The document provides guidance on how to effectively include a counter-argument in an essay. It recommends introducing the counter-argument in a new paragraph before the conclusion to preempt reader objections. It also advises maintaining a respectful tone and considering the opposing viewpoint before providing further support for one's own position. Sample language is given for introducing a counter-claim and transitioning back to the main argument.

1. S O M E S A Y T H I S I S D I F F I C U L T , B U T I N R E A L I T Y ,
I T ’ S R E A L L Y V E R Y S I M P L E .
COUNTER-ARGUMENT

2. COUNTER-ARGUMENT: WHAT’S THE
POINT?
• Actually makes your argument stronger because
you can respond to your reader’s objections before
they are done reading your paper.
• Shows you are a reasonable person and have
considered both sides of the debate.

3. HOW DO I BEGIN?
• Begin by brainstorming what the other side believes.
• Pick one belief from the other side
• Start a new paragraph right before your conclusion
• Begin the paragraph with what the other side’s
belief is
• Follow this with continued support for your belief
• *The key here is to remain respectful of the other
side. If you begin being disrespectful, your counter-
argument will not have a positive effect. It will
actually harm your argument.

4. WAYS TO BEGIN COUNTER CLAIM
PARAGRAPHS
• Many people believe that__________.
• It is often thought that _____________.
• It might seem as if _________________.
• While it is common that ____________.

5. WAYS TO TRANSITION FROM THE
OPPOSITE SIDE BACK TO YOUR
OPINION
• What this argument fails to consider is _____________.
• This view sounds convincing at first but ____________.
• Although the core claim is valid, it suffers from the
flaw in its _____________.

6. EXAMPLE
The writer’s opinion is that science is the best
academic class.
Counterclaim: It is often thought that social studies is
the favorite academic class for middle school
students. However, what this argument fails to
consider is that science allows for more hands-on
activities. For example, when studying amphibians,
you get to dissect a frog rather than just read about
an event from the past. (Continue paragraph with
other supportive statements.)