A counterargument is simply a perspective that refutes your main argument for those of you unfamiliar with the term. To put it simply, if you’re arguing that technology does more good than damage, the counterargument is the fact that technology does more harm than good.

Before we check an instance, you will find a handful of things I’d love to mention: first, we cannot stress how important transitions come in composing effective counterarguments. Without them, your audience could have no chance of after your train of idea and certainly will find it too difficult – or even impossible – to tell apart between which tips you accept and which tips you disagree with.

Another important element of great counterarguments may be the concession – that is, the acknowledgement that some areas of the argument that is opposing legitimate. This is actually the many unknown facet of counterarguments for all students – is not the entire point of the counterargument to “disprove” the argument that is opposing?

Eventually, yes, the target is to show why your argument wins away. Having said that, the idea of the concession would be to illustrate that you’ve seriously considered a concern very very carefully, in a nuanced means instead compared to simple black/white, good/bad terms. When presented demonstrably, this particular consideration really strengthens your argument.

You should use this template that is general produce a counterargument:

According to attitude x, _______________________. using one hand,

-it holds true that _______________________.

-this claim has many merit because _______________________.

-the declare that _______________________ does have some legitimacy.

Regarding the other hand,

-this perspective does not give consideration to that _______________________.

-this claim overlooks the truth that _______________________.

Let’s observe how this might play call at an example paragraph that works on the individual instance (yes, those will always be fine). It does not utilize the template exactly, however it’s pretty close.

Once more, we’re planning to make use of the sample prompt released because of the ACT. For the true purpose of this exercise, we’re just likely to examine one of many views; attempting to make use of significantly more than that could be too confusing. In reality, you need to generally avoid integrating a lot more than one outside perspective per paragraph, until you are a stellar journalist that is currently confident with this sort of back-and-forth.

(Abridged) prompt: Automation is generally speaking viewed as a indication of progress, but just what is lost once we exchange humans with devices? Given the accelerating variety and existence of intelligent machines, it really is well well worth examining the implications and definitions of these presence inside our everyday lives.

Attitude 1: that which we lose because of the replacement of men and women with devices is some right section of our mankind. Also our encounters that are mundane longer require from us respect, courtesy, and threshold for others.

Thesis: Technology ought to be regarded as a force once and for all as it produces brand new opportunities for folks in addition to a more successful culture.

1) Topic sentence: introduce your argument (1 phrase)

In the last few years, brand new types of technology have actually created means for individuals keep in touch with one another more easily and quickly than previously.

2) Elaborate on your own argument, and offer an example that is specific sentences)

From Skype to iphones apps to Twitter, technology erases borders, permitting us to speak with individuals halfway around the globe as though these people were into the next space. We have really benefitted extremely from all of these technologies: my loved ones immigrated towards the united states of america from Asia once I ended up being 6 years of age, and within the last ten years, collecting all over computer to speak to my grand-parents and my aunt in Beijing is actually a ritual that is weekly. As we did when I was little, I am nevertheless grateful to be able to see their faces and keep them updated on the details of my daily life – something that would be impossible without “smart” machines although I am sorry that we no longer live next door to them.

3) Introduce outside perspective: 1-2 sentences

Not every person is indeed thinking about the results of the latest technologies, nevertheless. Attitude 1 offers a typical issue, specifically that the replacement of individuals with machines “causes us to get rid of some section of our mankind.”

4) Acknowledge that the viewpoint is not totally incorrect, and explain why (2-3 sentences)

This complaint does have some merit on one hand. Walking across the street or sitting regarding the subway, i will be frequently struck by the sheer amount of people staring glassy-eyed in their phones. They generally are incredibly busy texting which they almost bump into other people, showing a definite not enough courtesy and threshold (notice just how this declaration weaves the standpoint naturally in to the writer’s argument) .