does an informative essay have a counterclaim

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How to write a Counterclaim Paragraph, Sentence or Rebuttal

• by Joseph Kenas
• January 18, 2024

If you are writing an argumentative essay, you will find yourself including counterclaims. In this guide, we guide you on how to write a good counterclaim in an essay and how to frame your counterclaim sentence and paragraph in rebuttal.

Counterclaims are mostly included in an argumentative essay where you are required to convince your readers to agree with your arguments and point of view concerning the topic in question. 

What is a Counterclaim in an Essay?

A counterclaim can be regarded as the argument or arguments that oppose the thesis statement in your essay. Within the introduction, you introduce the topic and create a thesis statement in the last sentence that makes it clear to your audience the point(s) you want to prove and the strategy you will use to prove it. 

The counterclaim demonstrates to the reader that you have put into consideration the perspectives of the opposing side and you find such perspectives to be weak.

As such, a counterclaim will allow you to respond to the potential arguments of your readers before they complete reading the essay.

Additionally, a counterclaim demonstrates that both sides of the debate have been put into consideration, hence strengthening your position. 

Difference Between a Claim and a Counterclaim

There is a big difference between a claim and a counterclaim. When writing essays, one may need to include both in the same essay, especially when presenting an argumentative topic.

The difference between a claim and a counterclaim lies in their assertion. A claim is a statement that demonstrates the position of argument or the assertion of a fact or a truth. On the other hand, a counterclaim is an argument that negates a specific claim by rebutting it. While a claim asserts the writer’s argument, a counterclaim rebuts.

When writing an essay, particularly an argumentative essay, you will have a topic and a thesis statement that will show the readers the points you are going to prove and how you will prove them.

Most of your paper will be dedicated to proving your claim to the reader so that they can agree with your point of view. 

A good claim should be arguable and at times controversial to allow the readers to think otherwise about your perspectives as the writer.

It can also come up with their interpretations concerning the topic.

Because of this, the essay will be based on the claim and you will demonstrate why your claim is accepted. On the other hand, a counterclaim is a statement of opposition that will allow the readers to perceive the whole picture of the arguments.

Though this is the case, the counterclaim demonstrates that the writer has anticipated arguments against their claim and has provided proof, through the counterclaim, that the readers’ perspectives are false or weak. 

As such, when the counterclaim is stated, it is addressed concerning its weaknesses or limitations. This enhances the claim’s strength.  

How to Write a Good Counterclaim in an Essay

If you wish to write a good counterclaim, make sure that it takes the form of two stages.

The first stage is where you go against your claim or argument so that you can challenge it and the second stage is where you turn back to your claim or argument to re-affirm it.

When writing a good counterclaim, you imagine that some of your readers will be skeptical and you have to make them agree with you. 

For example, if you want to present a counterclaim showing that there was a problem with how you demonstrated your claims, like an unwarranted assumption, certain evidence was played down or ignored, and so on, you can support the counterclaim by presenting the disadvantages or drawbacks of the issues with the presentation. Then, give an alternative proposal or alternative that would make more sense to the readers.

To refute the counterclaim, you announce with words like ‘yet’, ‘but’, ‘however’, ‘still’, or ‘nevertheless’ to indicate that you are about to show why the counterclaim is wrong. Acknowledge that it is a good claim but demonstrate that yours might help the argument more. 

Where to Write a Counterclaim in an Essay

A counterclaim can be included anywhere within the body of the essay except the conclusion. There are some cases where you can write a counterclaim at the second last sentence of the introduction paragraph followed by the thesis statement which acts as the refutation.

You can also write a counterargument after the introduction to show the anticipated reaction to your point of view before moving forward with writing your actual claims. 

Moving forward, the reason why you cannot place the counterclaim within the conclusion is that you have to include a rebuttal paragraph or statements after you have written the counterclaim. Therefore, a counterclaim located at the conclusion will miss the rebuttal paragraph or statements. 

However, argumentative essays can take different structures. Even though such essays will have a basic structure of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, the differences will occur within the body paragraphs. Such differences dictate where the counterclaim(s) are located. 

There is a structure where the counterclaims are located within all the body paragraphs. In this case, you will write your claim, followed by a counterclaim, and then a rebuttal. This means that for every claim you present to support your thesis, there will be a counterclaim and a rebuttal.

The most common structure is where you present your claims and present the counterclaim(s) before the conclusion. The counterclaim is immediately followed by a rebuttal.

Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Counterclaim

When it comes to the dos of writing a counterclaim, always ensure that it is followed by a rebuttal to demonstrate that your claims are superior to it. Secondly, courteously present your counterclaims to avoid upsetting the reader.

Acknowledge the anticipated arguments from the readers.

Demonstrate that the readers’ points of view are valid but your perspective makes more sense.

Finally, appeal to the logic of the readers through the use of valid evidence.

Concerning the don’ts when writing a counterclaim, do not include a counterargument just for the sake of it.

Make sure that the counterargument is valid in its own right and it is verifiable through evidence.

This is because your readers will also use logic and evidence when thinking about your claims. Secondly, do not use a disrespectful or uncourteous tone when addressing the other side of the argument. 

Examples of Counterclaims

A counterclaim in a separate paragraph.

Counterclaim:  “Opponents argue that after-school sports can increase the likelihood of sports-related injuries (Bancroft, 2018). Even minor injuries sustained from participation in after-school sports increase absent rates and the expense of creating injury reports for students (Sizemore, 2019)” . 

Refutation:  “Although students do suffer both serious and minor injuries in after-school sports, these injuries are quite rare (Kinney, 2016) . 

Embedded Within a Paragraph

“Without free after-school sports programs, many students would still play sports without adult supervision and even more injuries would result”.   Counterclaim :  “However, some people would argue that after-school sports can increase the likelihood of sports-related injuries (Sizemore 2019)”.   Refutation:   “Although students do suffer both serious and minor injuries in after-school sports, without school-sponsored sports, the likelihood of more injuries from less supervised recreational leagues or privately sponsored leagues with fewer safety regulations would be much worse” .

How Long Should a Counterclaim Be?

A counterclaim can be as long as a paragraph if it appears after the introduction paragraph or at the end of the body before the conclusion. However, if a counterclaim is located within a paragraph, it can be a few sentences long (2-3). 

However, the length of a counterclaim depends on the length of a claim in general. You can learn more about how to write a claim paragraph in that guide so that you can learn the two in general.

How many Counterclaims can you Put?

This depends on the structure of the essay. If the counterclaim appears after the introduction or before the conclusion, then it will only be one. However, if it is embedded within paragraphs, then they will be as many as the supportive augments.

This is because they will be used to refute every claim made within the body paragraph. If your supporting claims are 5 then the counterclaims will be 5 and so on. 

Check out how to write college essays in our guide that we hope will lead you to score well.

Joseph is a freelance journalist and a part-time writer with a particular interest in the gig economy. He writes about schooling, college life, and changing trends in education. When not writing, Joseph is hiking or playing chess.

Consider the following thesis for a short paper that analyzes different approaches to stopping climate change:

Climate activism that focuses on personal actions such as recycling obscures the need for systemic change that will be required to slow carbon emissions.

The author of this thesis is promising to make the case that personal actions not only will not solve the climate problem but may actually make the problem more difficult to solve. In order to make a convincing argument, the author will need to consider how thoughtful people might disagree with this claim. In this case, the author might anticipate the following counterarguments:

• By encouraging personal actions, climate activists may raise awareness of the problem and encourage people to support larger systemic change.  
• Personal actions on a global level would actually make a difference.  
• Personal actions may not make a difference, but they will not obscure the need for systemic solutions.  
• Personal actions cannot be put into one category and must be differentiated.

In order to make a convincing argument, the author of this essay may need to address these potential counterarguments. But you don’t need to address every possible counterargument. Rather, you should engage counterarguments when doing so allows you to strengthen your own argument by explaining how it holds up in relation to other arguments. 

How to address counterarguments 

Once you have considered the potential counterarguments, you will need to figure out how to address them in your essay. In general, to address a counterargument, you’ll need to take the following steps.

• State the counterargument and explain why a reasonable reader could raise that counterargument.  
• Counter the counterargument. How you grapple with a counterargument will depend on what you think it means for your argument. You may explain why your argument is still convincing, even in light of this other position. You may point to a flaw in the counterargument. You may concede that the counterargument gets something right but then explain why it does not undermine your argument. You may explain why the counterargument is not relevant. You may refine your own argument in response to the counterargument.  
• Consider the language you are using to address the counterargument. Words like but or however signal to the reader that you are refuting the counterargument. Words like nevertheless or still signal to the reader that your argument is not diminished by the counterargument. 

Here’s an example of a paragraph in which a counterargument is raised and addressed.

Image version

The two steps are marked with counterargument and “counter” to the counterargument: COUNTERARGUMENT/ But some experts argue that it’s important for individuals to take action to mitigate climate change. In “All That Performative Environmentalism Adds Up,” Annie Lowery argues that personal actions to fight climate change, such as reducing household trash or installing solar panels, matter because change in social behavior can lead to changes in laws. [1]  

COUNTER TO THE COUNTERARGUMENT/ While Lowery may be correct that individual actions can lead to collective action, this focus on individual action can allow corporations to receive positive publicity while continuing to burn fossil fuels at dangerous rates.

Where to address counterarguments 

There is no one right place for a counterargument—where you raise a particular counterargument will depend on how it fits in with the rest of your argument. The most common spots are the following:

• Before your conclusion This is a common and effective spot for a counterargument because it’s a chance to address anything that you think a reader might still be concerned about after you’ve made your main argument. Don’t put a counterargument in your conclusion, however. At that point, you won’t have the space to address it, and readers may come away confused—or less convinced by your argument.
• Before your thesis Often, your thesis will actually be a counterargument to someone else’s argument. In other words, you will be making your argument because someone else has made an argument that you disagree with. In those cases, you may want to offer that counterargument before you state your thesis to show your readers what’s at stake—someone else has made an unconvincing argument, and you are now going to make a better one. 
• After your introduction In some cases, you may want to respond to a counterargument early in your essay, before you get too far into your argument. This is a good option when you think readers may need to understand why the counterargument is not as strong as your argument before you can even launch your own ideas. You might do this in the paragraph right after your thesis. 
• Anywhere that makes sense  As you draft an essay, you should always keep your readers in mind and think about where a thoughtful reader might disagree with you or raise an objection to an assertion or interpretation of evidence that you are offering. In those spots, you can introduce that potential objection and explain why it does not change your argument. If you think it does affect your argument, you can acknowledge that and explain why your argument is still strong.

[1] Annie Lowery, “All that Performative Environmentalism Adds Up.” The Atlantic . August 31, 2020. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/08/your-tote-bag-can-mak…

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How To Write A Counterclaim For A Successful Result

You might have probably heard about a counterclaim or written one that did not go well with you, which is why you are here. We understand your frustrations and anxiety about writing counterclaims, which is why we developed this comprehensive article.

Here is what to expect:

An in-depth explanation of what a counterclaim is The necessity of a counterclaim How to write a good counterclaim Characteristics of an excellent counterclaim Structure and formatting of counterclaims

After reading this post, you will have all the information you need to craft an award-winning paper. We will not leave anything to chance until you know how to write a counterclaim like a top-class student!

Table of Contents

What is a counterclaim in writing, why is a counterclaim necessary, how to write a counterclaim from scratch, detailed guide on how to start a counterclaim paragraph, how to write rebuttal, characteristics of a good counterclaim, example of a good counterclaim.

A counterclaim refers to an argument that opposes the author’s claim. The writer presents the claim and then refutes it, giving reasons why others should not take up the contrary view and agree with their initial stand.

The counterclaim opposes the thesis statement in your essay. So, this is how a counterclaim comes about:

• You first introduce the topic in the introductory paragraph
• Create a thesis statement in the last sentence
• Write a counterclaim that rebuts the initial argument

Many students fail to appreciate the fact that there is a difference between a claim and a counterclaim. The claim demonstrates your position of argument or the assertion of a fact, whereas a counterclaim negates a specific claim by refuting it.

Any top-rated argumentative will always have a counterclaim which disagrees with and disapproves of a claim. Such a claim also provides reasoning that further clarifies a particular argument. The two main purposes of a counterclaim are as follows:

It enhances the credibility of the author: A strong argumentative essay will utilize the rhetorical appeal of ethos. With a counterclaim, a writer will prove that they researched extensively on the topic and are not trying to hide possible information from the audience. It also allows the writer to provide a rebuttal to the essay. The rebuttal is used to disprove the counterclaim within the writer’s argument.

For instance, if the claim is that the government should ban gun use, the counterclaim would be that it should not ban it because it infringes on human rights. There should always be reasons and evidence for you to have a successful counterclaim.

In the next few lines, we will provide all you need to know about starting a counterclaim and delivering the best! So stay tuned.

Every successful essay begins with thorough background research on the topic of discussion. Exploring all possible angles of your essay before embarking on the writing process is recommended—those who end up with a good counterclaim put in extra hours in research and extensive consultation.

You can read thousands of articles on how to write a counterclaim, but without the right background research strategies, that great essay might amount to nothing. So, if you want to crack your counterclaim paragraph like a guru, here are excellent tips for you:

Understand your topic Explore what previous authors have done on it Identify the knowledge gaps Seek facts to defend your claim

Once you have all the information needed for your topic, nothing will stand in the way of you writing a top-notch paper that will impress your professor. When you have factual proof of every statement you make in your essay, you will have a non-biased and credible paper. That means that the sources you use should always be credible and directly relevant to the topic of your essay.

After stating all the base knowledge you need about counterclaims, we now want to dive into the practical part of writing a counterclaim argument. Let’s explore how to write counterclaims by looking at the elements needed:

• The main counterclaim: It states an opposing argument to the claim.
• The evidence includes a previous position to show that others welcome the view.
• An explanation entails providing reasons why people hold the particular view you presented.
• A rebuttal: Here, you will explain the weakness of the counterclaim and present show why your original position is correct.

The process might be challenging initially, but with the right tools and expert advice, you will be up and running in minutes. A counterclaim is included in argumentative writing to address the opposite side of the argument and provide a rebuttal.

The process of writing an outstanding counterclaim in an argumentative essay is as follows:

Where do you put a counterclaim in an essay? Every top-ranking essay begins with a catchy intro comprising statistics or a rather dramatic intro to a particular problem. The thesis statement follows, and the then claim comes on stage. Therefore, the counterclaim comes after you have backed up your claims with evidence and further arguments. How long is the counterclaim? It depends on the number of counterclaims and the overall length of your essay. A typical counterclaim should be at least one paragraph long. Remember that you are not just stating it but explaining why it is so. That is why most guides on writing a counterclaim and rebuttal will recommend either writing them in one paragraph or separately. What different points of view do others hold? You should always understand all the possible points that may arise to counter your claim. Researching why people oppose your claim will give you room for a balanced and reliable paper. It requires a creative mind to determine how your claim goes against the common view. How to introduce a counterclaim now: The general rule is that you should present the contrary opinion fairly. You will only be ready to craft a brilliant counterclaim once you dive into the possible arguments that others who oppose your thesis make. Sincerely present the contrary opinion fairly.

Always remember to use transitions when moving on to present your counterclaim. Just like in a debate, the contrary side will come after the proposers have made their submissions. Therefore, you can begin your counterclaim paragraphs with the following:

• On the contrary, side
• Critics say that

Having presented the other side, you will detail why people also hold that view. It is where the evidence comes in to solidify your counterclaim.

It is advisable to have it in a similar paragraph where your counterclaim is, but if that is not possible, begin it in a new paragraph. However, always remember to keep it short while bringing out the following:

• How the contrary position in your counterclaim is false or weak.
• Presenting the advantages in the counterclaim but giving reasons why the opposite view may not hold water.
• Describe how your main argument outweighs the risks in the counterclaim.

After introducing the counterclaim, you have to discuss why the counterclaim is incorrect. You can start the rebuttal in several ways, such as:

Despite this information Nevertheless However

It is your opportunity to prove why the contrary view is wrong.

You cannot achieve this milestone without considering all sides of the argument first. That is why most researchers in college and university take their time before beginning the writing process. It provides a base for the facts and opinions and saves the time one will spend completing the argumentative essay.

Acknowledging the valid points of the other side is necessary for any form of argumentative writing. This practice eliminates the thought of narrow-mindedness from the reader’s point of view, which may make your essay less effective.

Instead of making your argument look weak, a counterclaim will strengthen your essay by proving that you thoughtfully considered all possible angles before writing your essay. Nobody will accuse you of bias or inadequate research when you have a formulated counterclaim.

A good counterclaim, therefore:

Acknowledges what the opposing side says Provides evidence from the opposing side Refutes the point of view and evidence

It is also crucial to state that when you have more than one claim in your paper, there is always an option of writing a counterclaim for each. You are not limited to presenting the different counterclaims in the same essay. However, follow the structure outline above in terms of length and format.

Additional characteristics of a world-class essay include:

• Objectivity in the language use
• Fairness in the diction
• Evidence to back up the counterclaim
• Fairness in the rebuttal

By validating any underlying concerns, you eliminate room for doubt or error. Remember also to explain why your argument works in that context.

Below is a brief example of what a good counterclaim can look like, from professional dissertation writers :

“On the other hand, some students say homework presents unnecessary stress and pressure. This point of view makes sense because the article states that too much homework may be overwhelming for students, which is why most of them do not complete it. However, homework does not harm the student because the article also says that homework is necessary to test students’ understanding after classroom learning. Therefore, even though homework may cause stress and pressure on the student, it does not harm the student in any way.”

From the example, you can note the following:

Phrases that can begin a counterclaim:

On the other hand, some people say Admittedly, some people say Certainly, some people say

Phrases to refer to the initial claim:

However Nevertheless On the other hand

Phrases to bring paragraph to a conclusion:

Thus Therefore As a result

A good counterclaim will always give you an edge over your competitors in any case.

Writing A Counterclaim Can Be Very Easy

Writing an all-inclusive counterclaim is not a big deal if you have all the facts rights – our writing service and master thesis help offers top-notch assistance with an incredible team of writers and research gurus. We will help you identify winning arguments and provide you with the best rebuttals.

Do not second guess what you will score in your counterclaim essay when you can try out our custom thesis writing service today. Make your pick today and improve your score effortlessly.

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How to Write a Counterclaim [Explained Simply!]

Counterclaims are an essential part of a top-notch argumentative essay. After all, they show that you’ve thoroughly researched and considered both sides of the issue before deciding on your particular stance.

There’s just one problem: they can be a little tricky to write without weakening your main argument, as you may already be aware!

That’s why we put together this guide on writing a counterclaim that will only enhance your position in an argumentative essay and not take anything away from it.

By the end of this article, you’ll be writing counterclaims like a pro – and get that grade you deserve on your next paper. Let’s get started!

What Is a Counterclaim in Writing?

Before we get into how to write one, let’s clarify what we mean by “counterclaim.” In writing, a counterclaim is an opposing argument that goes against the thesis statement of a paper.

It shows your audience that you have researched the topic thoroughly by looking into both sides of the issue and that you’re not trying to hide any important information that refutes your thesis.

Not only that, a well-written counterclaim can even help you win over those who don’t agree with your main claim or argument – especially when you make some good points in your rebuttal paragraph (which we will get into as well).

For example, let’s say you’re writing an argumentative essay on the use of cellphones in schools. If your claim is that they should be allowed at all times because they can help support learning, then the counterclaim could be that they’re more distracting than anything else.

How to Write a Counterclaim

The key to excellent argumentative writing is to make your position convincing and clear while acknowledging – not to mention rebutting – the counterarguments. Fortunately, you can break down the process of crafting a great counterclaim into four simple steps:

1. Research, Research, Research

Of course, a thorough understanding of your position on the topic is essential, but you should also have a good grasp of the main arguments of your opponents.

It’s not enough to just know what the arguments are – you need to know why other people feel this way.

For example, going back to our cellphone paper. If one of the main counterclaims is that cellphones are distracting in schools, you need to find out what is driving these opinions. Are there facts to back it up, or is this purely based on anecdotal evidence?

Once you feel like you have a firm grasp on the opposing view, you can move on to the next step.

2. Determine Where to Put the Counterclaim

A well-written essay typically starts with a few introductory sentences to capture the reader’s attention. Next comes the thesis and the claims (backed with plenty of research and evidence, of course).

By this point, your stance on the issue should be clear, so it’s usually safe to start including your counterclaims in the body of the essay.

As to where exactly you should include your counterclaims, two of the best options include the following:

• In the paragraphs. If your paper has several claims you want to counter, then you may address each one in the paragraphs. This is often most effective right after supporting your claims with evidence and arguments.
• Before the conclusion. This is often the preferred place for counterclaims, especially in shorter essays. It’s a good option because your reader should have a firm grasp of your position at this point, so the counterclaims shouldn’t really weaken your main arguments.

Remember that your counterclaim paragraph(s) should be separate from your introduction and conclusion. As long as it’s outside these areas, your counterclaim should be in a perfectly acceptable position in the paper.

3. Figure Out How Long Your Counterclaim Should Be

It isn’t time to start writing yet! Now that you’ve identified your counterclaim or counterclaims, you need to figure out how much space to devote to it in your essay.

You’ll want to cover the opposing side as concisely as possible, as you don’t want to give them more space than your claims. This is especially important if you have a specific word count; dragging out a counterclaim argument for too long may not leave enough room for you to argue your position properly.

In most cases, one short paragraph per counterclaim should do the trick. Just remember that you need to explain the opposing argument and why others feel this way.

4. Consider How to Present the Counterclaim Fairly

Before you officially start typing things out, one of the most important things to consider is how you will present your counterclaim fairly. You don’t want to present the opposing view with an obvious bias, as it may take away from the credibility of your paper.

And besides, you shouldn’t have to put the other viewpoint down to clarify your stance!

You should have already put lots of strong evidence and arguments in favor of your position throughout your paper, so trying to understand and present the opposing viewpoint fairly shouldn’t weaken your claims too much.

5. Write Your Counterclaim

You’re finally ready to write your counterclaim! The first thing you need to do is include an appropriate transition to help with the flow of your paper.

Some good transitions include:

• Critics have argued that…
• On the other side of the argument, people are concerned that…
• The contrasting viewpoint indicates that…

Once you have chosen an appropriate transition and stated the opposing viewpoint, you can describe why people feel this way. And don’t forget your evidence! As with your claims, you need to show that you’ve done the research to support this position.

From here, you can write your rebuttal explaining any issues or weaknesses with the counterclaim. This is essential to solidifying your original position.

Some suggestions for a good rebuttal include:

• Detailing the particular weaknesses with the counterclaim
• Acknowledging that while these viewpoints have some merit, there is a solution that renders it baseless
• Showing that the benefits of your claims outweigh the risks of the counterclaims
• Pointing out that the benefits of the counterclaim are exceedingly rare

Tips on Writing a Great Counterclaim

Want to make a good counterclaim even better? Remember these tips when writing:

• Objectivity is key. As passionately as you may feel about your position, do your best to remain objective when presenting a counterclaim. For example, avoid saying things like “critics mistakenly believe that…”
• Don’t leave out information on purpose. If you find evidence for your counterclaim supported by research, don’t leave it out of your paper to avoid weakening your argument. Instead, explain why it is weaker than your claims.
• Read through other essays. If you’re still unsure what a good counterclaim looks like, read professional-level papers to see how others have done it.
• A second set of eyes is always helpful! If you can, get someone to read through your paper to make sure your counterclaim is clear, objective, and concise. You may also want their opinion on whether your rebuttal is effective enough to dispute the main points of your counterclaim.

The Bottom Line

Though it may seem daunting, writing an effective counterclaim doesn’t have to be difficult.

Just remember to do your research, avoid putting it in the introduction and conclusion, keep it to a paragraph, present it fairly, and transition into it appropriately.

And most of all, do your best to put any biases aside and remain objective.

By following these tips, writing counterclaims will become second nature to you in no time. Good luck with your next paper!

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A Guide to Rebuttals in Argumentative Essays

4-minute read

• 27th May 2023

Rebuttals are an essential part of a strong argument. But what are they, exactly, and how can you use them effectively? Read on to find out.

What Is a Rebuttal?

When writing an argumentative essay , there’s always an opposing point of view. You can’t present an argument without the possibility of someone disagreeing.

Sure, you could just focus on your argument and ignore the other perspective, but that weakens your essay. Coming up with possible alternative points of view, or counterarguments, and being prepared to address them, gives you an edge. A rebuttal is your response to these opposing viewpoints.

How Do Rebuttals Work?

With a rebuttal, you can take the fighting power away from any opposition to your idea before they have a chance to attack. For a rebuttal to work, it needs to follow the same formula as the other key points in your essay: it should be researched, developed, and presented with evidence.

Rebuttals in Action

Suppose you’re writing an essay arguing that strawberries are the best fruit. A potential counterargument could be that strawberries don’t work as well in baked goods as other berries do, as they can get soggy and lose some of their flavor. Your rebuttal would state this point and then explain why it’s not valid:

Read on for a few simple steps to formulating an effective rebuttal.

Step 1. Come up with a Counterargument

A strong rebuttal is only possible when there’s a strong counterargument. You may be convinced of your idea but try to place yourself on the other side. Rather than addressing weak opposing views that are easy to fend off, try to come up with the strongest claims that could be made.

In your essay, explain the counterargument and agree with it. That’s right, agree with it – to an extent. State why there’s some truth to it and validate the concerns it presents.

Step 2. Point Out Its Flaws

Now that you’ve presented a counterargument, poke holes in it . To do so, analyze the argument carefully and notice if there are any biases or caveats that weaken it. Looking at the claim that strawberries don’t work well in baked goods, a weakness could be that this argument only applies when strawberries are baked in a pie.

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Step 3. Present New Points

Once you reveal the counterargument’s weakness, present a new perspective, and provide supporting evidence to show that your argument is still the correct one. This means providing new points that the opposer may not have considered when presenting their claim.

Offering new ideas that weaken a counterargument makes you come off as authoritative and informed, which will make your readers more likely to agree with you.

Summary: Rebuttals

Rebuttals are essential when presenting an argument. Even if a counterargument is stronger than your point, you can construct an effective rebuttal that stands a chance against it.

We hope this guide helps you to structure and format your argumentative essay . And once you’ve finished writing, send a copy to our expert editors. We’ll ensure perfect grammar, spelling, punctuation, referencing, and more. Try it out for free today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rebuttal in an essay.

A rebuttal is a response to a counterargument. It presents the potential counterclaim, discusses why it could be valid, and then explains why the original argument is still correct.

How do you form an effective rebuttal?

To use rebuttals effectively, come up with a strong counterclaim and respectfully point out its weaknesses. Then present new ideas that fill those gaps and strengthen your point.

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Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is informative writing?

Informative writing educates the reader about a certain topic. An informative essay may explain new information, describe a process, or clarify a concept. The provided information is objective, meaning the writing focuses on presentation of fact and should not contain personal opinion or bias.

Informative writing includes description, process, cause and effect, comparison, and problems and possible solutions:

Describes a person, place, thing, or event using descriptive language that appeals to readers’ senses

Explains the process to do something or how something was created

Discusses the relationship between two things, determining how one ( cause ) leads to the other ( effect ); the effect needs to be based on fact and not an assumption

Identifies the similarities and differences between two things; does not indicate that one is better than the other

Details a problem and presents various possible solutions ; the writer does not suggest one solution is more effective than the others

Purpose of informative writing

The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer’s motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic’s intricacies.

Informative essays may introduce readers to new information .

Summarizing a scientific/technological study

Outlining the various aspects of a religion

Providing information on a historical period

Describe a process or give step-by-step details of a procedure.

How to write an informational essay

How to construct an argument

How to apply for a job

Clarify a concept and offer details about complex ideas.

Explain why or how something works the way that it does.

Describe how the stock market impacts the economy

Illustrate why there are high and low tides

Detail how the heart functions

Offer information on the smaller aspects or intricacies of a larger topic.

Identify the importance of the individual bones in the body

Outlining the Dust Bowl in the context of the Great Depression

Explaining how bees impact the environment

How to write an informative essay

Regardless of the type of information, the informative essay structure typically consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

Background information

Explanation of evidence

Restated thesis

Review of main ideas

Closing statement

Informative essay introduction

When composing the introductory paragraph(s) of an informative paper, include a hook, introduce the topic, provide background information, and develop a good thesis statement.

If the hook or introduction creates interest in the first paragraph, it will draw the readers’ attention and make them more receptive to the essay writer's ideas. Some of the most common techniques to accomplish this include the following:

Emphasize the topic’s importance by explaining the current interest in the topic or by indicating that the subject is influential.

Use pertinent statistics to give the paper an air of authority.

A surprising statement can be shocking; sometimes it is disgusting; sometimes it is joyful; sometimes it is surprising because of who said it.

An interesting incident or anecdote can act as a teaser to lure the reader into the remainder of the essay. Be sure that the device is appropriate for the informative essay topic and focus on what is to follow.

Directly introduce the topic of the essay.

Provide the reader with the background information necessary to understand the topic. Don’t repeat this information in the body of the essay; it should help the reader understand what follows.

Identify the overall purpose of the essay with the thesis (purpose statement). Writers can also include their support directly in the thesis, which outlines the structure of the essay for the reader.

Informative essay body paragraphs

Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence, evidence, explanation of evidence, and a transition sentence.

A good topic sentence should identify what information the reader should expect in the paragraph and how it connects to the main purpose identified in the thesis.

Provide evidence that details the main point of the paragraph. This includes paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting facts, statistics, and statements.

Explain how the evidence connects to the main purpose of the essay.

Place transitions at the end of each body paragraph, except the last. There is no need to transition from the last support to the conclusion. A transition should accomplish three goals:

Tell the reader where you were (current support)

Tell the reader where you are going (next support)

Relate the paper’s purpose

Informative essay conclusion

Incorporate a rephrased thesis, summary, and closing statement into the conclusion of an informative essay.

Rephrase the purpose of the essay. Do not just repeat the purpose statement from the thesis.

Summarize the main idea found in each body paragraph by rephrasing each topic sentence.

End with a clincher or closing statement that helps readers answer the question “so what?” What should the reader take away from the information provided in the essay? Why should they care about the topic?

Informative essay example

The following example illustrates a good informative essay format:

Reading Skills

Developing claims and counterclaims.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: December 27, 2023

What We Review

Introduction

When you’re diving into a persuasive speech, article, or essay, there are two key things to look out for: the claim and the counterclaim. The claim is basically what the author believes and wants you to agree with. It’s their main point or argument about a topic. On the flip side, the counterclaim is the opposite stance. It’s a position that challenges or disagrees with the author’s claim.

Getting a grip on both claims and counterclaims is super important. Why? Because it helps you become more savvy when you read different nonfiction texts. You’ll be able to spot what the writer is arguing for (the claim) and what arguments might go against it (the counterclaim). Plus, it’s a great skill for when you start making your own arguments in essays or discussions. Understanding both sides of a topic makes your own arguments stronger and more balanced.

Understanding Claims

A claim is what the author or speaker is trying to convince you of, their main point or argument. But it’s not enough just to state a claim; it needs to be backed up with solid evidence and also be ready to face counterclaims (which are basically the opposite arguments).

There are different types of claims, and knowing them can help you understand and make better arguments:

• Fact : This type of claim focuses on answering questions such as, “is it true,” “did it happen,” or “who is this person?”. For example, a sample fact claim could be: “Lebron James’ I Promise School in Akron, OH provides an effective model for meeting students’ needs on educational, physical, emotional, and social levels.” 
• Definition : This type of claim focuses on answering questions such as, “what does this term mean in this context?” For example, a sample definition claim could be: “Being someone’s friend on social media has an entirely different meaning than being in a real-life friendship.” 
• Value : This type of claim focuses on answering questions such as, “is this good or bad?” or “how do we define what is good or what is bad?” For example, a sample value claim could be: “Cell phones should not be allowed in high school because these devices detract from student performance and affect students’ emotional well-being.” 
• Cause : This type of claim answers questions such as, “what is the cause?” and “what is the effect?” For example, a sample cause claim could be: “By reintroducing home economics classes into high school curriculum, students will be more prepared for adult responsibilities and less dependent on their parents after they graduate high school.” 
• Comparison : This type of claim answers questions such as, “what can we learn from comparing these two topics?” For example, a comparison claim could be: “When placed side-by-side, Marvel and DC comic book universes reveal much closer similarities between one another than one would expect.” 
• Policy : This type of claim answers questions such as, “what type of policies would benefit this group?” or “how should various policies be enforced in different circumstances?” For example, a policy claim could be: “Employers must provide new mothers with one year of paid leave with a guarantee of employment following this period of absence.” 

No matter how strong a claim sounds, it must have a firm foundation. Otherwise, it is easily toppled by opposing counterclaims. The foundation of an effective claim is sufficient and relevant supporting evidence. Be sure to include the rebuttal of counterclaims with further supporting evidence. Sufficient supporting evidence means the writer has enough evidence to support their claim. But be careful – too much information can make your main point hard to see. And always be ready to address counterclaims with more evidence. This makes your argument stronger and shows you’ve thought about all sides of the issue.

Developing Counterclaims

A counterclaim is an opposing argument that seeks to disprove or weaken another claim. 

Just like there are many different kinds of claims, there are just as many variations of counterclaims. For example, if someone wanted to counter the “Fact Claim” above, “Lebron James’ I Promise School in Akron, OH provides an effective model for meeting students’ needs on educational, physical, emotional, and social levels,” they would use sufficient and relevant evidence to argue that “Lebron James’ I Promise School in Akron, OH  does not  provide an effective model for meeting students’ needs on educational, physical, emotional, and social levels.”

Dealing with different viewpoints, especially on sensitive topics, can be tough. It’s not always easy to listen to opinions that go against what you believe. But here’s the thing – understanding and considering these opposing perspectives can actually make your own argument stronger. It shows that you’re open-minded and have thought about the issue from all angles. Plus, it teaches a valuable lesson: it’s totally okay to agree to disagree. Not everyone will see things the way you do, and that’s alright. In the world of persuasive writing and speaking, being able to develop and understand counterclaims is a key skill that can really take your arguments to the next level.

In school, you might practice making claims and counterclaims on topics that don’t seem super important to you. But as you grow and start forming your own strong opinions on different subjects, you’ll see how this skill really comes into play in the real world.

One thing you’ll learn is that introducing opposite opinions can sometimes lead to disagreements or conflicts. That’s just part of life. But here’s the key: to be a really good communicator, whether in your personal life or in the workplace, it’s important to know how to peacefully coexist with people who have different views.

Understanding how to discuss and debate ideas respectfully is a super valuable skill. It helps you express your own thoughts clearly while also being open to hearing what others have to say. This doesn’t mean you have to change your opinions, but being able to consider different perspectives can make you a more thoughtful and well-rounded thinker. So, as you continue to shape your views on various topics, remember that being able to agree to disagree is a part of growing into a skilled and respectful communicator.

Practice Makes Perfect

In addition to the recommended activities above, Albert provides a wide range of texts for students to analyze and interpret. For emerging readers, check out our Short Readings course, which uses short passages to reinforce fundamental reading skills. Readers at all ability levels may enjoy our Leveled Readings course. It offers Lexile® leveled passages focused on a unifying essential question. This allows you to keep all students on the same page regardless of reading level. Learn more about the Lexile Framework here !

For authentic practice, check out our Essential Readings in Literature course. This course provides an overview of the core texts that American students often read in English class. Each text is broken down by skill, ensuring that students approach their reading from every angle.

With our easy-to-use interface and informative feedback, Albert.io is the perfect tool for reinforcing close reading skills and helping students develop a deeper understanding of the texts they encounter.

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Counter Argument

One way to strengthen your argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issue you are discussing is to anticipate and address counter arguments, or objections. By considering opposing views, you show that you have thought things through, and you dispose of some of the reasons your audience might have for not accepting your argument. Ask yourself what someone who disagrees with you might say in response to each of the points you’ve made or about your position as a whole.

If you can’t immediately imagine another position, here are some strategies to try:

• Do some research. It may seem to you that no one could possibly disagree with the position you are taking, but someone probably has. Look around to see what stances people have and do take on the subject or argument you plan to make, so that you know what environment you are addressing.
• Talk with a friend or with your instructor. Another person may be able to play devil’s advocate and suggest counter arguments that haven’t occurred to you.
• Consider each of your supporting points individually. Even if you find it difficult to see why anyone would disagree with your central argument, you may be able to imagine more easily how someone could disagree with the individual parts of your argument. Then you can see which of these counter arguments are most worth considering. For example, if you argued “Cats make the best pets. This is because they are clean and independent,” you might imagine someone saying “Cats do not make the best pets. They are dirty and demanding.”

Once you have considered potential counter arguments, decide how you might respond to them: Will you concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should nonetheless accept your argument? Or will you reject the counterargument and explain why it is mistaken? Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument is stronger than opposing arguments.

Two strategies are available to incorporate counter arguments into your essay:

Refutation:

Refutation seeks to disprove opposing arguments by pointing out their weaknesses. This approach is generally most effective if it is not hostile or sarcastic; with methodical, matter-of-fact language, identify the logical, theoretical, or factual flaws of the opposition.

For example, in an essay supporting the reintroduction of wolves into western farmlands, a writer might refute opponents by challenging the logic of their assumptions:

Although some farmers have expressed concern that wolves might pose a threat to the safety of sheep, cattle, or even small children, their fears are unfounded. Wolves fear humans even more than humans fear wolves and will trespass onto developed farmland only if desperate for food. The uninhabited wilderness that will become the wolves’ new home has such an abundance of food that there is virtually no chance that these shy animals will stray anywhere near humans.

Here, the writer acknowledges the opposing view (wolves will endanger livestock and children) and refutes it (the wolves will never be hungry enough to do so).

Accommodation:

Accommodation acknowledges the validity of the opposing view, but argues that other considerations outweigh it. In other words, this strategy turns the tables by agreeing (to some extent) with the opposition.

For example, the writer arguing for the reintroduction of wolves might accommodate the opposing view by writing:

Critics of the program have argued that reintroducing wolves is far too expensive a project to be considered seriously at this time. Although the reintroduction program is costly, it will only become more costly the longer it is put on hold. Furthermore, wolves will help control the population of pest animals in the area, saving farmers money on extermination costs. Finally, the preservation of an endangered species is worth far more to the environment and the ecological movement than the money that taxpayers would save if this wolf relocation initiative were to be abandoned.

This writer acknowledges the opposing position (the program is too expensive), agrees (yes, it is expensive), and then argues that despite the expense the program is worthwhile.

Some Final Hints

Don’t play dirty. When you summarize opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to convince your readers that you have carefully considered all sides of the issues and that you are not simply attacking or caricaturing your opponents.

Sometimes less is more. It is usually better to consider one or two serious counter arguments in some depth, rather than to address every counterargument.

Keep an open mind. Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. Careful consideration of counter arguments can complicate or change your perspective on an issue. There’s nothing wrong with adopting a different perspective or changing your mind, but if you do, be sure to revise your thesis accordingly.

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Organizing Your Argument

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How can I effectively present my argument?

In order for your argument to be persuasive, it must use an organizational structure that the audience perceives as both logical and easy to parse. Three argumentative methods —the  Toulmin Method , Classical Method , and Rogerian Method — give guidance for how to organize the points in an argument.

Note that these are only three of the most popular models for organizing an argument. Alternatives exist. Be sure to consult your instructor and/or defer to your assignment’s directions if you’re unsure which to use (if any).

Toulmin Method

The  Toulmin Method  is a formula that allows writers to build a sturdy logical foundation for their arguments. First proposed by author Stephen Toulmin in  The Uses of Argument (1958), the Toulmin Method emphasizes building a thorough support structure for each of an argument's key claims.

The basic format for the Toulmin Method  is as follows:

Claim:  In this section, you explain your overall thesis on the subject. In other words, you make your main argument.

Data (Grounds):  You should use evidence to support the claim. In other words, provide the reader with facts that prove your argument is strong.

Warrant (Bridge):  In this section, you explain why or how your data supports the claim. As a result, the underlying assumption that you build your argument on is grounded in reason.

Backing (Foundation):  Here, you provide any additional logic or reasoning that may be necessary to support the warrant.

Counterclaim:  You should anticipate a counterclaim that negates the main points in your argument. Don't avoid arguments that oppose your own. Instead, become familiar with the opposing perspective.   If you respond to counterclaims, you appear unbiased (and, therefore, you earn the respect of your readers). You may even want to include several counterclaims to show that you have thoroughly researched the topic.

Rebuttal:  In this section, you incorporate your own evidence that disagrees with the counterclaim. It is essential to include a thorough warrant or bridge to strengthen your essay’s argument. If you present data to your audience without explaining how it supports your thesis, your readers may not make a connection between the two, or they may draw different conclusions.

Example of the Toulmin Method:

Claim:  Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution.

Data1:  Driving a private car is a typical citizen's most air-polluting activity.

Warrant 1:  Due to the fact that cars are the largest source of private (as opposed to industrial) air pollution, switching to hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting pollution.

Data 2:  Each vehicle produced is going to stay on the road for roughly 12 to 15 years.

Warrant 2:  Cars generally have a long lifespan, meaning that the decision to switch to a hybrid car will make a long-term impact on pollution levels.

Data 3:  Hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor.

Warrant 3:  The combination of these technologies produces less pollution.

Counterclaim:  Instead of focusing on cars, which still encourages an inefficient culture of driving even as it cuts down on pollution, the nation should focus on building and encouraging the use of mass transit systems.

Rebuttal:  While mass transit is an idea that should be encouraged, it is not feasible in many rural and suburban areas, or for people who must commute to work. Thus, hybrid cars are a better solution for much of the nation's population.

Rogerian Method

The Rogerian Method  (named for, but not developed by, influential American psychotherapist Carl R. Rogers) is a popular method for controversial issues. This strategy seeks to find a common ground between parties by making the audience understand perspectives that stretch beyond (or even run counter to) the writer’s position. Moreso than other methods, it places an emphasis on reiterating an opponent's argument to his or her satisfaction. The persuasive power of the Rogerian Method lies in its ability to define the terms of the argument in such a way that:

• your position seems like a reasonable compromise.
• you seem compassionate and empathetic.

The basic format of the Rogerian Method  is as follows:

Introduction:  Introduce the issue to the audience, striving to remain as objective as possible.

Opposing View : Explain the other side’s position in an unbiased way. When you discuss the counterargument without judgement, the opposing side can see how you do not directly dismiss perspectives which conflict with your stance.

Statement of Validity (Understanding):  This section discusses how you acknowledge how the other side’s points can be valid under certain circumstances. You identify how and why their perspective makes sense in a specific context, but still present your own argument.

Statement of Your Position:  By this point, you have demonstrated that you understand the other side’s viewpoint. In this section, you explain your own stance.

Statement of Contexts : Explore scenarios in which your position has merit. When you explain how your argument is most appropriate for certain contexts, the reader can recognize that you acknowledge the multiple ways to view the complex issue.

Statement of Benefits:  You should conclude by explaining to the opposing side why they would benefit from accepting your position. By explaining the advantages of your argument, you close on a positive note without completely dismissing the other side’s perspective.

Example of the Rogerian Method:

Introduction:  The issue of whether children should wear school uniforms is subject to some debate.

Opposing View:  Some parents think that requiring children to wear uniforms is best.

Statement of Validity (Understanding):  Those parents who support uniforms argue that, when all students wear the same uniform, the students can develop a unified sense of school pride and inclusiveness.

Statement of Your Position : Students should not be required to wear school uniforms. Mandatory uniforms would forbid choices that allow students to be creative and express themselves through clothing.

Statement of Contexts:  However, even if uniforms might hypothetically promote inclusivity, in most real-life contexts, administrators can use uniform policies to enforce conformity. Students should have the option to explore their identity through clothing without the fear of being ostracized.

Statement of Benefits:  Though both sides seek to promote students' best interests, students should not be required to wear school uniforms. By giving students freedom over their choice, students can explore their self-identity by choosing how to present themselves to their peers.

Classical Method

The Classical Method of structuring an argument is another common way to organize your points. Originally devised by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (and then later developed by Roman thinkers like Cicero and Quintilian), classical arguments tend to focus on issues of definition and the careful application of evidence. Thus, the underlying assumption of classical argumentation is that, when all parties understand the issue perfectly, the correct course of action will be clear.

The basic format of the Classical Method  is as follows:

Introduction (Exordium): Introduce the issue and explain its significance. You should also establish your credibility and the topic’s legitimacy.

Statement of Background (Narratio): Present vital contextual or historical information to the audience to further their understanding of the issue. By doing so, you provide the reader with a working knowledge about the topic independent of your own stance.

Proposition (Propositio): After you provide the reader with contextual knowledge, you are ready to state your claims which relate to the information you have provided previously. This section outlines your major points for the reader.

Proof (Confirmatio): You should explain your reasons and evidence to the reader. Be sure to thoroughly justify your reasons. In this section, if necessary, you can provide supplementary evidence and subpoints.

Refutation (Refuatio): In this section, you address anticipated counterarguments that disagree with your thesis. Though you acknowledge the other side’s perspective, it is important to prove why your stance is more logical.  

Conclusion (Peroratio): You should summarize your main points. The conclusion also caters to the reader’s emotions and values. The use of pathos here makes the reader more inclined to consider your argument.  

Example of the Classical Method:  

Introduction (Exordium): Millions of workers are paid a set hourly wage nationwide. The federal minimum wage is standardized to protect workers from being paid too little. Research points to many viewpoints on how much to pay these workers. Some families cannot afford to support their households on the current wages provided for performing a minimum wage job .

Statement of Background (Narratio): Currently, millions of American workers struggle to make ends meet on a minimum wage. This puts a strain on workers’ personal and professional lives. Some work multiple jobs to provide for their families.

Proposition (Propositio): The current federal minimum wage should be increased to better accommodate millions of overworked Americans. By raising the minimum wage, workers can spend more time cultivating their livelihoods.

Proof (Confirmatio): According to the United States Department of Labor, 80.4 million Americans work for an hourly wage, but nearly 1.3 million receive wages less than the federal minimum. The pay raise will alleviate the stress of these workers. Their lives would benefit from this raise because it affects multiple areas of their lives.

Refutation (Refuatio): There is some evidence that raising the federal wage might increase the cost of living. However, other evidence contradicts this or suggests that the increase would not be great. Additionally,   worries about a cost of living increase must be balanced with the benefits of providing necessary funds to millions of hardworking Americans.

Conclusion (Peroratio): If the federal minimum wage was raised, many workers could alleviate some of their financial burdens. As a result, their emotional wellbeing would improve overall. Though some argue that the cost of living could increase, the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.

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Where to Put the Essay Counterclaim

Where is the best place to put the essay counterclaim? The short and sweet answer? David Oldham, professor at Shoreline Community College, states, “The short answer is a counter-argument (counterclaim) can go anywhere except the conclusion. This is because there has to be a rebuttal paragraph after the counter-argument, so if the counter-argument is in the conclusion, something has been left out.”

The counterclaim is the opposing point of view to one’s thesis and is also known as the counterargument. The counterclaim is always accompanied by a refutation, sometimes referred to as a rebuttal. The Common Core State Standards include the counterclaim in Writing Standards 1.0 for grades 7-12. These Standards reference the organization of the counterclaim in terms of clear relationships and logical sequencing. See the boldface phrases in the following grades 7-12 Standards.

Common Core State Standards

Seventh Grade: Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

Eighth Grade: Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

Ninth and Tenth Grade: Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

Eleventh and Twelfth Grade: Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

Placement Options

1. Writers can place a separate counterclaim paragraph with refutation as the last body paragraph prior to the conclusion paragraph.

Separate Paragraph Example #1 

COUNTERCLAIM Opponents argue that after school sports can increase the likelihood of sports-related injuries. Specifically, health professionals suggest that life-threatening concussions occur at frightening rates for student athletes participating in such popular after school sports as football, soccer, basketball, and wrestling (Bancroft 22, 23). Even minor injuries sustained from participation in after school sports increase absent rates and the expense of creating injury reports for students (Sizemore 3).  REFUTATION Although students do suffer both serious and minor injuries in after school sports, these injuries are quite rare. The organization, supervision, and safety measures of school-sponsored sports are superior to those of alternative fee-based community-sponsored recreational leagues or even privately sponsored sports organizations (Kinney 2). Additionally, without free after school sports programs, many students would still play sports without adult supervision and even more injuries would result.

2. Writers can place a separate counterclaim paragraph without refutation as the first body paragraph following the thesis statement to anticipate objections prior to providing evidence to prove the claim of the thesis statement.

Separate Paragraph Example #2 

COUNTERCLAIM  Those who favor eliminating after school sports argue that after school sports can increase the likelihood of sports-related injuries. Specifically, health professionals suggest that life-threatening concussions occur at frightening rates for student athletes participating in such popular after school sports as football, soccer, basketball, and wrestling (Bancroft 22, 23). Even minor injuries sustained from participation in after school sports increase absent rates and the expense of creating injury reports for students (Sizemore 3). Additionally, youth and adolescents are not developmentally ready to play contact sports. Key components of the brain and skeletal structure have not yet formed (Mays 14), and injuries can have lasting damage to young people.

3. Writers can embed a counterclaim and refutation within a body paragraph.

Embedded within Paragraph Example

After school sports provide safe and free programs for students who might otherwise not be able to participate in individual or team sports. The organization, supervision, and safety measures of school-sponsored sports are superior to those of alternative fee-based community-sponsored recreational leagues or even privately sponsored sports organizations (Kinney 2). Additionally, without free after school sports programs, many students would still play sports without adult supervision and even more injuries would result. COUNTERCLAIM However, some people would argue that after school sports can increase the likelihood of sports-related injuries and resulting absences with the added expenses of creating injury reports for students (Sizemore 3).  REFUTATION Although students do suffer both serious and minor injuries in after school sports and there are resulting absences and injury reports, without school-sponsored sports the likelihood of more injuries from less supervised recreational leagues or privately sponsored leagues with fewer safety regulations would, no doubt, be much worse.

4. Writers can embed a counterclaim and refutation within a sentence or sentences found in a body paragraph.

Embedded within Sentences Example

After school sports provide safe and free programs for students who might otherwise not be able to participate in individual or team sports. COUNTERCLAIM  Even so, some would question the safety of these programs, citing the numbers of life-threatening concussions from after school sports such as football, REFUTATION but these statistics are misleading. According to the highly respected  Youth in Sports report, fewer serious injuries occur to students playing after school sports as compared to students not playing after school sports (Green 22).

5. Writers can embed a counterclaim within the introductory paragraph and use the thesis statement as refutation.

Introductory Paragraph Example

After school sports are extra-curricular activities included in most elementary, middle school, and high schools throughout the world. COUNTERCLAIM Some would argue that schools can no longer afford these programs and the expenses of lawsuits resulting from sports-related injuries. REFUTATION AS THESIS STATEMENT  On the contrary, schools can and should invest in well-supervised after school sports to promote health and minimize sports-related injuries.

Each of these counterclaim placements has merit, depending upon the nature of the argumentative essay. Help students develop the writing flexibility and dexterity they need by applying each of these strategies in the draft and revision stages. As always, show models of counterclaims and refutations, teach a variety of types of evidence , and help students avoid the pitfalls of fallacious reasoning .

In addition to Where to Put the Essay Counterclaim, writing teachers may also be interested in these related articles:  Counterclaim and Refutation Sentence Frames , What is the Essay Counterclaim? , and Why Use an Essay Counterclaim?

TEACHING ESSAYS BUNDLE

The author’s  TEACHING ESSAYS BUNDLE   includes the three printable and digital  resources students need to master  the  CCSS W.1 argumentative and W.2 informational/explanatory essays. Each  no-prep  resource allows students to work at their own paces via mastery learning. How to Teach Essays  includes 42 skill-based essay strategy worksheets (fillable PDFs and 62 Google slides), beginning with simple 3-word paragraphs and proceeding step-by-step to complex multi-paragraph essays. One skill builds upon another. The Essay Skills Worksheets include 97 worksheets (printables and 97 Google slides) to help teachers differentiate writing instruction with both remedial and advanced writing skills. The  Eight Writing Process Essays  (printables and 170 Google slides) each feature an on-demand diagnostic essay assessment, writing prompt with connected reading, brainstorming, graphic organizer, response, revision, and editing activities. Plus, each essay includes a detailed analytical (not holistic) rubric for assessment-based learning.

Grammar/Mechanics , Literacy Centers , Study Skills , Writing argument essay , argumentative essay , claims , common core writing standards , Counterarguments , Counterclaims , essay argument , essay strategies , Mark Pennington , Opposing Claims , rebut , Rebuttal , Refutation , refute , Teaching Essay Strategies , types of evidence

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Claim vs. Counterclaim

What's the difference.

Claim and counterclaim are two essential components of argumentative writing. A claim is a statement that asserts a position or viewpoint on a particular issue, while a counterclaim is a statement that presents an opposing viewpoint or challenges the validity of the original claim. Both claim and counterclaim are necessary in order to present a well-rounded argument and consider multiple perspectives on a topic. By acknowledging and addressing counterclaims, writers can strengthen their own arguments and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of the issue at hand.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When engaging in a debate or argument, it is essential to understand the concepts of claim and counterclaim. Both play crucial roles in presenting and defending a particular viewpoint. While a claim asserts a position or belief, a counterclaim challenges or opposes that assertion. In this article, we will explore the attributes of claim and counterclaim, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Definition and Purpose

A claim is a statement that asserts a particular position or viewpoint. It is the main argument that a person or party is trying to prove or support. Claims are typically supported by evidence, reasoning, or examples to persuade others of their validity. On the other hand, a counterclaim is a statement that challenges or opposes a claim. It presents an alternative viewpoint or argument that contradicts the original assertion. The purpose of a counterclaim is to provide a different perspective and challenge the validity of the claim.

Evidence and Support

Claims are typically supported by evidence, reasoning, or examples to strengthen their validity. Evidence can come in various forms, such as statistics, research studies, expert opinions, or personal experiences. The quality and relevance of the evidence play a crucial role in convincing others of the claim's validity. On the contrary, a counterclaim also requires evidence and support to challenge the original assertion effectively. Counterclaims may use similar types of evidence to refute the claim or present contrasting evidence to support the opposing viewpoint.

Strength and Weakness

The strength of a claim lies in its ability to persuade others of the validity of a particular viewpoint. A strong claim is supported by compelling evidence, sound reasoning, and logical arguments. It effectively addresses the issue at hand and convinces others of its truth. However, a weak claim lacks sufficient evidence, reasoning, or support to convince others of its validity. It may be easily refuted or challenged by counterclaims that present stronger arguments or evidence. On the other hand, the strength of a counterclaim lies in its ability to challenge the original assertion effectively. A strong counterclaim presents a compelling alternative viewpoint supported by evidence and reasoning. It raises doubts about the validity of the claim and forces others to consider different perspectives. Conversely, a weak counterclaim fails to provide sufficient evidence or reasoning to challenge the claim effectively. It may be easily dismissed or refuted by the original assertion.

Relevance and Impact

The relevance of a claim lies in its ability to address the issue at hand and persuade others of a particular viewpoint. A relevant claim is directly related to the topic of discussion and provides valuable insights or arguments. It contributes to the overall understanding of the issue and influences others' opinions. Conversely, an irrelevant claim fails to address the topic effectively or provide meaningful insights. It may distract from the main issue or confuse others with irrelevant information. On the other hand, the relevance of a counterclaim lies in its ability to challenge the original assertion effectively. A relevant counterclaim presents a valid alternative viewpoint that adds depth to the discussion and forces others to consider different perspectives. It highlights weaknesses in the original claim and encourages critical thinking. However, an irrelevant counterclaim fails to address the main issue or provide meaningful insights. It may detract from the discussion or confuse others with irrelevant arguments.

In conclusion, claims and counterclaims play essential roles in presenting and defending different viewpoints in debates or arguments. While claims assert a particular position or belief, counterclaims challenge or oppose that assertion. Both require evidence, reasoning, and support to strengthen their validity and persuade others. Understanding the attributes of claim and counterclaim is crucial for effectively engaging in debates and discussions, as it allows individuals to present and defend their viewpoints convincingly.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

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9.3: The Argumentative Essay

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Learning Objectives

• Examine types of argumentative essays

Argumentative Essays

You may have heard it said that all writing is an argument of some kind. Even if you’re writing an informative essay, you still have the job of trying to convince your audience that the information is important. However, there are times you’ll be asked to write an essay that is specifically an argumentative piece.

An argumentative essay is one that makes a clear assertion or argument about some topic or issue. When you’re writing an argumentative essay, it’s important to remember that an academic argument is quite different from a regular, emotional argument. Note that sometimes students forget the academic aspect of an argumentative essay and write essays that are much too emotional for an academic audience. It’s important for you to choose a topic you feel passionately about (if you’re allowed to pick your topic), but you have to be sure you aren’t too emotionally attached to a topic. In an academic argument, you’ll have a lot more constraints you have to consider, and you’ll focus much more on logic and reasoning than emotions.

Argumentative essays are quite common in academic writing and are often an important part of writing in all disciplines. You may be asked to take a stand on a social issue in your introduction to writing course, but you could also be asked to take a stand on an issue related to health care in your nursing courses or make a case for solving a local environmental problem in your biology class. And, since argument is such a common essay assignment, it’s important to be aware of some basic elements of a good argumentative essay.

When your professor asks you to write an argumentative essay, you’ll often be given something specific to write about. For example, you may be asked to take a stand on an issue you have been discussing in class. Perhaps, in your education class, you would be asked to write about standardized testing in public schools. Or, in your literature class, you might be asked to argue the effects of protest literature on public policy in the United States.

However, there are times when you’ll be given a choice of topics. You might even be asked to write an argumentative essay on any topic related to your field of study or a topic you feel that is important personally.

Whatever the case, having some knowledge of some basic argumentative techniques or strategies will be helpful as you write. Below are some common types of arguments.

Causal Arguments

• In this type of argument, you argue that something has caused something else. For example, you might explore the causes of the decline of large mammals in the world’s ocean and make a case for your cause.

Evaluation Arguments

• In this type of argument, you make an argumentative evaluation of something as “good” or “bad,” but you need to establish the criteria for “good” or “bad.” For example, you might evaluate a children’s book for your education class, but you would need to establish clear criteria for your evaluation for your audience.

Proposal Arguments

• In this type of argument, you must propose a solution to a problem. First, you must establish a clear problem and then propose a specific solution to that problem. For example, you might argue for a proposal that would increase retention rates at your college.

Narrative Arguments

• In this type of argument, you make your case by telling a story with a clear point related to your argument. For example, you might write a narrative about your experiences with standardized testing in order to make a case for reform.

Rebuttal Arguments

• In a rebuttal argument, you build your case around refuting an idea or ideas that have come before. In other words, your starting point is to challenge the ideas of the past.

Definition Arguments

• In this type of argument, you use a definition as the starting point for making your case. For example, in a definition argument, you might argue that NCAA basketball players should be defined as professional players and, therefore, should be paid.

https://assessments.lumenlearning.co...essments/20277

Essay Examples

• Click here to read an argumentative essay on the consequences of fast fashion . Read it and look at the comments to recognize strategies and techniques the author uses to convey her ideas.
• In this example, you’ll see a sample argumentative paper from a psychology class submitted in APA format. Key parts of the argumentative structure have been noted for you in the sample.

Link to Learning

For more examples of types of argumentative essays, visit the Argumentative Purposes section of the Excelsior OWL .

Contributors and Attributions

• Argumentative Essay. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/rhetorical-styles/argumentative-essay/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Image of a man with a heart and a brain. Authored by : Mohamed Hassan. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : pixabay.com/illustrations/decision-brain-heart-mind-4083469/. License : Other . License Terms : pixabay.com/service/terms/#license

EL Education Curriculum

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• ELA 2019 G8:M2:U3:L9

Write a Practice Argument Essay: Analyze and Draft a Counterclaim

In this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.

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Materials from previous lessons, new materials, closing & assessments, you are here:.

• ELA 2019 Grade 8
• ELA 2019 G8:M2
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Focus Standards:  These are the standards the instruction addresses.

• W.8.1, W.8.1a, W.8.1b, W.8.4, W.8.5, W.8.10, L.8.5b

Supporting Standards:  These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.

• RI.8.1, RI.8.4, RI.8.10, W.8.1c, W.8.6, SL.8.1, L.8.4, L.8.6
• I can identify the purpose of each part of the counterclaim paragraph of a model argument essay. ( W.8.1a )
• I can write the counterclaim of my practice essay. ( W.8.1a, W.8.4 )
• Opening: Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 9 ( W.8.1b )
• Work Time A: Annotated Model Essay ( W.8.1a )
• Work Time B: Language Dive: Counterclaim ( W.8.1a, L.8.5b )
• Work Time C: Counterclaim of Practice Argument Essay ( W.8.1a, W.8.4 )
• Prepare the Practice Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (one per student).
• Ensure there is a copy of Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 9 at each student's workspace.
• Strategically pair students for work in Opening A, with at least one strong reader per pair.
• Review the Argument Writing checklist to become familiar with what will be required of students over the remainder of the unit.
• Post the learning targets and applicable anchor charts (see Materials list).

Tech and Multimedia

• Work Time C: Prepare devices with word-processing capabilities for students to continue drafting.
• Continue to use the technology tools recommended throughout previous modules to create anchor charts to share with families; to record students as they participate in discussions and protocols to review with students later and to share with families; and for students to listen to and annotate text, record ideas on note-catchers, and word-process writing.

Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 8.I.C.11, 8.I.C.12, 8.II.A.1, and 8.II.A.2.

Important Points in the Lesson Itself

• To support ELLs, this lesson includes a Language Dive on a sentence that introduces a counterclaim in the model essay. Students will have already seen this sentence in the previous lessons while reading and analyzing the model essay. In the Practice portion of this Language Dive, students begin drafting a sentence for the counterclaim paragraph of their own essays. After the Language Dive, students will directly transfer what they have learned and practiced while writing the practice argument essay.
• Students may find it difficult to understand the structure of a counterclaim paragraph and struggle to form a coherent counterclaim in their essays. Prioritize the collaborative portions of the lesson to ensure that students are receiving appropriate support and that they are able to discuss and ask questions as they become more familiar with this element of an essay. The oral rehearsal portion of Work Time C may be especially beneficial for ELLs.
• dimension, rebuttal, refute, validity (A)

(A): Academic Vocabulary

(DS): Domain-Specific Vocabulary

• Academic word wall (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 2, Opening A)
• Characteristics of Argument Writing anchor chart (example for teacher reference) (from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Closing A)
• Characteristics of Argument Writing anchor chart (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Closing A)
• Model Essay: "Transportation Choices" (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time A)
• Argument Writing checklist (example for teacher reference) (from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time C)
• Argument Writing checklist (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time C)
• Practice Argument Essay Writing Plan graphic organizer (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 5, Work Time C)
• The Omnivore’s Dilemma (one per student; Module 2, Unit 1, Lesson 1, Closing and Assessment A)
• Painted Essay® template (one per student; from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
• Model Essay: “Transportation Choices” (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time A)
• Argument Writing checklist (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time C)
• Independent reading journals (one per student; begun in Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
• Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 9 (example for teacher reference)
• Practice Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (example for teacher reference)
• Language Dive Guide: Model Essay: "Transportation Choices," Paragraph 5 (for teacher reference)
• Green, red and yellow markers (one of each color)
• Language Dive: Model Essay: "Transportation Choices," Paragraph 5 note-catcher (example for teacher reference)
• Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 9
• Practice Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (one per student and one for display)
• Practice Essay Counterclaim note-catcher ▲
• Language Dive: Model Essay: “Transportation Choices,” Paragraph 5 note-catcher (one per student)
• Language Dive: Model Essay: “Transportation Choices,” Paragraph 5 sentence chunk strips (one per group)
• Devices (one per student; see Technology and Multimedia)

Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write an a+ argumentative essay.

Miscellaneous

You'll no doubt have to write a number of argumentative essays in both high school and college, but what, exactly, is an argumentative essay and how do you write the best one possible? Let's take a look.

A great argumentative essay always combines the same basic elements: approaching an argument from a rational perspective, researching sources, supporting your claims using facts rather than opinion, and articulating your reasoning into the most cogent and reasoned points. Argumentative essays are great building blocks for all sorts of research and rhetoric, so your teachers will expect you to master the technique before long.

But if this sounds daunting, never fear! We'll show how an argumentative essay differs from other kinds of papers, how to research and write them, how to pick an argumentative essay topic, and where to find example essays. So let's get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay? How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Essays?

There are two basic requirements for any and all essays: to state a claim (a thesis statement) and to support that claim with evidence.

Though every essay is founded on these two ideas, there are several different types of essays, differentiated by the style of the writing, how the writer presents the thesis, and the types of evidence used to support the thesis statement.

Essays can be roughly divided into four different types:

#1: Argumentative #2: Persuasive #3: Expository #4: Analytical

So let's look at each type and what the differences are between them before we focus the rest of our time to argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are what this article is all about, so let's talk about them first.

An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance.

An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the factually and logically correct one. This means that an argumentative essay must use only evidence-based support to back up a claim , rather than emotional or philosophical reasoning (which is often allowed in other types of essays). Thus, an argumentative essay has a burden of substantiated proof and sources , whereas some other types of essays (namely persuasive essays) do not.

You can write an argumentative essay on any topic, so long as there's room for argument. Generally, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one, so long as you support the argumentative essay with hard evidence.

Example topics of an argumentative essay:

• "Should farmers be allowed to shoot wolves if those wolves injure or kill farm animals?"
• "Should the drinking age be lowered in the United States?"
• "Are alternatives to democracy effective and/or feasible to implement?"

The next three types of essays are not argumentative essays, but you may have written them in school. We're going to cover them so you know what not to do for your argumentative essay.

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, so it can be easy to get them confused. But knowing what makes an argumentative essay different than a persuasive essay can often mean the difference between an excellent grade and an average one.

Persuasive essays seek to persuade a reader to agree with the point of view of the writer, whether that point of view is based on factual evidence or not. The writer has much more flexibility in the evidence they can use, with the ability to use moral, cultural, or opinion-based reasoning as well as factual reasoning to persuade the reader to agree the writer's side of a given issue.

Instead of being forced to use "pure" reason as one would in an argumentative essay, the writer of a persuasive essay can manipulate or appeal to the reader's emotions. So long as the writer attempts to steer the readers into agreeing with the thesis statement, the writer doesn't necessarily need hard evidence in favor of the argument.

Often, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one—the difference is all in the approach and the evidence you present.

Example topics of a persuasive essay:

• "Should children be responsible for their parents' debts?"
• "Should cheating on a test be automatic grounds for expulsion?"
• "How much should sports leagues be held accountable for player injuries and the long-term consequences of those injuries?"

Expository Essay

An expository essay is typically a short essay in which the writer explains an idea, issue, or theme , or discusses the history of a person, place, or idea.

This is typically a fact-forward essay with little argument or opinion one way or the other.

Example topics of an expository essay:

• "The History of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell"
• "The Reasons I Always Wanted to be a Doctor"
• "The Meaning Behind the Colloquialism ‘People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones'"

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay seeks to delve into the deeper meaning of a text or work of art, or unpack a complicated idea . These kinds of essays closely interpret a source and look into its meaning by analyzing it at both a macro and micro level.

This type of analysis can be augmented by historical context or other expert or widely-regarded opinions on the subject, but is mainly supported directly through the original source (the piece or art or text being analyzed) .

Example topics of an analytical essay:

• "Victory Gin in Place of Water: The Symbolism Behind Gin as the Only Potable Substance in George Orwell's 1984"
• "Amarna Period Art: The Meaning Behind the Shift from Rigid to Fluid Poses"
• "Adultery During WWII, as Told Through a Series of Letters to and from Soldiers"

There are many different types of essay and, over time, you'll be able to master them all.

A Typical Argumentative Essay Assignment

The average argumentative essay is between three to five pages, and will require at least three or four separate sources with which to back your claims . As for the essay topic , you'll most often be asked to write an argumentative essay in an English class on a "general" topic of your choice, ranging the gamut from science, to history, to literature.

But while the topics of an argumentative essay can span several different fields, the structure of an argumentative essay is always the same: you must support a claim—a claim that can reasonably have multiple sides—using multiple sources and using a standard essay format (which we'll talk about later on).

This is why many argumentative essay topics begin with the word "should," as in:

• "Should all students be required to learn chemistry in high school?"
• "Should children be required to learn a second language?"
• "Should schools or governments be allowed to ban books?"

These topics all have at least two sides of the argument: Yes or no. And you must support the side you choose with evidence as to why your side is the correct one.

But there are also plenty of other ways to frame an argumentative essay as well:

• "Does using social media do more to benefit or harm people?"
• "Does the legal status of artwork or its creators—graffiti and vandalism, pirated media, a creator who's in jail—have an impact on the art itself?"
• "Is or should anyone ever be ‘above the law?'"

Though these are worded differently than the first three, you're still essentially forced to pick between two sides of an issue: yes or no, for or against, benefit or detriment. Though your argument might not fall entirely into one side of the divide or another—for instance, you could claim that social media has positively impacted some aspects of modern life while being a detriment to others—your essay should still support one side of the argument above all. Your final stance would be that overall , social media is beneficial or overall , social media is harmful.

If your argument is one that is mostly text-based or backed by a single source (e.g., "How does Salinger show that Holden Caulfield is an unreliable narrator?" or "Does Gatsby personify the American Dream?"), then it's an analytical essay, rather than an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay will always be focused on more general topics so that you can use multiple sources to back up your claims.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

So you know the basic idea behind an argumentative essay, but what topic should you write about?

Again, almost always, you'll be asked to write an argumentative essay on a free topic of your choice, or you'll be asked to select between a few given topics . If you're given complete free reign of topics, then it'll be up to you to find an essay topic that no only appeals to you, but that you can turn into an A+ argumentative essay.

What makes a "good" argumentative essay topic depends on both the subject matter and your personal interest —it can be hard to give your best effort on something that bores you to tears! But it can also be near impossible to write an argumentative essay on a topic that has no room for debate.

As we said earlier, a good argumentative essay topic will be one that has the potential to reasonably go in at least two directions—for or against, yes or no, and why . For example, it's pretty hard to write an argumentative essay on whether or not people should be allowed to murder one another—not a whole lot of debate there for most people!—but writing an essay for or against the death penalty has a lot more wiggle room for evidence and argument.

A good topic is also one that can be substantiated through hard evidence and relevant sources . So be sure to pick a topic that other people have studied (or at least studied elements of) so that you can use their data in your argument. For example, if you're arguing that it should be mandatory for all middle school children to play a sport, you might have to apply smaller scientific data points to the larger picture you're trying to justify. There are probably several studies you could cite on the benefits of physical activity and the positive effect structure and teamwork has on young minds, but there's probably no study you could use where a group of scientists put all middle-schoolers in one jurisdiction into a mandatory sports program (since that's probably never happened). So long as your evidence is relevant to your point and you can extrapolate from it to form a larger whole, you can use it as a part of your resource material.

And if you need ideas on where to get started, or just want to see sample argumentative essay topics, then check out these links for hundreds of potential argumentative essay topics.

101 Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay and Speech Topics

301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Top 50 Ideas for Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Writing

[Note: some of these say "persuasive essay topics," but just remember that the same topic can often be used for both a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay; the difference is in your writing style and the evidence you use to support your claims.]

KO! Find that one argumentative essay topic you can absolutely conquer.

Argumentative Essay Format

Argumentative Essays are composed of four main elements:

• A position (your argument)
• Your reasons
• Supporting evidence for those reasons (from reliable sources)
• Counterargument(s) (possible opposing arguments and reasons why those arguments are incorrect)

If you're familiar with essay writing in general, then you're also probably familiar with the five paragraph essay structure . This structure is a simple tool to show how one outlines an essay and breaks it down into its component parts, although it can be expanded into as many paragraphs as you want beyond the core five.

The standard argumentative essay is often 3-5 pages, which will usually mean a lot more than five paragraphs, but your overall structure will look the same as a much shorter essay.

An argumentative essay at its simplest structure will look like:

Paragraph 1: Intro

• Set up the story/problem/issue
• Thesis/claim

Paragraph 2: Support

• Reason #1 claim is correct
• Supporting evidence with sources

Paragraph 3: Support

• Reason #2 claim is correct

Paragraph 4: Counterargument

• Explanation of argument for the other side
• Refutation of opposing argument with supporting evidence

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

• Re-state claim
• Sum up reasons and support of claim from the essay to prove claim is correct

Now let's unpack each of these paragraph types to see how they work (with examples!), what goes into them, and why.

Paragraph 1—Set Up and Claim

Your first task is to introduce the reader to the topic at hand so they'll be prepared for your claim. Give a little background information, set the scene, and give the reader some stakes so that they care about the issue you're going to discuss.

Next, you absolutely must have a position on an argument and make that position clear to the readers. It's not an argumentative essay unless you're arguing for a specific claim, and this claim will be your thesis statement.

Your thesis CANNOT be a mere statement of fact (e.g., "Washington DC is the capital of the United States"). Your thesis must instead be an opinion which can be backed up with evidence and has the potential to be argued against (e.g., "New York should be the capital of the United States").

Paragraphs 2 and 3—Your Evidence

These are your body paragraphs in which you give the reasons why your argument is the best one and back up this reasoning with concrete evidence .

The argument supporting the thesis of an argumentative essay should be one that can be supported by facts and evidence, rather than personal opinion or cultural or religious mores.

For example, if you're arguing that New York should be the new capital of the US, you would have to back up that fact by discussing the factual contrasts between New York and DC in terms of location, population, revenue, and laws. You would then have to talk about the precedents for what makes for a good capital city and why New York fits the bill more than DC does.

Your argument can't simply be that a lot of people think New York is the best city ever and that you agree.

In addition to using concrete evidence, you always want to keep the tone of your essay passionate, but impersonal . Even though you're writing your argument from a single opinion, don't use first person language—"I think," "I feel," "I believe,"—to present your claims. Doing so is repetitive, since by writing the essay you're already telling the audience what you feel, and using first person language weakens your writing voice.

For example,

"I think that Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

"Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

The second statement sounds far stronger and more analytical.

Paragraph 4—Argument for the Other Side and Refutation

Even without a counter argument, you can make a pretty persuasive claim, but a counterargument will round out your essay into one that is much more persuasive and substantial.

By anticipating an argument against your claim and taking the initiative to counter it, you're allowing yourself to get ahead of the game. This way, you show that you've given great thought to all sides of the issue before choosing your position, and you demonstrate in multiple ways how yours is the more reasoned and supported side.

Paragraph 5—Conclusion

This paragraph is where you re-state your argument and summarize why it's the best claim.

Briefly touch on your supporting evidence and voila! A finished argumentative essay.

Your essay should have just as awesome a skeleton as this plesiosaur does. (In other words: a ridiculously awesome skeleton)

Argumentative Essay Example: 5-Paragraph Style

It always helps to have an example to learn from. I've written a full 5-paragraph argumentative essay here. Look at how I state my thesis in paragraph 1, give supporting evidence in paragraphs 2 and 3, address a counterargument in paragraph 4, and conclude in paragraph 5.

Topic: Is it possible to maintain conflicting loyalties?

Paragraph 1

It is almost impossible to go through life without encountering a situation where your loyalties to different people or causes come into conflict with each other. Maybe you have a loving relationship with your sister, but she disagrees with your decision to join the army, or you find yourself torn between your cultural beliefs and your scientific ones. These conflicting loyalties can often be maintained for a time, but as examples from both history and psychological theory illustrate, sooner or later, people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever.

The first two sentences set the scene and give some hypothetical examples and stakes for the reader to care about.

The third sentence finishes off the intro with the thesis statement, making very clear how the author stands on the issue ("people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever." )

Paragraphs 2 and 3

Psychological theory states that human beings are not equipped to maintain conflicting loyalties indefinitely and that attempting to do so leads to a state called "cognitive dissonance." Cognitive dissonance theory is the psychological idea that people undergo tremendous mental stress or anxiety when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or loyalties (Festinger, 1957). Even if human beings initially hold a conflicting loyalty, they will do their best to find a mental equilibrium by making a choice between those loyalties—stay stalwart to a belief system or change their beliefs. One of the earliest formal examples of cognitive dissonance theory comes from Leon Festinger's When Prophesy Fails . Members of an apocalyptic cult are told that the end of the world will occur on a specific date and that they alone will be spared the Earth's destruction. When that day comes and goes with no apocalypse, the cult members face a cognitive dissonance between what they see and what they've been led to believe (Festinger, 1956). Some choose to believe that the cult's beliefs are still correct, but that the Earth was simply spared from destruction by mercy, while others choose to believe that they were lied to and that the cult was fraudulent all along. Both beliefs cannot be correct at the same time, and so the cult members are forced to make their choice.

But even when conflicting loyalties can lead to potentially physical, rather than just mental, consequences, people will always make a choice to fall on one side or other of a dividing line. Take, for instance, Nicolaus Copernicus, a man born and raised in Catholic Poland (and educated in Catholic Italy). Though the Catholic church dictated specific scientific teachings, Copernicus' loyalty to his own observations and scientific evidence won out over his loyalty to his country's government and belief system. When he published his heliocentric model of the solar system--in opposition to the geocentric model that had been widely accepted for hundreds of years (Hannam, 2011)-- Copernicus was making a choice between his loyalties. In an attempt t o maintain his fealty both to the established system and to what he believed, h e sat on his findings for a number of years (Fantoli, 1994). But, ultimately, Copernicus made the choice to side with his beliefs and observations above all and published his work for the world to see (even though, in doing so, he risked both his reputation and personal freedoms).

These two paragraphs provide the reasons why the author supports the main argument and uses substantiated sources to back those reasons.

The paragraph on cognitive dissonance theory gives both broad supporting evidence and more narrow, detailed supporting evidence to show why the thesis statement is correct not just anecdotally but also scientifically and psychologically. First, we see why people in general have a difficult time accepting conflicting loyalties and desires and then how this applies to individuals through the example of the cult members from the Dr. Festinger's research.

The next paragraph continues to use more detailed examples from history to provide further evidence of why the thesis that people cannot indefinitely maintain conflicting loyalties is true.

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Some will claim that it is possible to maintain conflicting beliefs or loyalties permanently, but this is often more a matter of people deluding themselves and still making a choice for one side or the other, rather than truly maintaining loyalty to both sides equally. For example, Lancelot du Lac typifies a person who claims to maintain a balanced loyalty between to two parties, but his attempt to do so fails (as all attempts to permanently maintain conflicting loyalties must). Lancelot tells himself and others that he is equally devoted to both King Arthur and his court and to being Queen Guinevere's knight (Malory, 2008). But he can neither be in two places at once to protect both the king and queen, nor can he help but let his romantic feelings for the queen to interfere with his duties to the king and the kingdom. Ultimately, he and Queen Guinevere give into their feelings for one another and Lancelot—though he denies it—chooses his loyalty to her over his loyalty to Arthur. This decision plunges the kingdom into a civil war, ages Lancelot prematurely, and ultimately leads to Camelot's ruin (Raabe, 1987). Though Lancelot claimed to have been loyal to both the king and the queen, this loyalty was ultimately in conflict, and he could not maintain it.

Here we have the acknowledgement of a potential counter-argument and the evidence as to why it isn't true.

The argument is that some people (or literary characters) have asserted that they give equal weight to their conflicting loyalties. The refutation is that, though some may claim to be able to maintain conflicting loyalties, they're either lying to others or deceiving themselves. The paragraph shows why this is true by providing an example of this in action.

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Whether it be through literature or history, time and time again, people demonstrate the challenges of trying to manage conflicting loyalties and the inevitable consequences of doing so. Though belief systems are malleable and will often change over time, it is not possible to maintain two mutually exclusive loyalties or beliefs at once. In the end, people always make a choice, and loyalty for one party or one side of an issue will always trump loyalty to the other.

The concluding paragraph summarizes the essay, touches on the evidence presented, and re-states the thesis statement.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: 8 Steps

Writing the best argumentative essay is all about the preparation, so let's talk steps:

#1: Preliminary Research

If you have the option to pick your own argumentative essay topic (which you most likely will), then choose one or two topics you find the most intriguing or that you have a vested interest in and do some preliminary research on both sides of the debate.

Do an open internet search just to see what the general chatter is on the topic and what the research trends are.

Did your preliminary reading influence you to pick a side or change your side? Without diving into all the scholarly articles at length, do you believe there's enough evidence to support your claim? Have there been scientific studies? Experiments? Does a noted scholar in the field agree with you? If not, you may need to pick another topic or side of the argument to support.

#2: Pick Your Side and Form Your Thesis

Now's the time to pick the side of the argument you feel you can support the best and summarize your main point into your thesis statement.

Your thesis will be the basis of your entire essay, so make sure you know which side you're on, that you've stated it clearly, and that you stick by your argument throughout the entire essay .

#3: Heavy-Duty Research Time

You've taken a gander at what the internet at large has to say on your argument, but now's the time to actually read those sources and take notes.

Check scholarly journals online at Google Scholar , the Directory of Open Access Journals , or JStor . You can also search individual university or school libraries and websites to see what kinds of academic articles you can access for free. Keep track of your important quotes and page numbers and put them somewhere that's easy to find later.

And don't forget to check your school or local libraries as well!

#4: Outline

Follow the five-paragraph outline structure from the previous section.

Fill in your topic, your reasons, and your supporting evidence into each of the categories.

Before you begin to flesh out the essay, take a look at what you've got. Is your thesis statement in the first paragraph? Is it clear? Is your argument logical? Does your supporting evidence support your reasoning?

By outlining your essay, you streamline your process and take care of any logic gaps before you dive headfirst into the writing. This will save you a lot of grief later on if you need to change your sources or your structure, so don't get too trigger-happy and skip this step.

Now that you've laid out exactly what you'll need for your essay and where, it's time to fill in all the gaps by writing it out.

Take it one step at a time and expand your ideas into complete sentences and substantiated claims. It may feel daunting to turn an outline into a complete draft, but just remember that you've already laid out all the groundwork; now you're just filling in the gaps.

If you have the time before deadline, give yourself a day or two (or even just an hour!) away from your essay . Looking it over with fresh eyes will allow you to see errors, both minor and major, that you likely would have missed had you tried to edit when it was still raw.

Take a first pass over the entire essay and try your best to ignore any minor spelling or grammar mistakes—you're just looking at the big picture right now. Does it make sense as a whole? Did the essay succeed in making an argument and backing that argument up logically? (Do you feel persuaded?)

If not, go back and make notes so that you can fix it for your final draft.

Once you've made your revisions to the overall structure, mark all your small errors and grammar problems so you can fix them in the next draft.

#7: Final Draft

Use the notes you made on the rough draft and go in and hack and smooth away until you're satisfied with the final result.

A checklist for your final draft:

• Formatting is correct according to your teacher's standards
• No errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Essay is the right length and size for the assignment
• The argument is present, consistent, and concise
• Each reason is supported by relevant evidence
• The essay makes sense overall

#8: Celebrate!

Once you've brought that final draft to a perfect polish and turned in your assignment, you're done! Go you!

Be prepared and ♪ you'll never go hungry again ♪, *cough*, or struggle with your argumentative essay-writing again. (Walt Disney Studios)

Good Examples of Argumentative Essays Online

Theory is all well and good, but examples are key. Just to get you started on what a fully-fleshed out argumentative essay looks like, let's see some examples in action.

Check out these two argumentative essay examples on the use of landmines and freons (and note the excellent use of concrete sources to back up their arguments!).

The Use of Landmines

A Shattered Sky

The Take-Aways: Keys to Writing an Argumentative Essay

At first, writing an argumentative essay may seem like a monstrous hurdle to overcome, but with the proper preparation and understanding, you'll be able to knock yours out of the park.

Remember the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative one, make sure your thesis is clear, and double-check that your supporting evidence is both relevant to your point and well-sourced . Pick your topic, do your research, make your outline, and fill in the gaps. Before you know it, you'll have yourself an A+ argumentative essay there, my friend.

What's Next?

Now you know the ins and outs of an argumentative essay, but how comfortable are you writing in other styles? Learn more about the four writing styles and when it makes sense to use each .

Understand how to make an argument, but still having trouble organizing your thoughts? Check out our guide to three popular essay formats and choose which one is right for you.

Ready to make your case, but not sure what to write about? We've created a list of 50 potential argumentative essay topics to spark your imagination.

Courtney scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT in high school and went on to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. She is passionate about bringing education and the tools to succeed to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, as she believes open education is one of the great societal equalizers. She has years of tutoring experience and writes creative works in her free time.

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