2. A counterargument is an idea that is opposed to (against)
the writer’s idea or point of view. For example:
It’s really clear that 小S is the most
wonderful person ever. She’s simply
amazing!
A counterargument would be something like:
Some people may think that she isn’t.
What’s a Counterargument?
3. Counterarguments usually start with a clause that
points out who or what disagrees with the writer’s
opinion. Some common counterargument beginning
clauses include:
Some people say (that)…
Many claim (that)…
Some experts believe (that)…
There are those who question…
Counterarguments
4. Many people may think that living in Puli is boring. However, those
people don’t appreciate how beautiful it is here.
Some skeptics may say that global warming doesn’t exist. On the
contrary, studies show that it is quite real.
Many claim that my boyfriend is ugly, but actually I think he’s
gorgeous.
There are those who question my ability to spend all night playing
computer games. In reality, I can spend all night and all day playing
computer games.
Look at these examples: Look for the
counterargument clauses in the following sentences.
5. Many people may think that living in Puli is boring. However, those
people don’t appreciate how beautiful it is here.
Some skeptics may say that global warming doesn’t exist. On the
contrary, studies show that it is quite real.
Many claim that my boyfriend is ugly, but actually I think he’s
gorgeous.
There are those who question my ability to spend all night playing
computer games. In reality, I can spend all night and all day playing
computer games.
Look at these examples: Look for the
counterargument clauses in the following sentences.
6. Why do writers use counterarguments? To prove that their ideas are
stronger by answering questions before they are asked by the
readers. Look again at the first example:
It’s really clear that 小S is the most wonderful person ever. She’s
simply amazing! Some people may think that she isn’t. In fact, those
people are simply jealous of her talent and beauty.
By answering the counterargument, the writer is able make a
refutation to show how strong their opinion or information is.
Refutations
7. Some common refutation beginnings include:
On the contrary,
However,
This is not the case.
But, in fact,…
Refutation beginnings
8. Many people may think that living in Puli is boring. However, those
people don’t appreciate how beautiful it is here.
Some skeptics may say that global warming doesn’t exist. On the
contrary, studies show that it is quite real.
Many claim that my boyfriend is ugly, but actually I think he’s
gorgeous.
There are those who question my ability to spend all night playing
computer games. In reality, I can spend all night and all day playing
computer games.
Look at these examples: Look for the
refutation clauses / phrases in the following sentences.
9. Many people may think that living in Puli is boring. However, those
people don’t appreciate how beautiful it is here.
Some skeptics may say that global warming doesn’t exist. On the
contrary, studies show that it is quite real.
Many claim that my boyfriend is ugly, but actually I think he’s
gorgeous.
There are those who question my ability to spend all night playing
computer games. In reality, I can spend all night and all day playing
computer games.
Look at these examples: Look for the
refutation clauses / phrases in the following sentences.
