Drill April 23, 2014

1. Drill April 23, 2014 • Now that you’ve completed the three body paragraphs in support of your topic, it’s time to work on your rebuttal. Why do you think the rebuttal is necessary? How might it strengthen your work? • What do you think are the key components to a rebuttal paragraph? • Read over the quotations that you found for your rebuttal paragraph. How effective do you think they’ll be? Explain.

2. April 23, 2014 Agenda: Mini-Lesson on Rebuttal Paragraph Craft Rebuttal – Your Last Body Paragraph of the Year!  Homework: Finish rebuttal paragraph if needed.

3. Learning Targets • I can introduce the opposing argument in my own words. • I can cite a quote from the opposing view in correct MLA format. • I can acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid. • I can introduce the rebuttal by explaining in my own words why the opposition’s claims are incorrect or inconsequential (not a real problem). • I can cite three quotes that prove the opposing viewpoint is wrong. • I can summarize why the counter claim is faulty, and reiterate my arguable point.

4. Why is it important to have a counterargument paragraph? • When students are writing an argumentative essay, they need to acknowledge the valid points of the opposing argument, otherwise writers sound narrow-minded and thereby less effective. • Rather than weakening the paper, a good rebuttal paragraph will actually strengthen the essay by showing that the writer has thoughtfully considered both sides of the argument before arriving at the final argumentative position.

5. What should be included in the rebuttal paragraph? • Introduce the Opposing Argument • Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid • Counter the Argument • Summarize why the counter argument is not a sufficient solution

6. Step 1: Introduce the Opposing Argument • The writer summarizes the opposition's viewpoint openly and honestly. Ignoring the opposition is futile in that the audience is aware of the opposing arguments and will doubt the credibility of a presentation that chooses to ignore the opposition rather than deal with it. • Ways writers can begin: • But _______ is not completely inaccurate. • It is often argued that... • It is true that... • Opposing views claim...

7. Step 2: Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid • The writer acknowledges that some of the opposition's claims may be valid, but the writer still shows that his own claims are stronger. The strength of the writer's claims are more convincing than the opposing viewpoints. A writer might explain the opposition's weakest points, contrasting them with his argument's strongest points. • Ways writers can begin:Admittedly,Certainly,Of course,One cannot deny that... At the same time...

8. Step 3: Counter the Argument • Introduce the rebuttal of the concession argument. The writer refutes the opposition's claims showing they are incorrect or inconsequential--not a real problem. • Ways writers can begin:Nevertheless,However,On the other hand,But...

9. Step 4: Summarize Why Counter Claim is Faulty • The last step should summarize why the counter argument is not a sufficient solution. • Ways writers can begin:Thus,Therefore,As a result,Sometimes writers might just want to restate his/her position simply.

10. Sample Rebuttal Paragraph: • Read Sample Out Loud