Templates for Responding to Counterarguments The claim that. _ rests upon the questionable assumption that X may have been true in the past, but recent research has shown that By focusing on , X has overlooked the more significant problem of Although I agree with X up to a point, I cannot accept the overall conclusion that _, I still insist that Though I concede that Whereas X has provided ample evidence that , Y and Z's research on and convinces me that instead. Although I grant that, , I still maintain that While it is true that it does not necessarily follow that_ How do I introduce a counter-argument? Counter-argument in an essay has two stages. In this first stage, you turn against your argument to challenge it. The following is a listing of ways to approach introducing counter-arguments and templates for structuring them: 1) Imagine a skeptical reader Yet some readers may challenge the view that After all, many believe. . Indeed, my own argument that seems to ignore Of course, many will probably disagree with this assertion that and 2) Cite an actual source, critic or group of critics, who might resist your argument Here many feminists would probably object that But social Darwinists would certainly take issue with the argument that Nevertheless, both followers and critics of Malcolm X will probably argue that 3) Look at your arguments themselves for possible: problems with your conclusion Others, however, may conclude disadvantages to what you propose This proposed solution does have some disadvantages alternative explanations that makes more sense. Alternatively, this issue could be viewed After introducing your counter-argument, you state the case against yourself as briefly but as clearly and forcefully as you can, pointing to evidence where possible How Do I Rebut a Counter Argument? In the second stage, you turn back to re-affirm your argument. You may consider the following rebuttal tactics and models for structuring them: 1) Quote acknowledged experts that support your position While many may see this argument as flawed, expert in his field, also finds_ 2) Redefine the criteria of "known" concepts John Smith, an Although I grant that. couldn't it also be possible that 3) Find agreement and show how your new idea supports a shared idea I agree with X that Furthermore, this idea actually supports my point because 4) Pointing out faulty assumptions in your critic's arguments where: the facts are wrong Proponents of X are right to argue that when they claim that. But they exaggerate the analysis is incorrect While it is true that. _, it does not necessarily follow that the values it is based on are not acceptable It is dangerous to believe. because Following the introduction of your rebuttal, you must then go on to suggest why the opposing argument is relatively less important or less likely than what you propose, and thus, doesn't overturn it. Let's Practice! Argument The primary focus in medical end-of-life decisions should be on patient consent, rather than doctor intention, because it is not a breach against a patient's rights if s/he consents to the termination of their life. Counter-argument Terminally ill patients are likely to be depressed, and, therefore, unable to consent to their hastened death in a balanced or acceptable way. Rebuttal Depression can be managed. The relevance of depression must be made on a case-by-case basis. Depression does not warrant a general rule prohibiting patients from consenting to a hastened death. Practice Using the information provided in the chart above, try to introduce and rebut the counter-argument in paragraph form below: