What is a counter argument?
A counter argument is any argument that is opposed to your thesis. It explains why your thesis – in part or in full – is incorrect, and uses evidence and logical reasoning to undermine your thesis.
Given this definition, it seems unusual that you wouldwantto prepare an argument that rebuts your own thesis. However, in some cases presenting a counter argument can actuallystrengthenyour thesis and weaken any arguments that oppose it.
Why would you present a counter argument?
Presenting a counter argument gives you an opportunity to respond to criticism in your own essay. It allows you to answer common questions or rebuttals that your audience might have before they have a chance to raise them independently.
By bringing up your opponent’s argument in advance and countering it within your own essay, you can make your own argument more persuasive. You also provide a more detailed, informed understanding of the topic to your readers.
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Why write a refutation (rebuttal)?
To refute an argument, you must argue against it. Asking questions is not enough. You must present good reasons why its conclusions or reasons are wrong. Here's one way to think of this rule: If you ask questions, it's likely that your opponent will answer them. That will make their argument better! But you want to show how it's bad. You need to go beyond just asking questions, to present reasons of your own.
For example, if someone says that "going to class will lead to success," you might question this argument by asking "how do you know that?" But to refute the argument, you need to generate evidence that, in fact, going to class does not lead to success. Just asking the question is not enough.
So: If you are attacking the other side's conclusion, give reasons why that conclusion is wrong. If you are attacking the other side's reasons, give reasons why those reasons are wrong.
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