Transitions for Counterclaims and Rebuttals

What is a counterargument?

• An argument that answers your claim

• An argument that disagrees with the counterclaim

• An argument that disagrees with your claim

• Same thing as a rebuttal

What is a rebuttal?

• An answer to the counterargument; doesn't support main claim

• Discredits the counterargument; supports main claim

• An argument to the main claim

• The same thing as a counterargument

Some may argue that McDonalds has the better hamburger. This is a...

• Counterargument

• Rebuttal

The rebuttal answers the...

• main claim

• the counterarugment

• evidence

• argument

There are those who may question my ability to cook like a professional chef. This is a...

• counterargument

• rebuttal

Which may not be the best choice for a rebuttal transition?

• On the contrary

• However

• The flaw in this reasoning is,

• One possible concern may be,

Which is not the best transition for a counterargument

• Some may argue

• It is often thought

• Some researchers may say

• All of these are counterarguments

Take a look at this ice cream example...

Argument: We should eat ice cream! It is hot outside and there is nothing more refreshing.

Counterarugment: I know it has a lot of calories.

What would make the best rebuttal?

• We can burn those calories off walking to the ice cream shop.  In fact, if we go to the shop

  across town, we’ll get a nice workout

  in the process!

• Oh, mint chip is my favorite. It is simply the best.

• It is going to be cold this weekend. We better go today.

• There is a special today! Two for one. Let's get going!

Why do we use counterarguments?

• Showing confidence in our own position - by acknowledging another’s.

• To anticipate the argument from the opposing side

• Both answers are correct