Steps Of How To Effectively Design And Write A Counter Argument
Has your professor asked you to include a counterargument in your next assignment? Are you puzzled about where to start and what to write? If you wonder how to write a counter argument essay, worry not. Many students struggle to come up with the right standpoints in their papers, so we’ve decided to lend you a hand.
Expressing conflicting positions on a hot topic is a critical skill in the academic world. In short, you need a well-grounded contradicting stance with supporting facts to refute the opponent’s opinion. Keep reading to find out how.
What Is A Counterargument In An Essay – The Definition
Counter arguments should clear any doubts readers might have about your positions. Moreover, the purpose of an opposing argument is to offer a reason to disagree with the thesis statement. Whether you include it in the introduction or dedicate an entire paragraph to it, your counter argument shows that you’re aware that various views exist.
Addressing claims against your main standpoints makes you savvier, and your paper well-structured and substantiated. Since your argument essay outline will urge your readers to agree with your claim, it’s advisable to mention a reason to believe differently.
Why Are Counterarguments Important
By incorporating a contradicting standpoint in your assignment, you demonstrate that:
- You are knowledgeable about the topic and know how to back up your thoughts.
- You have researched the subject matter well and can tackle alternative views.
- You don’t underestimate opinions that clash with yours.
- You don’t stick to your perspectives blindly but are ready to discuss opposing ideas.
- You aren’t biased but have come to the ultimate standpoint through reasoning.
- You solidify your arguments and give them credibility.
How To Start A Counterargument
This segment will alert readers that a different stand from the thesis follows. So how to write a counterargument paragraph? The beginning of the denial section should explicitly or implicitly tell whoever’s reading to prepare for a contradiction. Omitting hints about the rebuttal in the paper will make it look one-sided and blunt.
So, how do you start the segment containing the counter argument? When you write your argumentative essay, ensure you include relevant starters and transitions. These may be a single word, a phrase, or an entire sentence supporting the overall statement.
Counter Argument Starters
Let’s discuss the possible phrases you can use to introduce the counter argument. Here are a few starters that inform whoever’s reading to expect a change of direction:
- However, yet, but
- Even though/although
- In spite of/despite the fact that
- On the contrary
- On the other side/hand
- A possible concern/problem is
- Conversely, in contrast
Another approach that arouses interest is to use a rhetorical question. For instance, try the following starting phrases:
- Wouldn’t it be better if…?
- But, what if…?
- Nonetheless, how can this be true…?
Similarly, you may take an indirect stance and present the counterviews of others to express your opinion. For example, say this:
- However, scientists claim that
- Yet, many people believe that
- On the other hand, students stand for
- Critics say that
Transition Words
Choosing the right counter argument starter is just a part of the equation. A coherently written assignment requires you to use transitions that make the argument flow smooth. Even the best custom essay writing service will fail its purpose if it lacks linking phrases.
Coordinating transitions ease the reading process by linking ideas into a cohesive whole. These phrases show that two things are alike or that you add extra information along the same lines. Here are a few relevant examples:
- What is more
- Not to mention
- Likewise
- Also
- Then again
- On top of that
- Not only
- Additionally
- Furthermore
Why Include A Counterargument In An Argumentative Essay?
Including a counter argument in your essay will make your written piece more convincing. Though you may think this approach will weaken your position or undermine your claim, this isn’t true. On the contrary, by doing so, you respectfully acknowledge evidence or standpoints that differ from your argument.
Some students believe a counter argument will lead the readers away from the main claim. However, any top-notch argumentative essay writer service will include it because it demonstrates the issue was elaborated from multiple perspectives. Finally, you enhance critical thinking by presenting both sides of the problem.
Example Of Counter Argument Paragraph
Below, we share a relevant example of an argument on a specific topic with guidance on avoiding writing an irrelevant counter argument.
The argument:
Many students prefer to smoke on college campuses. They often argue that authorities can’t ban smoking on campus if it isn’t illegal.
Ineffective counter argument:
However, the college management is the ultimate decision-maker and can prohibit whatever they deem harmful on campus.
This counter argument is useless because even if the college management has the right to impose bans, it can’t disregard students’ requirements on all grounds.
So, how to write an argumentative essay with a relevant counter argument? Check the suggestion below.
Effective counter argument:
Yet, second-hand smoke can harm people in the vicinity that suffer from conditions like asthma, thus putting them at risk of health deterioration.
This example will achieve its primary purpose – discuss the other perspective openly. You may disagree with this view but demonstrate you’re aware that some people might take a different standpoint. And they have every right to because no issue is one-sided. In the second example, the reader can see how students smoking on campus might harm those around.
How To Respond To A Counterargument: The Refutation
Among other things, you must address the counterviews in your written piece with a rebuttal. Stating and refuting the contradicting idea is critical if you want to give credence to your standpoint. No matter how and where you incorporate the rebuttal, do it objectively by maintaining a formal and scholarly tone.
The best approach is to oppose the counter opinion logically by considering these questions:
- Will you discredit the different perspectives by bringing in contradictory research?
- Will you say that the other point is valid but that your argument is more relevant by means of comparison?
Responding to these questions and taking a specific route will refine your stance and clarify the issues considered. Moreover, if you suddenly agree with the counter opinion, revise your statement and main points to reflect your new thinking.
Common Mistakes And Fallacies To Avoid While Writing Opposing Arguments
Keep these things in mind when you write argumentative essays, and avoid them as much as possible:
- You haven’t done research on the multiple perspectives on the topic.
- You don’t include supporting ideas for the positions against your thesis.
- You dedicate too much space and attention to contradicting reasons.
- You don’t bring up a different perspective in the introduction but keep to your opinion only.
- Your line of thought is incoherent, and you constantly switch standpoints throughout the paper.
- You use offensive or biased language to refute the opponent’s viewpoint.
- You believe the opponent’s stance is wrong and don’t give it credit.
- Besides having a strong argument, you make the counterview weak and ineffective.
- You can’t explain how your position responds to the contradicting idea.
- If you aren’t a rhetoric expert, avoid using sarcasm and satire.
Bottom Line
When writing your work, you might decide to include a sentence or a whole segment that presents a denial statement. Whatever your choice, use a specific layout to express your views clearly and accurately. It is important to remember that for urgent essay writing, the need for incorporating counterargument examples is even more critical to ensure a well-substantiated and persuasive written piece. Therefore, it is essential to consider both sides of the argument when constructing your response.
Hopefully, this post helps you understand what is a counterargument and how to write a counterargument. Provided you follow the tips outlined above, it won’t take long to polish your work. If you have any concerns about your writing assignment, always ask your teacher for support.
FAQ
Do Synthesis Essays Need A Counter Argument?
Yes, ensure you include a counter argument and oppose it to justify your viewpoint. It’s best to place it in the first body segment of your synthesis essay. By doing so, you show your capacity to appreciate different opinions than yours.
Does An Argumentative Essay Need A Counter Argument?
Yes, argumentative papers should contain a well-presented contradicting idea than the one expressed in the thesis. Taking a single standpoint doesn’t add value to your work because readers with a different opinion will see it as biased and unfair.
Where Does The Counterargument Go In An Essay?
One idea is to write it in the introduction to create a contrast for the main claim. Alternatively, you may explain the contradictory opinion in one section that acknowledges the idea and then discredit it. It is often better to place it before your opinion to end the paper on a positive note that supports your perspective.
