3/18 Counterarguments

3/18 Counterarguments

Opposing Arguments

What is a counterargument?

A challenge to a position; an opposing argument

But how do I do that?

• Acknowledge a "problem" with your argument. Our opponents suggested that using new materials is more expensive.

• Provide a "counterpunch". Discredit the counterclaim. Turn the argument back to your side.

• It is true that plastic is a cheaper material. However, cleaning up the plastic in the ocean is also expensive. Better to spend the money preventing the problem rather than cleaning it up.

Look at an example

The Argument

A Common Mistake

Weak Counterargument

A One-Two Punch

Strong Counterargument

Multiple Choice

Your opponents said, "According to Trash Vortex, the new materials may take just as long to biodegrade than plastic. Can you say more about that?"

• It is true that these new materials have not been tested. However, we need to try.

• It is true that some scientists doubt the effectiveness of the new materials. However, the new materials are better than plastic.

• The author of Trash Vortex presented many points of view including thoughts about new materials. However, we read in "Five Materials to Replace Plastic" that materials like mushrooms can biodegrade in 180 days.

What possible counterarguments will be asked of your debate team?

Open Ended

We should focus our time, energy, and money on creating new materials to replace plastic and ban plastic products.

What are some possible "problems" with this solution?

Open Ended

We should focus our time, energy, and money on getting consumers to reduce and reuse their plastic use.

What are some possible problems with this solution?

Open Ended

We should focus our time, energy, and money on cleaning up the plastic pollution that is in the ocean.

What are some possible "problems" with this solution?

Debate Counterarguments

Cross Examination - Summarizer - Be ready with your responses - serve up the 1,2 Punch!