{"id":7043,"date":"2018-11-06T12:13:03","date_gmt":"2018-11-06T20:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.essaypop.com\/?p=7043"},"modified":"2020-07-11T14:45:06","modified_gmt":"2020-07-11T21:45:06","slug":"counterargument-and-rebuttal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/style-guide\/counterargument-and-rebuttal","title":{"rendered":"Counterargument and Rebuttal"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Raise your words, not your voice. \u00a0It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”\u00a0<\/span>\u2014<\/span>Rumi<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is Counterargument?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Oftentimes, and especially in persuasive responses, the essayist will need to take on an opponent with a different point of view. \u00a0There are two parts to this exchange. The part where an opponent attacks your argument is known as the <\/span>counter-argument<\/b>, and the part where you answer back is called the <\/span>rebuttal<\/b>. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One might reasonably ask, \u201cWhy in the world would I provide any space in my essay for someone who wants to weaken my argument. \u00a0It is actually very important that you do provide your reader with the counterargument to your own argument. According the Purdue Online Writing Workshop, \u201c<\/span>In order to present a fair and convincing message, you may need to anticipate, research, and outline some of the common positions (arguments) that dispute your thesis.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Presenting the opposing viewpoint actually strengthens<\/b> your own argument because it shows you to be credible, fair-minded and unafraid.\u00a0 It also gives you the opportunity to fight back smartly. Moreover, adding these elements adds length to your paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Rebuttal?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The <\/span>rebuttal<\/b> is you opportunity to turn the tables on your opponent. In court, you might hear the judge say, \u201cNow that you\u2019ve heard the accusations, have you a rebuttal?\u201d As an essayist, of course you have a rebuttal. \u00a0Since you\u2019ve fairly presented the other side\u2019s opinion in the counter-argument, you may now present your own reasoned rebuttal arguments to undo or deflect any damage that may have been done. <\/span><\/p>\n

These arguments are usually delivered using a polite and formal tone, which shows you are in control of the situation and unintimidated. The calm warrior is often the most effective adversary. Some writers even compliment their opponent for holding the views that they do, before introducing their own rebuttal. \u00a0If time allows we recommend that you try to deliver<\/span> two rebuttals<\/b> for each of your opponent\u2019s counterarguments. \u00a0This will clearly give you the advantage in the argument.<\/span><\/p>\n

Counterargument Models<\/span><\/h2>\n

For your convenience the counterarguments are highlighted in <\/span>salmon<\/span> and the rebuttals are highlighted in <\/span>gray<\/span>.<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n

Model 1<\/span><\/h3>\n

Type of essay: \u00a0<\/b>persuasive\/ argument
\n<\/span>The prompt:<\/b> \u00a0In a concise, multiple-paragraph-essay, take a stand on whether or not you believe public schools should be allowed to require students to wear school uniforms.
\n<\/span>The Pop: <\/b>Mandatory dress codes in public violate students\u2019 civil rights. [350-450 words]<\/span><\/p>\n

Template Formula: <\/b>[<\/span>H<\/span> + <\/span>TS<\/span> + <\/span>RD<\/span> + <\/span>INT<\/span> + <\/span>CA<\/span> + <\/span>REB1<\/span> +<\/span> REB2<\/span> + <\/span>C<\/span>]
\n<\/span>Word Count: <\/b>382<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, principal McGuire announced her intention to institute a school wide uniform policy at our school. \u00a0Needless to say, the news has created quite a stir; much of it quite negative. I am with those who oppose this policy. <\/span>A mandatory dress code at school is quite simply a flagrant violation of young people’s’ civil rights. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Afterall, The First Amendment \u00a0of our United States Constitution states that “Congress cannot pass laws abridging the freedom of speech.\u201d<\/span> \u00a0Our forefathers did not intend to have any American citizen’s right to reasonably express him or herself taken away by anybody at any time, no matter their age. \u00a0This constitutional protection allows us to speak out against politicians who we disagree with. It allows us to write articles that might be controversial or even offensive to some. \u00a0And it certainly extends to students who might want to wear some loose-fitting jeans or a punk-rock tee shirt. Expressing one’s style, politics or ideas with one’s choice of clothing is no different than doing so with words spoken aloud or written down on paper.<\/span><\/span> Of course, there are those such as more conservative parents and school administrators who think that a school dress code is the key to maintaining law and order and a sense of discipline on campus. \u00a0These critics of free dress may even cite studies demonstrating that schools that instill dress codes have fewer incidents of crime and graffiti.<\/span> However, these small improvements do not make up for the great damaged caused by violating students’ basic civil rights. \u00a0Hey, young man, give up a few of your rights and we’ll promise you a peaceful environment. It’s the wrong message to send young people. \u00a0<\/span>Besides, it isn’t the students’ responsibility to create law and order on campus. \u00a0This is the responsibility of the teachers, administrators and, to some degree, parents. \u00a0If a school can’t keep the peace when students are wearing their own choice of fashion, then perhaps the school itself should look more closely at its own policies and practices, and not at some kid’s sagging blue jeans or Yeezy tee shirt with holes in it.<\/span> <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Undoubtedly, despite the opinions of some misguided critics, forcing students to wear school uniforms if they do not wish to is a crass violation of their basic constitutional rights.<\/span><\/p>\n

Notes<\/span><\/h4>\n
    \n
  • Counter-argument<\/span>: <\/b>\u00a0Having already made a pretty good case that school dress codes violate students\u2019 civil rights, the essayist now calmly and fairly acknowledges the opposing side. \u00a0Beginning with the phrase, \u201cof course\u201d, this two sentence concession to an alternative view is respectful and unsurprised. It even concedes that there may be some evidence to support the opponent\u2019s position.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rebuttal 1<\/span>: <\/b>\u00a0The first part of the rebuttal strikes back by first mentioning that any gains caused by a dress code would be very modest, and even insignificant when compared to the damage done. \u00a0In even suggests that such tactics might be a way of tricking kids.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rebuttal 2<\/span>: <\/b>\u00a0Part two deflects the responsibility away from kids and back towards adults and schools themselves. \u00a0Together these two rebuttals effectively take the argument back from the opposition and give the advantage to the essayist. \u00a0It is done with respect and confidence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \n

    Model 2<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Type of essay: \u00a0<\/b>narrative procedure (how-to)
    \n<\/span>The prompt:<\/b> \u00a0What is the most important ingredient in a well-made peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the peanut butter, the jelly or the bread? \u00a0[350-400 words]<\/span><\/p>\n

    Template Formula: <\/b>\u00a0<\/span>H<\/span> + <\/span>TS<\/span> + <\/span>B<\/span> + <\/span>RD<\/span> + <\/span>INT<\/span> + <\/span>CA<\/span> + <\/span>REB<\/span> + <\/span>C<\/span>]
    \n<\/span>Word Count:<\/b> \u00a0355<\/span><\/p>\n

    Many a volatile argument has erupted over which ingredient in a PB and J is the most critical. You have the peanut butter crowd who argue that P and B are the first two letters in the name, and, well, enough said. There are the sweet-toothed jelly fans who contend that it is the sweet ingredient that provides all the flavor. In fact, both of these groups are dead wrong. <\/span>\u00a0As a peanut butter and jelly expert, I can assure you that it is the type of bread you choose that determines whether the sandwich will be acceptable or not. If you mess this part up, you will have a disaster on your hands.<\/span> <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>So, what kind of bread should be used?<\/span> According to the experts,<\/b> a crusty loaf is too thick and will overwhelm the flavors of the peanut butter and jelly. \u00a0Pumpernickel and rye are also unsuitable for this type of sandwich due to their strong flavors. \u00a0Most PB and J aficionados prefer a simple, thin and soft white or wheat bread. Pepperidge farm plain white bread is considered by some to be the best choice. (Bon Appetit)<\/span><\/span> \u00a0It may seem odd put so much thought into choosing bread, but, as you can see, the experts are quite clear. \u00a0Too much bread, and you mask the flavor of the really important flavors (the PB & the J). Too many strong flavors and you camouflage these ingredients \u00a0as well. So it seems that for this particular sandwich, the quaint simplicity of good ol’ plain white is what the doctor ordered. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Naturally, there will be those who insist that a wheat bread with fiber and grains is required because it is healthier or because it has more complex textures and flavors. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>But we\u2019re not talking about gourmet cuisine here; we\u2019re making a good, ol\u2019 fashion PB & J. We can save the fancy ingredients for a special occasion. Plus, as mentioned above, you want to keep the strong flavors and textures to a minimum. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Undeniably, \u00a0the type of bread one chooses is the most important consideration when designing and creating the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Notes<\/span><\/h4>\n
      \n
    • Counter-argument<\/span>: <\/b>\u00a0Typically, an expository or how-to piece doesn\u2019t always include a counter-argument, but in this case it does add an element of interest to the paragraph. \u00a0Plus, since we\u2019re talking about something subjective like food preference, it is not out of bounds to talk about alternative tastes.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Rebuttal<\/span>: <\/b>\u00a0Here we have two simple sentences that suggest that those promoting wheat bread are being overly pretentious and needlessly fancy. \u00a0It also reminds the reader of an important point made earlier in the response. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n

      Model 3 <\/span><\/h3>\n

      Type of essay: \u00a0<\/b>persuasive\/ argument
      \n<\/span>The prompt:<\/b> \u00a0In a concise, multiple-paragraph-essay, take a stand on whether or not you believe the author\u2019s contention that pitbull terriers should be banned from public spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Template Formula: <\/b>\u00a0<\/span>H<\/span> + <\/span>TS<\/span> + <\/span>CA<\/span> + <\/span>REB1<\/span> + <\/span>REB2<\/span> + <\/span>C<\/span>]
      \n<\/span>Word Count:<\/b> \u00a0343<\/span><\/p>\n

      Many people have been reeled in and hoodwinked by misleading media accounts of pitbulls attacking people in public. \u00a0They contend that any attempt to defend these dogs is irresponsible and an invitation to disaster. The author of the article we read contends that these dogs should be banned from public spaces. <\/span>\u00a0I could not disagree more, but let’s take a closer look at some of the concerns about these animals.<\/span><\/span> One common argument that pitbull detractors use is that pitbulls are demonstrably vicious creatures that have been proven to attack people at a much higher rate than any other breed. \u00a0These critics, like the author of the article, contend that “pitbulls are involved in more than 60 % of canine attacks on humans\u201d and are therefore untrustworthy. Based on these facts, one might conclude that pitbulls are indeed vicious creatures that need to be carefully monitored and controlled. \u00a0At least that is what the author concludes. <\/span>But what the information doesn’t reflect is that most of these attacks occur during scheduled dog fights or during fight training. It’s not the breed, it’s the context in which they are forced to live, train and perform. If one were to train french poodles to attack other dogs for sport from the time they were puppies, then we would likely hear frequent media reports about the scourge of french poodle attacks in our cities and public spaces. \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0Sure pitbulls bite more people than other breeds, but the information that pitbull detractors like this author fail to divulge when they present their “damning evidence” against pitbulls is where and how the attacks are occurring. \u00a0The attacks are mostly not happening in the place where normal people frequent. Their statistics are not coming from parks or schools or normal neighborhoods. They are mostly taking place in areas where the dogs fight or are training to fight. \u00a0Omitting this important fact is tantamount to lying<\/span> <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>It would seem that those who wish to malign the pitbull breed, including this author, are not above skewing the data to fit their needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Notes<\/span><\/h4>\n

      You\u2019ll notice that this response doesn\u2019t feature a research detail or an interpretation. \u00a0Instead it goes directly into counterargument and rebuttal.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Counter-argument<\/span>: <\/b>\u00a0This counter-argument works much in the same way as a research detail does. \u00a0It provides <\/span><\/li>\n
      • Rebuttal 1<\/span>: <\/b>\u00a0The first rebuttal uses the essay writer\u2019s own common sense. It argues that any dog trained to attack, even a poodle would be aggressive as a result. <\/span><\/li>\n
      • Rebuttal 2<\/b><\/span>: <\/b>\u00a0The second part of the rebuttal concedes that pitbulls do statistically bite humans more often than other breeds, but then accuses the opponent of misrepresenting the information.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
        \n <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Presenting the opposing viewpoint actually strengthens your own argument because it shows you to be credible, fair-minded and unafraid.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":7044,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[293],"tags":[203,204],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7043"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7043"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7043\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11506,"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7043\/revisions\/11506"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}