for argument’s sake… writing counter-arguments and rebuttals

For Argument’s Sake…Writing

Counter-arguments and Rebuttals

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING

1. In order to write a convincing essay you may need to anticipate common opposing arguments that dispute your thesis. (Counter-argument)

2. The rebuttal serves to challenge opposing views by introducing stronger reasoning and evidence that will persuade the reader to accept your point of view.

LECTURE OUTLINE

1. Ensuring Balance in the GP Essay2. Raising Counter-arguments (CA)3. Assessing the validity of opposing views4. Writing effective Rebuttals (R)

How to write an effective argumentative essay

1. Formulation of a sound introduction2. Writing sound and well structured arguments3. Enhancing PERSUASION by ensuring balance in the essay.4. Well thought through conclusion that gives your argument closure

What Cambridge had to say….‘The need for awareness of

different sides of an argument is a basic requirement of this paper. Balance need not be equally weighted between different positions, but it should be present.’

What Cambridge had to say….

“This raises some important points about organisation. Some candidates introduce an idea with a clear topic sentence, argue the case and illustrate it, but then seem to feel the need to counter a well-made point immediately in the same paragraph. This can result in some muddled thinking and discussion.”

What Cambridge had to say….

“It is probably advisable to consider opposing positions in a different paragraph, with a simple marker such as, ‘On the other hand…’ or ‘Nevertheless…’ to indicate an opposing viewpoint … If such markers are not used, the switch from one point of view to another is simply too abrupt and confusing.”

ENSURING BALANCE IN THE gp Essay ContentBand 3 (13 to 18): “Balance is evident, although it may be awkwardly handled”.

Band 2 (19 to 25): “…showing a balanced discussion which reflects a depth of evaluation and awareness of the issues raised by the question”

Band 1 (26 to 30): “an original and insightful response with perceptive ideas and a balanced discussion which reflects thorough evaluation of the issues contained within the question”.

Essay structure

Sets the context, contention stand and treatment

Discusses your main arguments ENSURE BALANCE :

• COUNTER-ARGUMENTS + REBUTTAL

Definite ending where arguments are tied together

•

INTRODUCTION

MAIN BODY OF ESSAY

CONCLUSION

LECTURE OUTLINE

1. Ensuring Balance in the GP Essay2. Understanding counter-arguments and rebuttals3. Assessing the validity of opposing views4. Writing effective Rebuttals

What is a counter-argument?Understanding counter-arguments and rebuttals

1. Recognising the opposing side of the debate in order to strengthen your own argument.

2. Considering a possible argument against your thesis or some aspect of your reasoning.

3. Anticipating opposition and pre-empting objections that a sceptical reader might have.

In Anticipating Possible opposing views…

• Ask 3 questions when you are trying to write• counterargument:1. Who might disagree with my position? 2. What arguments might they use against my

proposition?3. What examples do they normally cite to

support their opposing argument?

What is a rebuttal?• A rebuttal is a response to the counter-argument where the latter is rendered weak or invalid in comparison to your argument

The rebuttal helps establish you as an unbiased expert and provides you with an opportunity to make your argument stronger by refuting the counter-argument.

In preparing your rebuttal…

1.How strong is the opposing view?2.Will I have to concede any points?3.What are the weak links in the opposition's

thinking?4.How can I refute these arguments?

An example of a counter argument

There are some who argue that solar energy does have some drawbacks. They often cite examples to show that there is pollution created by the transportationand production of solar panels, and the high cost of the panels, A renown magazine, the National Geographic News, had even reposrted that solar energy is “the most expensive form of electricity among current technologies for new electricitygeneration, about $396 per megawatthour for PV.”

What is the opposition’s argument?

What are the reasons they use to support their view?Reason #1

Reason #2

An example of a rebuttalDespite the high cost, it is still the only available energy resource that is both renewable and has no carbon footprintat least in its energy conversion process.

In addition, government incentives, continued investment, andtechnological advances are driving down the price ofpanels, making them more affordable for businesses and individuals.

The writer’s argument

In addition..:Further strengthening the writer’s argument

LECTURE OUTLINE


CONCESSION

1. A statement conceding to the merit of some part of the opposing argument

2. Diminishing’ the validity of the counter-argument BUT not eliminating it entirely

3. Finding common ground or acknowledging the limited validity of the opponent strengthens your argument

1. When your opponent’s argument is true but yours is better

2. Acknowledge that there are more sides to an issue than yours.

3. A concession is a strength as it finds common ground with your opponent

Qn: To what extent can money attract the best leaders in society?

Stand: monetary incentive is not the best way to develop leaders who are competent and morally righteous in society.

CA: It is often argued that high salary would attract the best talents into the civil service; Proponents of this argument often attest that Singapore’s efficient government is testimony to this claim. They argue that all it takes is one under-qualified choice and the entire imageand efficiency of the government is undermined.Concession: “While there is no denying that high salary is effective In attracting the most competent leaders into civil service, it may not be the best way to attract leaders who are both competent and morally righteous...”

Signposts to show concession

CA with some merit

It may be true that . . .Even if ..…Even if it’s true that …In spite of the view that

Totally Flawed CA

This view cannot stand because…

The argument is flawed because…

Signposting Counter-arguments

Introducing the Counter-argument“Some people may argue…” “A possible concern is…”“A common counterpoint is…”Some will say that (my thesis) is not true because…

Some people might say that…Some will argue…

Those on the other side of the issue may say that.

It’s true that…

While it is true that…

Admittedly…

Citing evidences used to support Counter-argument: “For example, they contend that…”“Those who believe… cite the instance when …”“They often cite examples …

Simple counter-arguments + rebuttals

Although people affected by murder are understandably angry or confused at the senseless loss of a loved one, capital punishment cannot bring them back.

The gun lobby argues that guns are necessary for protection and security. While these are major concessions in our violent society, they are better dealt by a strong police force.

While we accept that some religious groups have deep convictions against abortion, it is no way justifiable for them to impose them at a national level and seek the abolition of abortion.

LECTURE OUTLINE


Writing effective Rebuttals

Writing the Rebuttal:

- Return to your own argument involves careful reasoning, to show:

- Acknowledge CA’s validity or plausibility, but suggest why it is less important, or weaker than your argumentOR2. How CA is mistaken

Signposting Rebuttal

1. “That young people today have too much freedom is an understandable concern, however…”

2. However, that is not the case; on the contrary… 3. While scientists may arguably be right in pushing for medical intervention, this point alone cannot be used in justifying euthanasia…5. Nevertheless, my point still stands because…6. Be that as it may, … 8. That said, …9. Transition words: Yet, However, Nevertheless, On the other hand

… Putting it altogether…

1. Introduce your opponent’s argument

2. Concede if there is some merit, or Decide whether it is flawed

3. Provide rebuttal in favour of your view

Positioning a counter-argument

You could put it … 1. as part of your introduction— to frame your contention

2. as a section or paragraph just after your introduction

3. In a separate paragraph from the rebuttal

4. Or in any part if your essay, as long as they are signposted clearly and are presented in a logical structure to enhance the persuasiveness of your essay

Not last paragraph before conclusion!!!

Essay structureOPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3

INTRODUCTION

MAIN BODY OF ESSAY

CONCLUSION

CA1

CA2

R1

R2

A

A1

A2

A3

R1

CA1

A1

CA1

R1

CA2

R2

COUNTER-ARGUMENTMany people bemoan that religion has created rifts in societies that have led to violence and bloodshed. They claim that this is due to the hostile interaction between faiths bearing irreconciliable differences, precipitating a state of conflict where religious factions attempt to unseat each other. An example commonly cited by such skeptics is Northern Ireland, for instance hostile religious sentiments brewing between Catholics and Protestants have erupted into a period of mass murders, the most significant one being that of Bloody Sunday, which saw the massacre of many Protestants.

1. WHAT ARGUMENTS would they use against my proposition

2. WHAT REASONS do they normally cite to support their argument?

3. WHAT REASONS and EXAMPLES(S)do they normally cite to support their argument?

THE REBUTTALWhile there is no denying that history is marked with such bloody episodes motivated by religious difference, it is still my belief that to blame religion for societal division is myopic. Societal division results from a complex blend of factors; societies that appear to be divided on religious grounds could actually also be divided on ethnic grounds. This arises due to the fact that religious motivations are seen to be nobler that purely ethnic conflicts and also because cultural factors often cause religion and ethnicity to become inextricable.

Concession

Your argument

Reason (1)

Reason (2)

The rebuttal (cont’d)

In Chechnya, for example, ethnic Chechen Muslims are opposed to ethnic Russian rule. While the Chechen Front uses an Islamic agenda to further its interest, the region is actually not staunch Muslim, but practising some amalgamation of many religions. Similarly, in Iraq, the conflict between Shiites and Sunnis. Although the two groups have different approaches to religious law and practice, the divisions they experience today are based on politics stemming from the Saddam Hussein era. The Sunni Arabs, some 15-20% of the population, provided the bulk of the governing class under Saddam, while the Shiites, who comprise upward of 60% of the population, were denied political rights and their religious freedoms were curtailed. Thus it would be unfair to hastily conclude that religion divides societies.

Evidence #1

Evidence #2

Confirming weak links in CA

In preparing your rebuttal…

1.How strong is the opposing view?2.Will I have to concede to any points?3.What are the weak links in the opposition's

thinking?4.How can I refute these arguments?

To what extent does the media create mediocrity?

There is no denying that the great accessibility of the media accommodates too much information and ideas that much of it is dumbed down on an intellectual scale and undeniably mediocre.

Comments:WHAT ARGUMENT(S) would they use against my proposition?


Youtube is often claimed to have provided an irresistible opportunity for nearly anyone wanting to get their fifteen seconds of fame by showcasing their various talents, imaginary or otherwise. Media critics often use the example of how pop singer, Rebecca Black, gained widespread attention after her first single “Friday” went viral and received more than sixty million hits in less than a week. The song predictably received negative critical reviews for its poor lyrics and singing and yet, Black became an instant celebrity overnight. Through this example, it is assumed that the media fails to delivery quality input.

Comments:

1. WHAT EXAMPLES(S)

do they normally cite to support their argument?


However, in reality, the above criticism is perhaps too scathing, and a little biased in ignoring the good, actual talents the media has discovered. On the contrary, the media has opened up many opportunities for gems of real talent and gifts to be discovered, and thereby welcoming a wider pool of talented artistes into the previously exclusive club of celebrities.

Comments:Dismissing CA as flawed (No concession)


A prominent example is Susan Boyle, who lived in a small English village, would never have received the worldwide recognition she deserved for her exceptional singing talent of not for the talent search ‘Britian’s Got Talent’. More importantly, Youtube was the catalyst to her global rise to fame as people round the globe watched her touching rendition of Les Miserables’ ‘I Dreamed a Dream’.

Media publicity gave her the opportunity to record a multi-platinum debut album. Today she continues to stay prominent in the international music scene. Thus we see true standards prevail and ultimately, the media creates a more accessible form of excellence.

Comments:

Evidence

Confirming your argument is stronger

ENSURING BALANCE IN THE gp Essay

Ensuring BALANCE is a key requirement in Paper 1 (Cambridge’s Requirement)

This is achieved through the effective juxtaposition of counter arguments and rebuttals .

Balance DOES NOT mean merely showcasing the various perspectives and arguments on the issue.

It means Strategically presenting the various counter arguments on the issue AND rebutting each of them in order to substantiate/ support your stand.

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING

1. In order to write a convincing essay you may need to anticipate common opposing arguments that dispute your thesis. (Counter-argument) 2. The rebuttal serves to challenge opposing views by introducing stronger evidence and reasoning that will persuade the reader to accept your point of view.

WRITING THE CONCLUSION

A quotation, or another

identified source to create

an inspiring effect on

reader

Summarise your

arguments

How do we move

forward? (Make

recommendations)

Is Press censorship necessary?

The detriments of press censorship are undeniable, especially if it stifles thought and expression. On the other hand, it is still necessary if we want to keep the dissemination of extreme ideas at bay and protect our young.

Showing a balanced view

Reinforcement of stand

Is Press censorship necessary?Societies therefore need to learn how to strike a balance between the degree of freedom of expression and the safeguarding of societal interest. As such the real question to ask is not if press censorship is necessary, but rather, how much.

Making a recommendation

Showing critical judgement


Until every single person in the world is mature and civil enough to moderate his or her expression and reaction, and take everything with a pinch of salt, press censorship is and will remain inarguably necessary.

Showing short-term and long-term implications

Do international sporting events serve any purpose?

International sporting events can never be ideal, being prone to political manipulation, disappointing underhanded behaviour of a few athletes and sometimes appearing to be inundated by commercial interests. However, these are but minor distractions and it has been shown that commercialisation is vital for sustaining international competition.

Showing balanced view

Reinforcement of stand


It is in spite of all these distractions that we continue to value the heart of these events – sporting excellence and cordiality between nations. Perhaps, instead of lamenting how these transgressions have caused international sporting events to deviate from their intended purposes, we should recognise that for the most part, friendship and sporting excellence are fostered and very much encouraged today, and continue to value this platform that realises sporting ideals and international harmony.

Summary of arguments

Making a recommendation

(Showing insight and critical thought)

for argument’s sake… writing counter-arguments and rebuttals

Documents