Identifying Counter Arguments

What is a counterargument?

• An argument that disproves its' claim

• An argument that refutes or disproves the opposing side (other side)

• An argument that allows the reader to understand the claim

What are the two steps to take when finding the counterargument?

• 1- Find where the opposing side is addressed,

  2-Find where the writer proves that this is wrong

• 1- Find the claim

  2- Find where the writer addresses why he/she is right

• 1-Find where the the opposing side is addressed,

  2- Find where the writers proves that this is right

If someone said they were for free college tuition? What would be the opposing side?

• Free high school tuition

• Against free high school tuition

• Against free college tuition

• Having lower taxes

What is the counterargument to having free tuition?

• Some may say free tuition is bad. It is good because it allows for every and all citizens the opportunity to get a degree.

• Some may say free tuition is good. I think it is good because it allows for every and all citizens the opportunity to get a degree.

• Some may say free tuition is bad. I think it is bad because it will raise our taxes.

When does a writer include the counterargument?

• The beginning

• The end

• The middle

• Miss. Conroy stop trying to trick me because it could be included ANYWHERE in an argument!

What is the opposing side in JFK's speech?

• Many Americans believe that medical space research will let us beat the Soviet Union.

• Many Americans believe that medical space research has no values here on Earth.

• Many Americans believe that medical space research will be easy.

How many counterarguments does Kennedy include in his speech?

• 1

• 3

• 2

What are Kennedy's 2 counterarguments?

• 1- Medical space research will lead to new discoveries.

  2-Medical space research will help produce resources.

• 1-Medical space research will help get rid of radiation in the air.

  2-Medical space research will help get rid of gases in the air.

• 1-Medical space research will allow us to find Soviet Union bombs.

  2-Medical space research will help us travel faster in space.

Where can we find Kennedy's 2 counterarguments?

• paragraph 2

• paragraph 3

• paragraph 4

In Kennedy's speech, what comes first, the claim or the counterargument?

• Claim

• Counterargument