Counterargument and Refutation
The key to persuading the reader that your viewpoint is valid is to support it in every paragraph.
However, an argument essay is not complete without one counterargument. Think of the
counterargument as the strongest idea that someone would give you to show you that your ideas
are wrong. A solid argument essay shows that you have looked at all sides of an issue carefully.
After you provide the counterargument, you must show why it is not valid. This is called a
refutation. You are presenting your opponent’s idea but are also including reasons why it is not
valid.
Look at the following excerpts from two argument essays. The counterarguments are in italics and
the refutations are underlined.
Opponents of mandatory uniforms say that students who wear school uniforms cannot express their
individuality. On the surface, this point has some merit. However, as stated previously, school is a place to
learn, not to show off wealth or style.
Some people might argue that messaging on social media can eventually lead to face-to-face interactions.
This can be dangerous, however. In reality, no one really knows if the person is conveying his or her real
character.
Note that what begins as a counter argument ends up as another reason in support of the claim.
Exercise 3: Writing counterarguments
Read the arguments. Then write a counterargument for each.
1. Animals should not be kept in zoos.
Counterargument: ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
2. Schools need to replace paper books with e-books.
Counterargument: ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
3. Everyone should learn how to drive.
Counterargument: ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
4. The best way to learn a second language is to visit a foreign country.
Counterargument: ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
5. People should become vegetarians because they are healthier than meat eaters.
Counterargument: ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
6. Reality TV shows should be banned because they are not educational.
Counterargument: ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
Exercise 4: Writing refutations
Read the counterarguments. Then write a refutation for each. The contrasting connection
word or phrase has been written for you.
1. Parents of extremely young beauty pageant contestants believe that these competitive contests
help build their children's confidence.
However, ____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
2. Many companies do not give their employees financial assistance to sign up for gym
memberships or nutritional programs, stating that they are too expensive to manage.
Even though they may seem expensive, ____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
3. Opponents of the fast-food ban in high schools insist that students should have the freedom to
eat whatever they wish.
While this may be true, ________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
4. Many science and math teachers continue to believe that boys are better in these subjects than
girls.
In reality, ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ .
