One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “Do I really need to include a counterargument in my synthesis or argument essays?” Or better yet: “what is a counter argument in an essay?”
If you’ve been wondering the same thing, I’ve got the answer for you!
What is a counter argument in an essay?
A counterargument is basically the opposing side of your argument. For AP® Lang, you might notice in some synthesis or argument prompts, it says the phrase, “to what extent.” That’s because arguments exist on a continuum. Whatever position you choose to argue, there is also an opposite side (the counterargument).
Do you really need to include a counterargument?
Although it’s not required as part of the current synthesis or argument rubrics, effectively addressing the counterargument can lead to a more nuanced argument, which is one of the tenants of sophistication.
Something important to keep in mind: just because you include a counterargument, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll earn the sophistication point. But, even if you include it and don’t earn the sophistication point, if done well, a counterargument can improve your evidence and commentary.
Even though it’s not mandatory for the exam, some teachers will require you to include a counterclaim and rebuttal or concession and refutation in your essays to help you develop your argument skills.
Knowing how to address the counterargument will help you in future college papers and even in everyday situations. Whether it’s debating with someone on social media, writing an email, or talking with a friend or family member, you might need these skills.
So, even though it’s not mandatory on the AP® Lang exam, you might choose to include a counterclaim and rebuttal or concession and refutation.
Why a Counterargument is Important
It could help you create a more nuanced argument by demonstrating that you’ve considered other perspectives. This helps to increase the credibility of your perspective.
It can also help you squash opposing viewpoints and in turn, further your argument.
You’ve decided to include a counterargument. Great! Now, where does it go?
You get to decide where it fits best in your argument. Consider where it would be most effective and logical to help your line of reasoning.
You have a few different options: body paragraph one, the last body paragraph, or within one of the body paragraphs.
Some people like to include the counterargument in paragraph one to address the counterargument early to get it out of the way.
Note: If you address the counterargument in the first body paragraph during a timed essay, it’s important to make sure you allow yourself enough time to develop your other points. If you address this in the first body paragraph and then run out of time to finish the rest of the body paragraph, it may make your essay seem unfinished or as though you’re contradicting your thesis.
Most commonly, students include the counterargument as a final body paragraph. This allows them to not worry about pacing as much. This way, if they’re running out of time, they can just omit that paragraph and they’ve already made their other points to construct their argument.
Many of my students choose to develop their counterargument within their body paragraphs. In many cases, this is only a sentence or two, so this isn’t a way to try to earn the sophistication point, rather to strengthen their argument. If you’re just starting out, including it in a body paragraph can be a good place to start because it isn’t as intimidating.
There are two common methods for addressing the counterargument: the counterclaim and rebuttal or the concession and refutation.
How to Write The Counterclaim and Rebuttal
The counterclaim and rebuttal must come as a pair. The counterclaim is the opposite position of your claim. The rebuttal is the statement to disprove the counterclaim. You must include the rebuttal, otherwise you are advocating for the other side.
Here are some sentence frames ideas for a counterclaim and rebuttal:
- Opponents of X claim that… However, …
- Proponents of X argue that… However, …
- A common objection to X is… Yet, …
- A common argument against X is…, but …
- While others may believe that…, they fail to consider/ignore the fact that…
- While others may claim that…, this view proves illogical because…
How to Write The Concession and Refutation
This method is a bit “softer” than the counterclaim and rebuttal because the concession means you’re acknowledging the merit or the value of the other side. We need a pair, so a concession should be followed by a refutation. Even though you’re acknowledging there is some value to the opposing argument, you still want to provide proof that the opposing view is incorrect/false and that your side is the side to go with, which strengthens your argument.
Here are some sentence frames ideas for a concession and refutation:
- While it is true that…one would be remiss not to realize that…
- While one cannot ignore the fact that…, one must also consider that…
- Yes, … However, …
- Certainly, … Yet, …
- True, … Though, …
- Sure, … However, …
Example of The Concession and Refutation
This example is meant to be part of a larger body paragraph. It is in response to a prompt that my students talk about in class, in which they have to discuss whether Kindergarten should be more technology-based or more play-based.
Here’s the example response:
While it is true we live in a more digital world and as such, students need computer literacy skills, adding these skills to the elementary curriculum should not come at the expense of an even more crucial skill: social-emotional learning, a skill best achieved through non-technology-based play.
You can see, in the italics above, we’re conceding that computer literacy is important. It’s a digital world and kids need access to computers. However, the point that we’re ultimately trying to prove is that in the younger grades, they learn through play and they don’t need technology to achieve that.
So, although it’s not a requirement to address the counterargument, it will strengthen your argument and may be a good idea to include it in your AP® Lang essay.
I hope you’ve found this writing tip helpful. For more helpful tips, check out Coach Hall Writes on Youtube. As always, happy writing!
