Rebuttal Paper

Choose an argument that is a contemporary social issue. Choose a side and identify the counter-argument and the shortcomings of the counter-argument. Develop your own counter argument and support your claim.

  1. Identify counter-argument and 2-3 supporting reasons.
  2. Analyze the weaknesses of each of these reasons (fallacies, etc).
  3. State your claim.
  4. Develop 2-3 reasons why your argument (thesis/claim) is superior.
  5. Conclude your paper with the larger ramifications/effects of your argument

Formal paper – no first person or second person pronouns. 3-4 pages written, Works Cited (not a part of the 3-5 written pages), Cited research in every body paragraph, Thesis and topic sentences

Extra Credit: Two people team up, write two independent papers on same topic but opposite sides. After paper, you will use your paper to stage a short debate with your partner in front of the class.

CATEGORY / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Introduction and Identification of Controversy / Introduction gives a clear and interesting background of the controversy, makes a concession and rebuts it with major claim, minor claims, and a plan for the essay. / Introduction explains the controversy/issue, makes a concession and rebuts it; establishes your claim and your plan for the essay. / Introduction states the controversy and your position/claim but does not preview all major points. / Introduction does not include a clearly stated claim that you are going to prove.
Analysis of Weaknesses in claim you are rebutting
(2-3 paragraphs) / A fair concession to the opposition is provided along with a well developed rebuttal. / A concession is made to the opposition and is rebutted with some explanation. / A concession and rebuttal are stated with little explanation. / The concession is weak, too general. The rebuttal unclear .
Counterargument with 2-3 compelling reasons / Each paragraph contains a clearly focused topic sentence/ minor claim that supports the major claim.
Reasons for the argument are clearly stated, and there are enough cited details to support the argument effectively and thoroughly. / Each paragraph contains a minor claim related to the thesis statement.
Reasons for the argument are stated and there are enough cited details and examples to support the argument adequately and logically.
/ Each paragraph contains a minor claim, but the relationship to the major claim/thesis is not clearly evident in each one.
Reasons for the argument are stated, but there are few concrete and specific cited details or examples to support the argument adequately or logically. / Some paragraphs do not contain a topic sentence.
Reasons for the argument are not stated, or there are obvious fallacies that contradict the details and examples.
Evaluation/Conclusion / A strong conclusion ends the paper encompassing a proper evaluation process. / An obvious conclusion ends the paper encompassing a proper evaluation process. / A weak conclusion ends the paper. / A conclusion/evaluation is not present.
MLA
Formatting/Organization/Length 3-4 pages/Works Cited / No issues of the listed / 1 issue with listed / 2 issues with the listed / 3 or more issues
Grammar/Conventions / No issues distract from the overall effectiveness of the paper. / 1-2 issues distract from the overall effectiveness of the paper. / 3-4 issues distract from the overall effectiveness of the paper. / 5 or more issues distract from the overall effectiveness of the paper.

TOTAL: