Today’s Focus

Develop a counter-argument to an opposing viewpoint that has been expressed… address weaknesses in the opposing viewpoint and offering alternatives.

What is a counter-argument?

Counter-argument - argument made to contradict or argue against the opposing viewpoints.

Opposing Viewpoint - Objections to the writer’s claim (you).

What’s your counter-argument?

My ClaimThieves should be given lighter sentences since this type crime doesn’t involve physical harm

Opposing Viewpoint---

Many argue that thieves should be given longer prison sentences because it would cut down on crime.

Counter-argument—

However, this could lead to over crowding and increased budgets needed to care for these individuals.

Signal Words – Use Them!Many argue that thieves should be given longer prison sentences because it would cut down on crime. (Opposing view sample)

Introducing an opposing view:Acknowledge Believe Declare Report Claim Respond Comment Disclose Imply Point out Suggest Dispute Insist Argue Refute Assert Contend Reject Deny

However, this could lead to over crowding and increased budgets needed to care for these individuals. (Counter-argument sample)

Introducing a counter-argument:However Nevertheless While this may be trueThis is outweighed by

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKsd25UkZfQ

Developing a claim and counter-arguments

Opposing Viewpoint Many claim that college athletes should be paid a salary since the school makes money as a result of their talents

Counter-argument - Rebuttal

While it may be true that they deserve some type of payment, it must be considered that they are already being paid as a result of scholarships that provide them an education at either a free or reduced cost.

Opposing Viewpoint People contend that mobile phones are a waste of money since landlines are much cheaper

Counter-argument – Rebuttal

Opposing Viewpoint Citizens point out that smoking should be banned in all public places because passive smoking damages other people

Counter-argument - Rebuttal

Opposing Viewpoint Individuals suggest that there should be a law to make people recycle bottles and cans in order to cut down on the waste we produce

Counter-argument - Rebuttal

Opposing Viewpoint Music lovers insist that they should be allowed to download as much music as they want from the internet because CDs are overpriced

Counter-argument - Rebuttal

Select 3 of the stated opposing view statements

Develop counter-arguments for each of the opposing views

Underline/circle each of the signal words used in each sample

Be prepared to share your examples

Counter-Arguments Activity