For Argument’s Sake… Writing Counter-arguments and Rebuttals

1. For Argument’s Sake… Writing Counter-arguments and Rebuttals

2. ENDURING UNDERSTANDING 1. In order to write a convincing essay you may need to anticipate common opposing argumentsthat dispute your thesis. (Counter-argument) 2. The rebuttal serves to challenge opposing views by introducing stronger reasoning and evidence that will persuade the reader to accept your point of view.

3. LECTURE OUTLINE 1. Ensuring Balance in the GP Essay 2. Raising Counter-arguments (CA) 3. Assessing the validity of opposing views 4. Writing effective Rebuttals (R)

4. How to write an effective argumentative essay 1. Formulation of a sound introduction 2. Writing sound and well structured arguments 3. Enhancing PERSUASION by ensuring balance in the essay. 4. Well thought through conclusion that gives your argument closure

5. What Cambridge had to say…. ‘The need for awareness of different sides of an argument is a basic requirement of this paper. Balance need not be equally weighted between different positions, but it should be present.’

6. What Cambridge had to say…. “This raises some important points about organisation. Some candidates introduce an idea with a clear topic sentence, argue the case and illustrate it, but then seem to feel the need to counter a well-made point immediately in the same paragraph. This can result in some muddled thinking and discussion.”

7. What Cambridge had to say…. “It is probably advisable to consider opposing positions in a different paragraph, with a simple marker such as, ‘On the other hand…’ or ‘Nevertheless…’ to indicate an opposing viewpoint … If such markers are not used, the switch from one point of view to another is simply too abrupt and confusing.”

8. ENSURING BALANCE IN THE gp Essay Content Band 3 (13 to 18):“Balance is evident, although it may be awkwardly handled”. Band 2 (19 to 25):“…showing a balanced discussion which reflects a depth of evaluation and awareness of the issues raised by the question” Band 1 (26 to 30): “an original and insightful response with perceptive ideas and a balanced discussion which reflects thorough evaluation of the issues contained within the question”.

9. Essay structure INTRODUCTION Sets the context, contention stand and treatment Discusses your main arguments ENSURE BALANCE : • COUNTER-ARGUMENTS + REBUTTAL Definite ending where arguments aretied together MAIN BODY OF ESSAY CONCLUSION

10. LECTURE OUTLINE 1. Ensuring Balance in the GP Essay 2.Understanding counter-arguments and rebuttals 3. Assessing the validity of opposing views 4. Writing effective Rebuttals

11. What is a counter-argument? Understanding counter-arguments and rebuttals • Recognisingthe opposingside of the debate in order to strengthen your own argument. • Considering a possible argument against your thesis or some aspect of your reasoning. • Anticipating opposition and pre-empting objections that a sceptical reader might have.

12. In Anticipating Possible opposing views… • Ask 3 questions when you are trying to write • counterargument: • Whomight disagree with my position? • What argumentsmight they use against my proposition? • What examplesdo they normally cite to support their opposing argument?

13. What is a rebuttal? • A rebuttal is a response to the counter-argument where the latter is rendered weak or invalid in comparison to your argument  The rebuttal helps establish you as an unbiased expertand provides you with an opportunity to make your argument strongerby refuting the counter-argument.

14. In preparing your rebuttal… • How strong is the opposing view? • Will I have to concede any points? • What are the weak links in the opposition's thinking? • How can I refute these arguments?

15. An example of a counter argument

16. An example of a rebuttal

17. LECTURE OUTLINE 1. Ensuring Balance in the GP Essay 2. Understanding counter-arguments and rebuttals 3.Assessing the validity of opposing views 4. Writing effective Rebuttals

18. CONCESSION

19. Qn: To what extent can money attract the best leaders in society? Stand: monetary incentive is not the best way to develop leaders who are competent and morally righteous in society. CA: It is often argued that high salary would attract the best talents into the civil service; Proponents of this argument often attest that Singapore’s efficient government is testimony to this claim. They argue that all it takes is one under-qualified choice and the entire image and efficiency of the government is undermined. Concession: “While there is no denying that high salary is effective In attracting the most competent leaders into civil service, it may not be the best way to attract leaders who are both competent and morally righteous...”

20. Signposts to show concession

21. Signposting Counter-arguments

22. Simple counter-arguments + rebuttals Although people affected by murder are understandably angry or confused at the senseless loss of a loved one, capital punishment cannot bring them back. The gun lobby argues that guns are necessary for protection and security. While these are major concessions in our violent society, they are better dealt by a strong police force. While we accept that some religious groups have deep convictions against abortion, it is no way justifiable for them to impose them at a national level and seek the abolition of abortion.

23. LECTURE OUTLINE 1. Ensuring Balance in the GP Essay 2. Understanding counter-arguments and rebuttals 3. Assessing the validity of opposing views 4.Writing effective Rebuttals

24. Writing effective Rebuttals Writing the Rebuttal: • Return to your own argument involves careful reasoning, to show: - Acknowledge CA’s validity or plausibility, but suggest why it is less important, or weaker than your argument OR 2. How CA is mistaken

25. Signposting Rebuttal

26. … Putting it altogether… 1. Introduce your opponent’sargument 2. Concedeif there is some merit, or Decide whether it is flawed 3. Providerebuttal in favour of your view

27. Positioning a counter-argument You could put it … 1. as part of your introduction— to frame your contention 2. as a section or paragraph just after your introduction 3. In a separate paragraph from the rebuttal 4. Or in any part if your essay, as long as they are signposted clearly and are presented in a logical structure to enhance thepersuasiveness of your essay Not last paragraph before conclusion!!!

28. Essay structure OPTION 1OPTION 2OPTION 3 INTRODUCTION CA1 A1 A1 MAIN BODY OF ESSAY R1 A2 CA1 R1 CA2 CA1 CA2 R2 R1 CONCLUSION R2 A A3

30. THE REBUTTAL

31. The rebuttal (cont’d)

32. In preparing your rebuttal… • How strong is the opposing view? • Will I have to concedeto any points? • What are the weak links in the opposition's thinking? • How can I refute these arguments?

33. To what extent does the media create mediocrity?

34. To what extent does the media create mediocrity?

35. To what extent does the media create mediocrity?

36. To what extent does the media create mediocrity?

37. ENSURING BALANCE IN THE gp Essay Ensuring BALANCE is a key requirement in Paper 1(Cambridge’s Requirement) • This is achieved through the effective juxtaposition of counter arguments and rebuttals .  Balance DOES NOT mean merely showcasing the various perspectives and arguments on the issue. It means Strategically presenting the various counter arguments on the issue AND • rebutting each of them in order to substantiate/ support your stand.

38. ENDURING UNDERSTANDING 1. In order to write a convincing essay you may need to anticipate common opposing arguments that dispute your thesis. (Counter-argument) 2. The rebuttal serves to challenge opposing views by introducing stronger evidence and reasoning that will persuade the reader to accept your point of view.

39. WRITING THE CONCLUSION

41. Is Press censorship necessary?

42. Is Press censorship necessary?

43. Is Press censorship necessary?

44. Do international sporting events serve any purpose?

45. Is Press censorship necessary?