chess.

When you write an academic essay, you make an argument: you propose a thesis and offer some reasoning, using evidence, that suggests why the thesis is true. When you counter-argue, you consider a possible argument against your thesis or some aspect of your reasoning. This is a good way to test your ideas when drafting, while you still have time to revise them. And in the finished essay, it can be a persuasive and (in both senses of the word) disarming tactic. It allows you to anticipate doubts and pre-empt objections that a skeptical reader might have; it presents you as the kind of person who weighs alternatives before arguing for one, who confronts difficulties instead of sweeping them under the rug, who is more interested in discovering the truth than winning a point.

Not every objection is worth entertaining, of course, and you shouldn't include one just to include one. But some imagining of other views, or of resistance to one's own, occurs in most good essays. And instructors are glad to encounter counterargument in student papers, even if they haven't specifically asked for it.

The Turn Against

Counterargument in an essay has two stages: you turn against your argument to challenge it and then you turn back to re-affirm it. You first imagine a skeptical reader, or cite an actual source, who might resist your argument by pointing out

a problem with your demonstration, e.g., that a different conclusion could be drawn from the same facts, a key assumption is unwarranted, a key term is used unfairly, certain evidence is ignored or played down;
one or more disadvantages or practical drawbacks to what you propose;
an alternative explanation or proposal that makes more sense.

You introduce this turn against with a phrase like One might object here that... or It might seem that... or It's true that... or Admittedly,... or Of course,... or with an anticipated challenging question: But how...? or But why...? or But isn't this just...? or But if this is so, what about...? Then you state the case against yourself as briefly but as clearly and forcefully as you can, pointing to evidence where possible. (An obviously feeble or perfunctory counterargument does more harm than good.)

The Turn Back

Your return to your own argument—which you announce with a but, yet, however, nevertheless or still —must likewise involve careful reasoning, not a flippant (or nervous) dismissal. In reasoning about the proposed counterargument, you may

refute it, showing why it is mistaken—an apparent but not real problem;
acknowledge its validity or plausibility, but suggest why on balance it's relatively less important or less likely than what you propose, and thus doesn't overturn it;
concede its force and complicate your idea accordingly—restate your thesis in a more exact, qualified, or nuanced way that takes account of the objection, or start a new section in which you consider your topic in light of it. This will work if the counterargument concerns only an aspect of your argument; if it undermines your whole case, you need a new thesis.

Where to Put a Counterargument

Counterargument can appear anywhere in the 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;
as a section or paragraph just after your introduction, in which you lay out the expected reaction or standard position before turning away to develop your own;
as a quick move within a paragraph, where you imagine a counterargument not to your main idea but to the sub-idea that the paragraph is arguing or is about to argue;
as a section or paragraph just before the conclusion of your essay, in which you imagine what someone might object to what you have argued.

But watch that you don't overdo it. A turn into counterargument here and there will sharpen and energize your essay, but too many such turns will have the reverse effect by obscuring your main idea or suggesting that you're ambivalent.

Counterargument in Pre-Writing and Revising

Good thinking constantly questions itself, as Socrates observed long ago. But at some point in the process of composing an essay, you need to switch off the questioning in your head and make a case. Having such an inner conversation during the drafting stage, however, can help you settle on a case worth making. As you consider possible theses and begin to work on your draft, ask yourself how an intelligent person might plausibly disagree with you or see matters differently. When you can imagine an intelligent disagreement, you have an arguable idea.

And, of course, the disagreeing reader doesn't need to be in your head: if, as you're starting work on an essay, you ask a few people around you what they think of topic X (or of your idea about X) and keep alert for uncongenial remarks in class discussion and in assigned readings, you'll encounter a useful disagreement somewhere. Awareness of this disagreement, however you use it in your essay, will force you to sharpen your own thinking as you compose. If you come to find the counterargument truer than your thesis, consider making it your thesis and turning your original thesis into a counterargument. If you manage to draft an essay without imagining a counterargument, make yourself imagine one before you revise and see if you can integrate it.

Gordon Harvey (adapted from The Academic Essay: A Brief Anatomy), for the Writing Center at Harvard University

How to Write an Effective Counterclaim in 5 Steps

So, you’re laboring over a killer argumentative essay — and you want to make absolutely sure that you have all your bases covered? Your essay absolutely needs at least one counterclaim with a rebuttal if you are determined to make it the best it can be.

Unless you are already an experiences essayist, however, it can prove tough to write a solid counterclaim. Watch and learn — with this guide, you’ll get ready to write a powerful counterclaim in no time!

Essay Counterclaim: The Basics

The “too long; didn’t read” version is as follows — a counterclaim is a rhetorical tool used in essay writing. You present a viewpoint for which you are not arguing in a counterclaim, and then proceed to refute it; explaining why people should disagree with the opposing argument and agree with you, instead.

As you’re writing your essay, you will inevitably make various claims. Claims can be defined as debatable statements — the views for which you are arguing in your essay. Your thesis statement will be the main, overarching, claim you make in your essay, and this can be followed by multiple further claims in favor of your argument.

Let’s see this in action:

Thesis: “Unleashed dogs are a serious public health concern in Masonville. Policy must be amended to make it mandatory for all dogs to be leashed, at all times, and fines must be imposed on those who fail to comply.”
Claim: “Unleashed dogs have decimated the local deer population.”
Claim: “5 children and an elderly person have sustained serious dog bites that required medical attention in the last three years.”
Claim: “Data from other jurisdictions shows that imposing penalties for unleashed dogs reduces incidents with dogs immensely.”

If your essay looks something like this, you’re building a compelling case. You have defined your viewpoint, offered arguments that lead to a conclusion, and you have also shared data that your proposed solution could work.

What’s missing?

To truly make a convincing argument, you have to show that you understand the subject matter you are tackling deeply — something that inevitably includes listening to the opposing side in the argument.

That is where your counterclaim comes in. A counterclaim can be defined as a claim that directly opposes yours.

If your reaction is “Wait, what!? I have to argue against myself?” right now, hold on. There are multiple strong reasons to include a counterclaim in your essay. Here’s a look:

By including a counterclaim, or indeed multiple, you show that you don’t have tunnel vision. You have also considered the other side.
Readers who support the other side of the argument will likely react with a “Yes, that’s right!”. This has the effect of making them feel heard, which in turn makes them more open to listening to you.
After all that, you can — finally — respectfully and artfully refute the counterclaim. You understand the opposing viewpoint and you have deeply considered its merits, but you disagree. Lay out why, and why those who previously agreed with the opposing argument might want to consider coming over to your side, instead.

Let’s see that in action again:

Many dog owners claim that leashing dogs robs them of the ability to run around and have fun — something they consider integral to their dogs’ health and wellbeing. While it is certainly true that dogs need exercise, long leashes allow for plenty of freedom of movement. Dog parks, where dogs could run free, are another possible solution in this case.

Claim vs Counterclaim: What Is the Difference?

The difference between a claim and a counterclaim can best be summed up by saying that a claim is used to argue the position you are defending in your essay, while a counterclaim takes the opposing viewpoint. A counterclaim is an argument against your argument, in other words.

That is not the only difference between the two. To make an effective claim, a writer simply has to:

Make the claim.
Provide evidence or logical arguments supporting the claim.
Where desired, follow this with rhetorical tools such as appeals to emotion or logic to further convince the audience.

A counterclaim requires more elements:

The counterclaim itself — which states an opposing argument.
Evidence that people in fact hold this view is very much welcomed; to make a good counterclaim, you cannot simply lay out positions that are almost never taken.
An explanation as to why people may hold this view.
Finally, a rebuttal, in which you explain why the counterclaim is weak, and your original position is correct.

How to Write an Effective Counterclaim: Step-by-Step

Writing an effective counterclaim — or even several, as you may be called to do in longer essays — can be challenging. That is particularly true if you fervently believe in the argument you are making, and have a hard time understanding how anyone could disagree with it.

However, it is important to remain as objective as possible as you craft a counterclaim for your essay. Here is a look at the process you may use to decide on a good counterclaim.

Deciding Where to Place Your Counterclaim

It is typically very effective to open your essay with a compelling hook, which may consist of a powerful anecdote, statistics, or a dramatic introduction to a pressing problem. You will then want to introduce your thesis statement, and begin making claims — which you back up with evidence and further arguments.

Your counterclaim, or counter claims, should be placed after this portion of your essay. In short essays, that means it will be somewhere near the end. However, you will want to summarize your main argument succinctly and write a memorable conclusion in the paragraphs that follow your counterclaim paragraph.

Deciding How Long Your Counterclaim Should Be

The length of a counterclaim, and indeed the number of counterclaims you decide to include, depends on the target length of your essay. You will typically require at least a short paragraph to be able to do your counterclaim justice, because you are not simply stating that some people disagree with your argument. You also want to explain why.

In some cases, you will be able to write a short rebuttal in the same paragraph. In others, you may choose to refute the counterclaim in the next paragraph.

Researching Opposing Viewpoints

To write an effective counterclaim, it is important to understand the arguments that may be used to oppose your claims. Don’t simply turn your claim or thesis statement on its head, but research why people disagree with the argument you are making, and on what basis. Where possible, try to find out how common the view you are portraying in your counterclaim is.

Presenting the Opposing Viewpoint Fairly

Once you immerse yourself in the types of arguments people who disagree with your thesis make, and truly understand where they are coming from, you are ready to craft a good counterclaim. Try this exercise first. Imagine what you would write if you sincerely held the opposing view, and then go ahead and do it.

Writing Your Counterclaim Paragraph

Before presenting the counterclaim, you will need to introduce the fact that you will be doing this by making a smooth transition in your writing. Good ways to start your counterclaim paragraph include:

“Critics have argued that…”
“Some people may conclude that”
“On the other side of the argument, people are concerned that…”
“The opposing viewpoint states that…”

Once you have stated the alternative view, go ahead and describe why that view is held. Present evidence.

You can now either start a new paragraph to write a rebuttal, or — if you can keep it short — do so in the same paragraph.

A rebuttal can include:

Reasons why the opposing view you presented in your counterclaim is weak or false.
An acknowledgment that the views presented in the counterclaim have merit, but there is a solution that would render the concerns the opposing side has baseless.
An explanation that the views presented in the counterclaim are exceedingly rare, or the benefits of your argument outweigh the risks the counterclaim sets forth.

Additional Tips on Writing a Counterclaim

If you have followed along so far, you are almost ready to make a very effective counterclaim, complete with a refutation. You may even have penned a draft. So far, so good, but you do have some additional things to watch out for as you write your counterclaim:

Be objective in the language you use. Do not state that you disagree with the counterclaim, or argue that some people “erroneously believe that…”, for example. Simply present the counterclaim as an alternative opinion.
Be fair. Do not caricature the viewpoint you are presenting in your counterclaim. Do not use condescending language. When you share the opposing argument, do so using words that those who hold that view may, in fact, use.
Don’t forget to include evidence. Your evidence can demonstrate that a significant percentage of people hold the view you address in your counterclaim, and it should also, where possible, back up the counterclaim. In the example we used earlier, regarding the benefits of allowing dogs to run around without being leashed, you could look for studies that show that dogs need a certain amount of physical exercise.
Be fair in your rebuttal, too. The extent to which you do this depends on your aim. If you are writing a high school or college essay, you may simply prefer to throw some hard-hitting verbal punches. If, on the other hand, you are sincerely hoping to convince people who currently hold the alternative opinion you just described that you are right, you will have to be more careful. Validate their underlying concerns or values, and explain why your argument works within that context.

Does every essay need a counterclaim?

No. There are many kinds of essays. An expository essay, for instance, simply explores a topic, and will not need a counterclaim. A narrative essay shares the writer’s personal experience, and will not require a counterclaim. Counterclaims have an important place in argumentative essays, which require the writer to demonstrate that they understand the topic thoroughly and have considered all sides.

How many counterclaims should I include?

If you make multiple claims, you may choose to write a counterclaim for each of them. Depending on the length of your essay, you may even decide to include multiple counterclaims for each claim.

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How to Write a Counterclaim [Explained Simply!]

Counterclaims are an essential part of a top-notch argumentative essay. After all, they show that you’ve thoroughly researched and considered both sides of the issue before deciding on your particular stance.

There’s just one problem: they can be a little tricky to write without weakening your main argument, as you may already be aware!

That’s why we put together this guide on writing a counterclaim that will only enhance your position in an argumentative essay and not take anything away from it.

By the end of this article, you’ll be writing counterclaims like a pro – and get that grade you deserve on your next paper. Let’s get started!

What Is a Counterclaim in Writing?

Before we get into how to write one, let’s clarify what we mean by “counterclaim.” In writing, a counterclaim is an opposing argument that goes against the thesis statement of a paper.

It shows your audience that you have researched the topic thoroughly by looking into both sides of the issue and that you’re not trying to hide any important information that refutes your thesis.

Not only that, a well-written counterclaim can even help you win over those who don’t agree with your main claim or argument – especially when you make some good points in your rebuttal paragraph (which we will get into as well).

For example, let’s say you’re writing an argumentative essay on the use of cellphones in schools. If your claim is that they should be allowed at all times because they can help support learning, then the counterclaim could be that they’re more distracting than anything else.

How to Write a Counterclaim

The key to excellent argumentative writing is to make your position convincing and clear while acknowledging – not to mention rebutting – the counterarguments. Fortunately, you can break down the process of crafting a great counterclaim into four simple steps:

1. Research, Research, Research

Of course, a thorough understanding of your position on the topic is essential, but you should also have a good grasp of the main arguments of your opponents.

It’s not enough to just know what the arguments are – you need to know why other people feel this way.

For example, going back to our cellphone paper. If one of the main counterclaims is that cellphones are distracting in schools, you need to find out what is driving these opinions. Are there facts to back it up, or is this purely based on anecdotal evidence?

Once you feel like you have a firm grasp on the opposing view, you can move on to the next step.

2. Determine Where to Put the Counterclaim

A well-written essay typically starts with a few introductory sentences to capture the reader’s attention. Next comes the thesis and the claims (backed with plenty of research and evidence, of course).

By this point, your stance on the issue should be clear, so it’s usually safe to start including your counterclaims in the body of the essay.

As to where exactly you should include your counterclaims, two of the best options include the following:

In the paragraphs. If your paper has several claims you want to counter, then you may address each one in the paragraphs. This is often most effective right after supporting your claims with evidence and arguments.
Before the conclusion. This is often the preferred place for counterclaims, especially in shorter essays. It’s a good option because your reader should have a firm grasp of your position at this point, so the counterclaims shouldn’t really weaken your main arguments.

Remember that your counterclaim paragraph(s) should be separate from your introduction and conclusion. As long as it’s outside these areas, your counterclaim should be in a perfectly acceptable position in the paper.

3. Figure Out How Long Your Counterclaim Should Be

It isn’t time to start writing yet! Now that you’ve identified your counterclaim or counterclaims, you need to figure out how much space to devote to it in your essay.

You’ll want to cover the opposing side as concisely as possible, as you don’t want to give them more space than your claims. This is especially important if you have a specific word count; dragging out a counterclaim argument for too long may not leave enough room for you to argue your position properly.

In most cases, one short paragraph per counterclaim should do the trick. Just remember that you need to explain the opposing argument and why others feel this way.

4. Consider How to Present the Counterclaim Fairly

Before you officially start typing things out, one of the most important things to consider is how you will present your counterclaim fairly. You don’t want to present the opposing view with an obvious bias, as it may take away from the credibility of your paper.

And besides, you shouldn’t have to put the other viewpoint down to clarify your stance!

You should have already put lots of strong evidence and arguments in favor of your position throughout your paper, so trying to understand and present the opposing viewpoint fairly shouldn’t weaken your claims too much.

5. Write Your Counterclaim

You’re finally ready to write your counterclaim! The first thing you need to do is include an appropriate transition to help with the flow of your paper.

Some good transitions include:

Critics have argued that…
On the other side of the argument, people are concerned that…
The contrasting viewpoint indicates that…

Once you have chosen an appropriate transition and stated the opposing viewpoint, you can describe why people feel this way. And don’t forget your evidence! As with your claims, you need to show that you’ve done the research to support this position.

From here, you can write your rebuttal explaining any issues or weaknesses with the counterclaim. This is essential to solidifying your original position.

Some suggestions for a good rebuttal include:

Detailing the particular weaknesses with the counterclaim
Acknowledging that while these viewpoints have some merit, there is a solution that renders it baseless
Showing that the benefits of your claims outweigh the risks of the counterclaims
Pointing out that the benefits of the counterclaim are exceedingly rare

Tips on Writing a Great Counterclaim

Want to make a good counterclaim even better? Remember these tips when writing:

Objectivity is key. As passionately as you may feel about your position, do your best to remain objective when presenting a counterclaim. For example, avoid saying things like “critics mistakenly believe that…”
Don’t leave out information on purpose. If you find evidence for your counterclaim supported by research, don’t leave it out of your paper to avoid weakening your argument. Instead, explain why it is weaker than your claims.
Read through other essays. If you’re still unsure what a good counterclaim looks like, read professional-level papers to see how others have done it.
A second set of eyes is always helpful! If you can, get someone to read through your paper to make sure your counterclaim is clear, objective, and concise. You may also want their opinion on whether your rebuttal is effective enough to dispute the main points of your counterclaim.

The Bottom Line

Though it may seem daunting, writing an effective counterclaim doesn’t have to be difficult.

Just remember to do your research, avoid putting it in the introduction and conclusion, keep it to a paragraph, present it fairly, and transition into it appropriately.

And most of all, do your best to put any biases aside and remain objective.

By following these tips, writing counterclaims will become second nature to you in no time. Good luck with your next paper!

Reader Interactions

Reading Skills

Developing claims and counterclaims.

The Albert Team
Last Updated On: December 27, 2023

What We Review

Introduction

When you’re diving into a persuasive speech, article, or essay, there are two key things to look out for: the claim and the counterclaim. The claim is basically what the author believes and wants you to agree with. It’s their main point or argument about a topic. On the flip side, the counterclaim is the opposite stance. It’s a position that challenges or disagrees with the author’s claim.

Getting a grip on both claims and counterclaims is super important. Why? Because it helps you become more savvy when you read different nonfiction texts. You’ll be able to spot what the writer is arguing for (the claim) and what arguments might go against it (the counterclaim). Plus, it’s a great skill for when you start making your own arguments in essays or discussions. Understanding both sides of a topic makes your own arguments stronger and more balanced.

Understanding Claims

A claim is what the author or speaker is trying to convince you of, their main point or argument. But it’s not enough just to state a claim; it needs to be backed up with solid evidence and also be ready to face counterclaims (which are basically the opposite arguments).

There are different types of claims, and knowing them can help you understand and make better arguments:

Fact : This type of claim focuses on answering questions such as, “is it true,” “did it happen,” or “who is this person?”. For example, a sample fact claim could be: “Lebron James’ I Promise School in Akron, OH provides an effective model for meeting students’ needs on educational, physical, emotional, and social levels.”
Definition : This type of claim focuses on answering questions such as, “what does this term mean in this context?” For example, a sample definition claim could be: “Being someone’s friend on social media has an entirely different meaning than being in a real-life friendship.”
Value : This type of claim focuses on answering questions such as, “is this good or bad?” or “how do we define what is good or what is bad?” For example, a sample value claim could be: “Cell phones should not be allowed in high school because these devices detract from student performance and affect students’ emotional well-being.”
Cause : This type of claim answers questions such as, “what is the cause?” and “what is the effect?” For example, a sample cause claim could be: “By reintroducing home economics classes into high school curriculum, students will be more prepared for adult responsibilities and less dependent on their parents after they graduate high school.”
Comparison : This type of claim answers questions such as, “what can we learn from comparing these two topics?” For example, a comparison claim could be: “When placed side-by-side, Marvel and DC comic book universes reveal much closer similarities between one another than one would expect.”
Policy : This type of claim answers questions such as, “what type of policies would benefit this group?” or “how should various policies be enforced in different circumstances?” For example, a policy claim could be: “Employers must provide new mothers with one year of paid leave with a guarantee of employment following this period of absence.”

No matter how strong a claim sounds, it must have a firm foundation. Otherwise, it is easily toppled by opposing counterclaims. The foundation of an effective claim is sufficient and relevant supporting evidence. Be sure to include the rebuttal of counterclaims with further supporting evidence. Sufficient supporting evidence means the writer has enough evidence to support their claim. But be careful – too much information can make your main point hard to see. And always be ready to address counterclaims with more evidence. This makes your argument stronger and shows you’ve thought about all sides of the issue.

Developing Counterclaims

A counterclaim is an opposing argument that seeks to disprove or weaken another claim.

Just like there are many different kinds of claims, there are just as many variations of counterclaims. For example, if someone wanted to counter the “Fact Claim” above, “Lebron James’ I Promise School in Akron, OH provides an effective model for meeting students’ needs on educational, physical, emotional, and social levels,” they would use sufficient and relevant evidence to argue that “Lebron James’ I Promise School in Akron, OH does not provide an effective model for meeting students’ needs on educational, physical, emotional, and social levels.”

Dealing with different viewpoints, especially on sensitive topics, can be tough. It’s not always easy to listen to opinions that go against what you believe. But here’s the thing – understanding and considering these opposing perspectives can actually make your own argument stronger. It shows that you’re open-minded and have thought about the issue from all angles. Plus, it teaches a valuable lesson: it’s totally okay to agree to disagree. Not everyone will see things the way you do, and that’s alright. In the world of persuasive writing and speaking, being able to develop and understand counterclaims is a key skill that can really take your arguments to the next level.

In school, you might practice making claims and counterclaims on topics that don’t seem super important to you. But as you grow and start forming your own strong opinions on different subjects, you’ll see how this skill really comes into play in the real world.

One thing you’ll learn is that introducing opposite opinions can sometimes lead to disagreements or conflicts. That’s just part of life. But here’s the key: to be a really good communicator, whether in your personal life or in the workplace, it’s important to know how to peacefully coexist with people who have different views.

Understanding how to discuss and debate ideas respectfully is a super valuable skill. It helps you express your own thoughts clearly while also being open to hearing what others have to say. This doesn’t mean you have to change your opinions, but being able to consider different perspectives can make you a more thoughtful and well-rounded thinker. So, as you continue to shape your views on various topics, remember that being able to agree to disagree is a part of growing into a skilled and respectful communicator.

Practice Makes Perfect

In addition to the recommended activities above, Albert provides a wide range of texts for students to analyze and interpret. For emerging readers, check out our Short Readings course, which uses short passages to reinforce fundamental reading skills. Readers at all ability levels may enjoy our Leveled Readings course. It offers Lexile® leveled passages focused on a unifying essential question. This allows you to keep all students on the same page regardless of reading level. Learn more about the Lexile Framework here !

For authentic practice, check out our Essential Readings in Literature course. This course provides an overview of the core texts that American students often read in English class. Each text is broken down by skill, ensuring that students approach their reading from every angle.

With our easy-to-use interface and informative feedback, Albert.io is the perfect tool for reinforcing close reading skills and helping students develop a deeper understanding of the texts they encounter.

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Why Use an Essay Counterclaim?

Why use an essay counterclaim? Aren’t we always taught never to argue against our own thesis? Why give the enemy (the opposite point of view) ammunition (acknowledgement and evidence)?

The counterclaim can be defined as the opposing point of view to one’s thesis. It is also commonly known as the counterargument. A counterclaim is always followed by a refutation, which is often referred to as a rebuttal. The Common Core State Standards for grades 7-12 include the counterclaim in the argumentative essay (W. 1.0).

It’s all about scholarship and tactics: intellectual honesty and manipulation.

In argumentative essays the writer must prove his or her thesis according to the rules of the game, but the writer needs to know the rules so thoroughly that these rules can be used to work in the writer’s favor. I learned this lesson the hard way when I was a senior at the University of Southern California (Go Trojans!).

As a senior I took a seminar on independent research. At the suggestion of a professor, I dug into the Halévy Thesis: the thesis that the rise of religious revivals in Eighteenth Century England helped prevent a French-style revolution. I know. Pretty obscure. But for some reason the project really got me going: The thrill of academic discovery, the smell of the musty old book stacks, the cute library helper, etc.

Anyways, I became convinced that the Halévy Thesis was true. As a twenty-one year old I had discovered absolute truth . Not only did religious revival prevent violent revolution in England, it could also save our society today, cure the common cold, and solve the Middle East problem.

An effective counterclaim can…

show how a different conclusion can be drawn from facts.
show how an assumption many be unwarranted.
show how a key term has been misused.
show how evidence has been ignored or downplayed.
show how an alternative explanation might make more sense.
test your argument.
anticipate objections to your thesis.
help the writer weigh alternatives.
show how informed you the writer are about opposing arguments.
make the writer’s argument stronger.
show that the writer is reasonable and respectful of opposing views.

Some of the above points were adapted from the Harvard Writing Center. In addition to Why Use an Essay Counterclaim, writing teachers may also be interested in these related articles: Counterclaim and Refutation Sentence Frames , Where to Put the Essay Counterclaim , and What is the Essay Counterclaim?

TEACHING ESSAYS BUNDLE

The author’s TEACHING ESSAYS BUNDLE includes the three printable and digital resources students need to master the CCSS W.1 argumentative and W.2 informational/explanatory essays. Each no-prep resource allows students to work at their own paces via mastery learning. How to Teach Essays includes 42 skill-based essay strategy worksheets (fillable PDFs and 62 Google slides), beginning with simple 3-word paragraphs and proceeding step-by-step to complex multi-paragraph essays. One skill builds upon another. The Essay Skills Worksheets include 97 worksheets (printables and 97 Google slides) to help teachers differentiate writing instruction with both remedial and advanced writing skills. The Eight Writing Process Essays (printables and 170 Google slides) each feature an on-demand diagnostic essay assessment, writing prompt with connected reading, brainstorming, graphic organizer, response, revision, and editing activities. Plus, each essay includes a detailed analytical (not holistic) rubric for assessment-based learning.

Grammar/Mechanics , Literacy Centers , Study Skills , Writing argument essay , argumentative essay , common core writing standards , Counterarguments , Counterclaims , essay argument , essay introduction , essay strategies , Mark Pennington , Opposing Claims , rebut , Rebuttal , Refutation , refute , Teaching Essay Strategies

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How Counterclaim Your Position in an Argumentative Essay

by Antony W

April 7, 2022

When it comes to an argumentative essay , you have to consider both sides of the argument.

Sure, the goal of the assignment is to take a side on an issue and give evidence to support your stand.

However, if you fail to focus on both sides of the argument, you’ll appear narrowly minded and your essay will be less effective.

So to write a good argumentative essay that can convince your audience or instructor to keep reading to learn more about the issue under investigation, you should include a counterclaim in the paper.

A counterclaim is one of the elements of an argument that shows you invested your time and effort to investigate the two sides of an issue before taking your own stand on the topic.

What is a Counterclaim in an Argumentative Essay?

A counterclaim is simply one or more arguments that oppose the thesis statement of your argument.

Before you arrive at a counterclaim, you need to make sure your thesis explains what you claim you want to prove and how you’d like to do it.

You don’t include a counterclaim in the thesis part. Rather, the thesis should explicitly explain that you’ve done your research and you're convinced that the viewpoint of the opposing side is either invalid or weak.

By including a counterclaim in your essay, you create for yourself an opportunity to give a solid response to a reader’s arguments even before they finish reading the paper.

You end up with an essay that’s not only interesting to read but also one that strengthen your position.

How to Deal With Counterclaims in Your Essay

Counterclaims can be quite challenging to write.

On the one hand, you have your position to defend and you have to do so using all the evidences that you can use.

On the other hand, you have the opposing view to consider and include in the essay.

The question is, how do you consider the counterclaims without weakening your position ?

You can do so in two ways.

The first option is to note and point out the obvious flaws in the opposing arguments. This will show that, while you recognize the opposing views, they have a weakness that your point of view is trying to address.

By identifying the obvious flaws in a counterclaim, you’ll strengthen your own point of view on the issue. The second option is where you agree with the counter argument, but you take this a step further by providing a new evidence that can either weaken or contradict the counterargument.

Again, this will go a long way to strengthen your position and convince your audience to agree with you even if the subject in question is sensitive or controversial.

The Common Types of Counter Arguments in Argumentative Essays

There are 5 types of counterclaims that you’ll encounter as you work on your argumentative essay.

It’s important to understand each before we look at how you can respond to the counter claims.

Your audience (your reader) may come up with an evidence that could potentially weaken your position. Find out what the evidence can be. Cite and examine the evidence and then conclude by responding to it.
You can have a situation where an audience draws a different conclusion from the examples you present. If so, you should find a unique conclusion and then respond to it accordingly.
Sometimes a reader is highly likely to question the claim of your argument . In such a situation, it’s best to identify those claims, explain, and then give a solid response.
You can have an instance where someone disagrees with your claim. If this is the case, you should explain their perspective in your argument and then give a reasonable response.
If a reader can give a different explanation for an issue, you should figure out what that explanation might be and then give a completely different explanation yourself.

With that out of the way, let us look at how you can respond to a counterclaim in a way that makes your essay stand a chance to win an argument.

How to Respond to Counterclaims

There are a few response strategies that you can use to respond to counterclaims, but you don’t have to use all of them in the same paper.

The most important thing to do is to choose a strategy that makes the most sense for a particular counterargument.

If you find yourself nodding in agreement with some of the arguments that your reader or audience present, present their points and then give a challenge to oppose their points.
There may be an instance where a counterclaim provides an evidence different from what you have in your own argument. In such a case, it would be best if you give the reader a reason not to accept the evidence that the counter argument presents.
Some arguers will come up with counterclaims that threaten to weaken your argument. In this case, you need to give a thorough explanation on the how or why the evidence they’ve presented doesn’t interfere with or invalidate your claim.

Hire Our Team to Write Your Argumentative Essay

While counterclaims are expected in an argument, responding to them can be quite challenging. So if you feel like the task is too overwhelming to handle even after reading this guide, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll help you write a high quality argumentative essay fast.

Get in touch with your professional team of writers and get your argumentative essay completed on time

At Help for Assessment, our goal is to see you excel in your academics.

Part of contributing to that vision is by helping you write essays that grab attention, spike reading interest, and earn you the grades that you deserve.

About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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Writing Tips

A Guide to Rebuttals in Argumentative Essays

4-minute read

27th May 2023

Rebuttals are an essential part of a strong argument. But what are they, exactly, and how can you use them effectively? Read on to find out.

What Is a Rebuttal?

When writing an argumentative essay , there’s always an opposing point of view. You can’t present an argument without the possibility of someone disagreeing.

Sure, you could just focus on your argument and ignore the other perspective, but that weakens your essay. Coming up with possible alternative points of view, or counterarguments, and being prepared to address them, gives you an edge. A rebuttal is your response to these opposing viewpoints.

How Do Rebuttals Work?

With a rebuttal, you can take the fighting power away from any opposition to your idea before they have a chance to attack. For a rebuttal to work, it needs to follow the same formula as the other key points in your essay: it should be researched, developed, and presented with evidence.

Rebuttals in Action

Suppose you’re writing an essay arguing that strawberries are the best fruit. A potential counterargument could be that strawberries don’t work as well in baked goods as other berries do, as they can get soggy and lose some of their flavor. Your rebuttal would state this point and then explain why it’s not valid:

Read on for a few simple steps to formulating an effective rebuttal.

Step 1. Come up with a Counterargument

A strong rebuttal is only possible when there’s a strong counterargument. You may be convinced of your idea but try to place yourself on the other side. Rather than addressing weak opposing views that are easy to fend off, try to come up with the strongest claims that could be made.

In your essay, explain the counterargument and agree with it. That’s right, agree with it – to an extent. State why there’s some truth to it and validate the concerns it presents.

Step 2. Point Out Its Flaws

Now that you’ve presented a counterargument, poke holes in it . To do so, analyze the argument carefully and notice if there are any biases or caveats that weaken it. Looking at the claim that strawberries don’t work well in baked goods, a weakness could be that this argument only applies when strawberries are baked in a pie.

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Step 3. Present New Points

Once you reveal the counterargument’s weakness, present a new perspective, and provide supporting evidence to show that your argument is still the correct one. This means providing new points that the opposer may not have considered when presenting their claim.

Offering new ideas that weaken a counterargument makes you come off as authoritative and informed, which will make your readers more likely to agree with you.

Summary: Rebuttals

Rebuttals are essential when presenting an argument. Even if a counterargument is stronger than your point, you can construct an effective rebuttal that stands a chance against it.

We hope this guide helps you to structure and format your argumentative essay . And once you’ve finished writing, send a copy to our expert editors. We’ll ensure perfect grammar, spelling, punctuation, referencing, and more. Try it out for free today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rebuttal in an essay.

A rebuttal is a response to a counterargument. It presents the potential counterclaim, discusses why it could be valid, and then explains why the original argument is still correct.

How do you form an effective rebuttal?

To use rebuttals effectively, come up with a strong counterclaim and respectfully point out its weaknesses. Then present new ideas that fill those gaps and strengthen your point.

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Counter Argument

One way to strengthen your argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issue you are discussing is to anticipate and address counter arguments, or objections. By considering opposing views, you show that you have thought things through, and you dispose of some of the reasons your audience might have for not accepting your argument. Ask yourself what someone who disagrees with you might say in response to each of the points you’ve made or about your position as a whole.

If you can’t immediately imagine another position, here are some strategies to try:

Do some research. It may seem to you that no one could possibly disagree with the position you are taking, but someone probably has. Look around to see what stances people have and do take on the subject or argument you plan to make, so that you know what environment you are addressing.
Talk with a friend or with your instructor. Another person may be able to play devil’s advocate and suggest counter arguments that haven’t occurred to you.
Consider each of your supporting points individually. Even if you find it difficult to see why anyone would disagree with your central argument, you may be able to imagine more easily how someone could disagree with the individual parts of your argument. Then you can see which of these counter arguments are most worth considering. For example, if you argued “Cats make the best pets. This is because they are clean and independent,” you might imagine someone saying “Cats do not make the best pets. They are dirty and demanding.”

Once you have considered potential counter arguments, decide how you might respond to them: Will you concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should nonetheless accept your argument? Or will you reject the counterargument and explain why it is mistaken? Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument is stronger than opposing arguments.

Two strategies are available to incorporate counter arguments into your essay:

Refutation:

Refutation seeks to disprove opposing arguments by pointing out their weaknesses. This approach is generally most effective if it is not hostile or sarcastic; with methodical, matter-of-fact language, identify the logical, theoretical, or factual flaws of the opposition.

For example, in an essay supporting the reintroduction of wolves into western farmlands, a writer might refute opponents by challenging the logic of their assumptions:

Although some farmers have expressed concern that wolves might pose a threat to the safety of sheep, cattle, or even small children, their fears are unfounded. Wolves fear humans even more than humans fear wolves and will trespass onto developed farmland only if desperate for food. The uninhabited wilderness that will become the wolves’ new home has such an abundance of food that there is virtually no chance that these shy animals will stray anywhere near humans.

Here, the writer acknowledges the opposing view (wolves will endanger livestock and children) and refutes it (the wolves will never be hungry enough to do so).

Accommodation:

Accommodation acknowledges the validity of the opposing view, but argues that other considerations outweigh it. In other words, this strategy turns the tables by agreeing (to some extent) with the opposition.

For example, the writer arguing for the reintroduction of wolves might accommodate the opposing view by writing:

Critics of the program have argued that reintroducing wolves is far too expensive a project to be considered seriously at this time. Although the reintroduction program is costly, it will only become more costly the longer it is put on hold. Furthermore, wolves will help control the population of pest animals in the area, saving farmers money on extermination costs. Finally, the preservation of an endangered species is worth far more to the environment and the ecological movement than the money that taxpayers would save if this wolf relocation initiative were to be abandoned.

This writer acknowledges the opposing position (the program is too expensive), agrees (yes, it is expensive), and then argues that despite the expense the program is worthwhile.

Some Final Hints

Don’t play dirty. When you summarize opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to convince your readers that you have carefully considered all sides of the issues and that you are not simply attacking or caricaturing your opponents.

Sometimes less is more. It is usually better to consider one or two serious counter arguments in some depth, rather than to address every counterargument.

Keep an open mind. Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. Careful consideration of counter arguments can complicate or change your perspective on an issue. There’s nothing wrong with adopting a different perspective or changing your mind, but if you do, be sure to revise your thesis accordingly.

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How to write counterclaim: essential guide.

October 20, 2021

Are you trying to address your opinion and convince someone of your point of view? A counterclaim is what you need! A claim is an idea or an opinion that someone stands by. A counterclaim, however, is an opposing point of view about the concept. A strategic argumentative essay defines what the other side may say and explains why their claim is wrong; this is a counterclaim.

A counterclaim is included in argumentative writing and thesis to convince the reader to accept your claim. It’s essential to craft a good counterclaim to convince and get the reader on your side. The blog will provide you with complete insight into everything you need to know about writing counterclaims.

What is a Counterclaim in Writing?

A counterclaim is the other side of the argument or your original claim. In your claim, you make clear what you plan to prove. The counterclaim paragraph shows the opponent’s side of viewpoint and defines it in a way that seems weak and invalid.

The main aim behind the counterclaim is to convince the reader of your point of view. Hence, it’s essential to write a strong counterclaim paragraph to answer all the potential arguments the reader might have. A counterclaim essay, if done well, shows that the writer has considered both sides of the picture, which strengthens its position. Argumentative writing, thesis, or any other assignments that may involve convincing the audience in favor of your point of view can Use counterclaims to persuade the audience of the writer’s opinion. Any form of writing that involves more than one point of you can use claims and counterclaims to simplify the situation.

An argumentative essay is written in the following steps: Claim Counterclaim/ Counterclaims Rebuttal

Learning how to draft counterclaims is essential for every student. Individuals may need to convince the audience of their point of view when they step into real life. If you find yourself in any form of debate, you will always have a claim to fight for. You will have to create counterclaims to tell the audience about all the aspects that you have considered and then let them know the best possible option through a rebuttal.

The concept of counterclaims is also helpful for Law and business students in attaining their degrees. For law students, many cases may require a lawyer to draft a substantial counterclaim and rebuttal for the opponent in the legal issues. Likewise, in the business field, the concept of counterclaim may help the business evaluate the effectiveness of each contract. Also, considering all the contradictory aspects of your claim in any form of writing creates a good impression. The writer appears to be thoughtful, and just by considering and mentioning all the arguments, there may be present against his claim.

Claims vs. Counterclaims

How to find counterclaim.

There are a few steps and options to consider when trying to find a counterclaim:

You need to identify the target audience that will be most affected by the claim.
After you have identified your target audience, you can do quick questioning from an individual representing each group against their problems with your claim.
Meanwhile, the writer should also form an idea of the possible alternative points of view the audience may have against the main claim.
An alternative to finding a counterclaim is to note down all the disadvantages or alternative explanations that your target audience may have. However, the first option is more effective as this may allow you to find the counterclaims that may not be in your mind.

Where Do You Put A Counterclaim in an Essay?

When writing counterclaims in an essay, it’s essential to introduce the reader to the claim or the original argument. The claim is your point of view and can be argued by the reader. There is usually one main claim for which the argumentative essay revolves around. The claim is generally introduced in the introductory paragraph of your article or thesis. Right after the claim comes your counterclaim, which are the possible concerns the audience might have against your claim.

How to Introduce A Counterclaim?

There are various options you can consider on how to start a counterclaim paragraph, for example:

“On the other hand, some people say….” “Certainly, some people say….” “Admittedly, some people might say….” “A common counterpoint is often….”

You can start the counterclaim by explaining what counter-arguments the claim has. A good counterclaim paragraph will strengthen your essay and your position in the eyes of the reader.

How to Write a Counterclaim?

When writing a counterclaim, you need to imagine a skeptical reader and then draft your counterclaim paragraph. In the counterclaim, cite all the critics or sources who may resist your claim. The main aim behind the counterclaim is to address all the possible concerns of the reader to refute them. You can manage them by using the following words:

“However, some socials would certainly believe….” “Here, many feminists would argue….” “The opposing view is that….”

Moreover, it’s also vital that you evaluate your claim for all the possible problems and disadvantages that the claim may have. After introducing the counterclaim, discuss why it is incorrect. Also, use this part of the essay to think of alternate solutions that the claim may have in the following words:

“Alternatively, the issue could be viewed….” “Others may conclude….” “Despite this information….”

Explain the counterclaim as clearly and briefly as you can. It’s also an excellent strategy to prove where possible to weaken the opponent’s point of view.

How to Write A Good Counterclaim?

There are few tips that you can keep in mind when drafting a counterclaim.

Never introduce your counterclaim in the introductory paragraph: It’s a rule you should abide by to create an effective essay. Stating a counterclaim in the introduction makes the essay look vague.
When you start your counterclaim do not state it as right or wrong: Talk about why a counterclaim is believed instead of considering it right or wrong. Write a counterclaim in a way that the reader automatically turns in your favor.
Always choose the best words for your counterclaim: You don’t want to sound rude to the reader so always choose the words wisely.
It’s also essential to be just and unbiased as you write a counterclaim: To strengthen your thesis or argument you should always sound unbiased towards your opinion. The reader should know that you talking on the basis of facts and you don’t just want to implement your point of view.
Always provide evidence that supports your counterclaim: Providing evidence where ever possible is another great way to write counterclaims. Providing evidence to support the counterclaim makes it easier to convince the reader of your claim.

What Is A Rebuttal?

Your response to the counterclaim is known as the rebuttal. In this section, you showcase the evidence that disagrees with the counterclaim. You present all your reasoning to shoot down the opponent’s disagreement and bring them to your side. The comebacks are always intense; likewise, a rebuttal paragraph should clearly explain why you support your claim. An excellent rebuttal might involve research to get the full knowledge of the facts. This will also allow you to resolve the argument in the best way.

How To Write Counterclaim And Rebuttal?

After the counterclaim argument, we come to the solution in the form of a rebuttal. In the counterclaim, the paragraph mentions the counterargument a reader might have for your claim. Then we move on to resolving the debate by writing a rebuttal. It’s crucial to sound polite as you start with your rebuttal. The tone of your essay can make a significant impact on the audience; therefore, make sure to respect the different options as you write a rebuttal. There are few examples of how you can begin your rebuttal:

“Although some people think..others understand….” “The Evidence, however, clearly supports the argument that….” “This may be an understandable concern, however….”

Moreover, provide a point-by-point reply to all the counterclaims you have outlined. Make sure not to miss out on any counterclaim otherwise, your essay will look incomplete and vague. Also, if you miss out on any counterclaim in your rebuttal, this may weaken your claim. Rebuttal marks the end of your argument, so it’s advised to finish it with friendly and positive sentences. The tone of the rebuttal will let the audience know that you have done your best to come up with the best solution to the counterclaim. Lastly, when your rebuttal is done and your argument is sorted, it’s time to review your work. Read your work from the perspective of the reviewer. Will they be satisfied by the explanations you have given? Is the text clear and easily comprehendible? If the answer to all these questions is yes, you can submit your paper or argument confidently.

Example Of Claim, Counterclaim, And Rebuttal

Claim: Cellphones should be banned from school as they distract students from learning Counterclaim: Others may say that students should carry cell phones for emergency purposes. Rebuttal: There are many other less disruptive ways parents can use to communicate with their kids.

Need Help Writing A Counterclaim?

Writing a counterclaim for your thesis can be tricky, and you may need help with your work. Our writing services offer assistance for writing counterclaims. They offer reliable and creative solutions for all your writing needs. Our writers make sure to do proper research for the content so that there is no room for error. Our researchers are well versed in the services they offer. The writing services can easily be accessed online and cater to all the assignments of college, university, and other classes. You can contact the writing services for a custom-based package if you hire them for a long-term basis. Even the professors can benefit from the writing services by getting their student’s work proofread.

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9.7.3: Counter Argument Paragraphs

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Athena Kashyap & Erika Dyquisto
City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

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Counter-Argument Paragraphs

The purpose of a counter argument is to consider (and show that you are considering) perspectives other than your own. A counter-argument tears down other viewpoints; it does not build up your own, which you should do in separate paragraphs.

Placement of Counter-Arguments in an Essay

A counter argument can appear anywhere in the 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. This works if your entire essay will be a counter-argument and you are not building up your own argument.
As a section or paragraph just after your introduction, in which you lay out the expected reaction or standard position of opposing viewpoints before turning away to develop your own.
As a quick move within a paragraph, where you imagine a counter-argument not to your main idea but to the sub-idea that the paragraph is arguing or is about to argue.
As a section or paragraph just before the conclusion of your essay, in which you imagine what someone might object to in what you have argued. (However, this is really too late to be very effective in persuading someone to your position. It only shows you are considering other points of view.

Watch that you don't overdo it. A turn into counter argument here and there will sharpen and energize your essay, but too many such turns will have the reverse effect by obscuring your main idea or suggesting that you're ambivalent about your point of view. At the worst, it can sound like you are contradicting yourself. Writing a lead-in sentence with subordination or concession can help avoid this problem.

Example Counter-Argument

The following paragraph explains an opposing point of view to the writer's position in almost the whole paragraph. Words in bold italics explain the essential component of a counter-argument that a writer is doing in the following sentence(s).

The next paragraph is the counter-argument to the previous paragraph. Notice, however, that this count-argument does have some problems. The writer doesn't distinguish between public and private charter schools and also creates some logical fallacies in the process. Counter-arguments should be logically solid, cite sources, and argue logically.

At this point, the writer would then begin to argue their point of view with sub-claims and facts developed in a number of paragraphs to support their thesis.

If a writer is constructing an entire essay as a counter-argument, then the writer will need to fully develop multiple, well-supported arguments against the other point of view. The writer may also want to point out any logical flaws or other errors in the argument that they oppose.

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Concessions
Counterarguments
ESL Writing

The Argumentative Essay: The Language of Concession and Counterargument

Explanations and exercises about the use of counterarguments and concessions in argumentative essays.

The Argumentative Essay: The Language of Concession and Counterargument

We have already analyzed the structure of an argumentative essays (also known as a persuasive essay), and have read samples of this kind of essay. In this session we will review the purpose and structure of an argumentative essay, and will focus on practicing the grammar of sentences that present our argument while acknowledging that there is an opposing view point. In other words, we will focus on the grammar of concession and counterargument.

Purpose and structure of an argumentative essay

Take a few minutes to refresh your knowledge about the purpose and structure of argumentative / persuasive essays.

The Purpose of Persuasive Writing

The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince, motivate, or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion. The act of trying to persuade automatically implies more than one opinion on the subject can be argued.

The idea of an argument often conjures up images of two people yelling and screaming in anger. In writing, however, an argument is very different. An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. To argue in writing is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way. Written arguments often fail when they employ ranting rather than reasoning.

Most of us feel inclined to try to win the arguments we engage in. On some level, we all want to be right, and we want others to see the error of their ways. More times than not, however, arguments in which both sides try to win end up producing losers all around. The more productive approach is to persuade your audience to consider your opinion as a valid one, not simply the right one.

The Structure of a Persuasive Essay

The following five features make up the structure of a persuasive essay:

Introduction and thesis
Opposing and qualifying ideas
Strong evidence in support of claim
Style and tone of language
A compelling conclusion

Creating an Introduction and a thesis

The persuasive essay begins with an engaging introduction that presents the general topic. The thesis typically appears somewhere in the introduction and states the writer’s point of view.

Avoid forming a thesis based on a negative claim. For example, “The hourly minimum wage is not high enough for the average worker to live on.” This is probably a true statement, but persuasive arguments should make a positive case. That is, the thesis statement should focus on how the hourly minimum wage is low or insufficient.

Acknowledging Opposing Ideas and Limits to Your Argument

Because an argument implies differing points of view on the subject, you must be sure to acknowledge those opposing ideas. Avoiding ideas that conflict with your own gives the reader the impression that you may be uncertain, fearful, or unaware of opposing ideas. Thus it is essential that you not only address counterarguments but also do so respectfully.

Try to address opposing arguments earlier rather than later in your essay. Rhetorically speaking, ordering your positive arguments last allows you to better address ideas that conflict with your own, so you can spend the rest of the essay countering those arguments. This way, you leave your reader thinking about your argument rather than someone else’s. You have the last word.

Acknowledging points of view different from your own also has the effect of fostering more credibility between you and the audience. They know from the outset that you are aware of opposing ideas and that you are not afraid to give them space.

It is also helpful to establish the limits of your argument and what you are trying to accomplish. In effect, you are conceding early on that your argument is not the ultimate authority on a given topic. Such humility can go a long way toward earning credibility and trust with an audience. Audience members will know from the beginning that you are a reasonable writer, and audience members will trust your argument as a result. For example, in the following concessionary statement, the writer advocates for stricter gun control laws, but she admits it will not solve all of our problems with crime:

Although tougher gun control laws are a powerful first step in decreasing violence in our streets, such legislation alone cannot end these problems since guns are not the only problem we face.

Such a concession will be welcome by those who might disagree with this writer’s argument in the first place. To effectively persuade their readers, writers need to be modest in their goals and humble in their approach to get readers to listen to the ideas.

Text above adapted from: Writing for Success – Open Textbook (umn.edu) Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Argument, Concession/Acknowledgment and Refutation

We have already seen that as a writer of an argumentative essay, you do not just want to present your arguments for or against a certain issue. You need to convince or persuade your readers that your opinion is the valid one. You convince readers by presenting your points of view, by presenting points of view that oppose yours, and by showing why the points of view different from yours are not as valid as yours. These three elements of an argumentative essay are known as argument (your point of view), concession/acknowledgement/counterargument (admission that there is an opposing point of view to yours) and refutation (showing why the counterargument is not valid). Acknowledging points of view different from yours and refuting them makes your own argument stronger. It shows that you have thought about all the sides of the issue instead of thinking only about your own views.

Identifying argument, counterargument, concession and refutation

We will now look at sentences from paragraphs which are part of an argumentative essay and identify these parts. Read the four sentences in each group and decide if each sentence is the argument, the counterargument, the acknowledgement / concession or the refutation. Circle your choice.

Schools need to replace paper books with e-books.

argument counterargument acknowledgement refutation

Others believe students will get bad eyesight if they read computer screens instead of paper books.

There is some truth to this statement.

However, e-books are much cheaper than paper books.

The best way to learn a foreign language is to visit a foreign country.

Some think watching movies in the foreign language is the best way to learn a language.

Even though people will learn some of the foreign language this way,

it cannot be better than actually living in the country and speaking with the people every day.

Exercise above adapted from: More Practice Recognizing Counterarguments, Acknowledgements, and Refutations. Clyde Hindman. Canvas Commons. Public domain.

More Practice Recognizing Counterarguments, Acknowledgements, and Refutations | Canvas Commons (instructure.com)

Sentence structure: Argument and Concession

Read the following sentences about the issue of cell phone use in college classrooms. Notice the connectors used between the independent and the dependent clauses.

Although cell phones are convenient, they isolate people.

dependent clause independent clause

Cell phones isolate people, even though they are convenient.

independent clause dependent clause

In the sentences above, the argument is “cell phones isolate people”. The counterargument is “cell phones are convenient” and the acknowledgment/concession is expressed by the use of although / even though to make the concession of the opposing argument.

In addition, and most importantly, notice the following:

Which clause contains the writer’s argument? Which clause contains the concession?

The writer’s position is contained in the independent clause and the concession is contained in the dependent clause. This helps the writer to highlight their argument by putting it in the clause that stands on its own and leaving the dependent clause for the concession.

Notice that it doesn’t matter if the independent clause is at the beginning or at the end of the sentence. In both cases, the argument is “cell phones isolate people.”

Notice the difference between these two sentences:

Cell phones are convenient, even though they isolate people.

independent clause dependent clause

Cell phones isolate people, even though they are convenient.

independent clause dependent clause

This pair of sentences shows how the structure of the sentence reflects the point of view of the writer. The argument in the first sentence is that cell phones are convenient. The writer feels this is the important aspect, and thus places it in the independent clause. In the dependent clause, the writer concedes that cell phones isolate people. In contrast, in the second sentence the argument is that cell phones isolate people. The writer feels this is the important aspect and therefore puts this idea in the independent clause. The writer of this sentence concedes that cell phones are convenient, and this concession appears in the dependent clause.

Read the following pairs of sentences and say which sentence in the pair has a positive attitude towards technology in our lives.

Although technology has brought unexpected problems to society, it has become an instrument of progress.
Technology has brought unexpected problems to society, even though it has become an instrument of progress.

Technology is an instrument of social change, even though there are affordability issues.
There are affordability issues with technology, even though it is it is an instrument of social change.

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Maria Antonini de Pino – Evergreen Valley College, San Jose, California, USA

LIST OF SOURCES (in order of appearance)

Text adapted from: Writing for Success – Open Textbook (umn.edu)

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Exercise adapted from: More Practice Recognizing Counterarguments, Acknowledgements, and Refutations. Clyde Hindman. Canvas Commons. Public domain.

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COMMENTS

How To Write A Counterclaim Like A Pro (Really)
Create a thesis statement in the last sentence. Write a counterclaim that rebuts the initial argument. Many students fail to appreciate the fact that there is a difference between a claim and a counterclaim. The claim demonstrates your position of argument or the assertion of a fact, whereas a counterclaim negates a specific claim by refuting it.
How to write a Counterclaim Paragraph, Sentence or Rebuttal
Such differences dictate where the counterclaim (s) are located. There is a structure where the counterclaims are located within all the body paragraphs. In this case, you will write your claim, followed by a counterclaim, and then a rebuttal. This means that for every claim you present to support your thesis, there will be a counterclaim and a ...
Parts of an Argumentative Essay
The main purpose of a counterclaim is to address the opposite side of the argument and provide a rebuttal. ... The claim is the author's argument that they are attempting to prove in the essay ...
Counterargument
The most common spots are the following: Before your conclusion. This is a common and effective spot for a counterargument because it's a chance to address anything that you think a reader might still be concerned about after you've made your main argument. Don't put a counterargument in your conclusion, however.
Counterargument
Counterargument. When you write an academic essay, you make an argument: you propose a thesis and offer some reasoning, using evidence, that suggests why the thesis is true. When you counter-argue, you consider a possible argument against your thesis or some aspect of your reasoning. This is a good way to test your ideas when drafting, while ...
How to Write an Effective Counterclaim in 5 Steps
Good ways to start your counterclaim paragraph include: "Critics have argued that…". "Some people may conclude that". "On the other side of the argument, people are concerned that…". "The opposing viewpoint states that…". Once you have stated the alternative view, go ahead and describe why that view is held. Present evidence.
Thesis Statements and Counter-Claims
A thesis statement is a claim that sets up your argument. Your thesis should situate your argument within a broader discussion, which will likely involve addressing possible objections, or counter-claims. Counter-claims will help you develop a well-rounded argument by showing you've considered many possible positions on your topic.
How to Write a Counterclaim [Explained Simply!]
The key to excellent argumentative writing is to make your position convincing and clear while acknowledging - not to mention rebutting - the counterarguments. Fortunately, you can break down the process of crafting a great counterclaim into four simple steps: 1. Research, Research, Research. Of course, a thorough understanding of your ...
Developing Claims and Counterclaims
Introduction. When you're diving into a persuasive speech, article, or essay, there are two key things to look out for: the claim and the counterclaim. The claim is basically what the author believes and wants you to agree with. It's their main point or argument about a topic. On the flip side, the counterclaim is the opposite stance.
Claim & Counterclaim in Argumentative Writing
Writers should state claims as fact and be as straightforward and concise as possible. In an essay or any other form of argumentative writing, the claim is usually found at the end of the first ...
The Writing Center
Writing a paper that involves counterarguments can be challenging, but also rewarding. In this webpage, you will learn what counterarguments are, why they are important, and how to use them effectively in your writing. You will also find examples of counterarguments from different disciplines and genres, as well as tips on how to address them. Whether you are writing a persuasive essay, a ...
Why Use an Essay Counterclaim?
The counterclaim can be defined as the opposing point of view to one's thesis. It is also commonly known as the counterargument. A counterclaim is always followed by a refutation, which is often referred to as a rebuttal. The Common Core State Standards for grades 7-12 include the counterclaim in the argumentative essay (W. 1.0).
How Counterclaim Your Position in an Argumentative Essay
You can do so in two ways. The first option is to note and point out the obvious flaws in the opposing arguments. This will show that, while you recognize the opposing views, they have a weakness that your point of view is trying to address. By identifying the obvious flaws in a counterclaim, you'll strengthen your own point of view on the issue.
PDF Step-by-Step: Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Step 1: Write a counterclaim. Write a sentence that contradicts the claim. For example, if your thesis says, "Everyone should eat chocolate ice cream," then your counterclaim might be, "Some people are allergic to chocolate.". Step 2: Explain the counterclaim. The more "real" you make the opposing position, the more "right" you ...
A Guide to Rebuttals in Argumentative Essays
Read on for a few simple steps to formulating an effective rebuttal. Step 1. Come up with a Counterargument. A strong rebuttal is only possible when there's a strong counterargument. You may be convinced of your idea but try to place yourself on the other side. Rather than addressing weak opposing views that are easy to fend off, try to come ...
Counter Arguments
Counter Argument. One way to strengthen your argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issue you are discussing is to anticipate and address counter arguments, or objections. By considering opposing views, you show that you have thought things through, and you dispose of some of the reasons your audience might have for not ...
Counterargument
When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to understand what exactly a counterargument (sometimes referred to as a counterclaim) is. In an effective argument, the writer or speaker will ...
How To Write Counterclaim And Rebuttal Like A Pro
A counterclaim, however, is an opposing point of view about the concept. A strategic argumentative essay defines what the other side may say and explains why their claim is wrong; this is a counterclaim. A counterclaim is included in argumentative writing and thesis to convince the reader to accept your claim.
9.7.3: Counter Argument Paragraphs
Counter-Argument Paragraphs. The purpose of a counter argument is to consider (and show that you are considering) perspectives other than your own. A counter-argument tears down other viewpoints; it does not build up your own, which you should do in separate paragraphs.
Writing Counterclaims
Defines a counterclaim/counter argument, explains its purpose, and how to write one for a persuasive essay. Includes tips and transitions helpful to writing ...
The Argumentative Essay: The Language of Concession and Counterargument
Purpose and structure of an argumentative essay. Take a few minutes to refresh your knowledge about the purpose and structure of argumentative / persuasive essays. The Purpose of Persuasive Writing. The purpose of persuasion in writing is to convince, motivate, or move readers toward a certain point of view, or opinion.
Writing a Counterargument Paragraph
When writing your counterargument paragraph, you should respond to that other position. In your paragraph: 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 ...
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.

How To Write A Counterclaim For A Successful Result

Table of Contents

Writing A Counterclaim Can Be Very Easy

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

How to write a Counterclaim Paragraph, Sentence or Rebuttal

What is a Counterclaim in an Essay?

Difference Between a Claim and a Counterclaim

How to Write a Good Counterclaim in an Essay

Where to Write a Counterclaim in an Essay

Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Counterclaim

Examples of Counterclaims

Embedded Within a Paragraph

How Long Should a Counterclaim Be?

How many Counterclaims can you Put?

How to Write an Effective Counterclaim in 5 Steps

Essay Counterclaim: The Basics

Claim vs Counterclaim: What Is the Difference?

How to Write an Effective Counterclaim: Step-by-Step

Additional Tips on Writing a Counterclaim

Related posts:

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How to Write a Counterclaim [Explained Simply!]

What Is a Counterclaim in Writing?

How to Write a Counterclaim

1. Research, Research, Research

2. Determine Where to Put the Counterclaim

3. Figure Out How Long Your Counterclaim Should Be

4. Consider How to Present the Counterclaim Fairly

5. Write Your Counterclaim

Tips on Writing a Great Counterclaim

The Bottom Line

Reader Interactions

Reading Skills

Introduction

Understanding Claims

Developing Counterclaims

Practice Makes Perfect

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