How to Write a Counterargument

1. How to Write a Counterargument

2. What is the opposing viewpoint? How will you respond? • Put yourself in the shoes of someone who might disagree with your opinion on your topic. Come up with one main argument or concern they might state against your main points and provide a response that shows why you believe your opinion should be supported.

3. Example #1: • My main point: Social media has a negative influence on society due to the risk of cyberbullying. • Opposing viewpoint: Bullying happens everywhere, not just on social media, and it can’t be avoided. • My Response: True, bullies are everywhere, but social media makes it easier for bullies to harm someone because they can bully someone from behind a screen. • Concrete detail/example: For example, when people are face-to-face with others, they are less likely to make hurtful comments because they are afraid of how someone might physically respond to them in a harmful way. • Commentary/elaboration: This shows how social media makes it easier for people to make hateful comments without any fear of retaliation. • Elaboration: People can also use social media anonymously, so people don’t know who is bullying them, also making it less likely for them to fight back. • Conclusion: It is obvious that social media leads to more bullying because it is easier for people to make comments they would say in person.

4. Example #2 • My main point: Social media has a positive impact on society because it allows people to keep in touch with friends and family. • Opposing viewpoint: People don’t need social media to keep in touch with friends and family because they can write letters or talk on the phone. • My response (counterargument): People don’t have time to write letters and aren’t available to talk on the phone when they live in different time zones. • Concrete detail/example: For example, my sister lives in Germany, and the best way to communicate with her is through social media because it is free and accessible any time. • Commentary: This shows how social media provides a quick, convenient way for people to talk to family members who live far away. • Elaboration: Furthermore, social media is a free tool people can use to stay in touch, which proves that it is more accessible than other communication devices. • Conclusion: It is obvious that social media can be used in positive ways to help strengthen relationships and communicate with loved ones.