Argument & Counterarguing

Question 1

Argument

Answer 1

Writing that tries to persuade the reader

Question 2

6 Types of Support for an Argument

Answer 2

1. Facts
2. Statistics
3. Authorities
4. Anecdotes
5. Scenarios
6. Cases

Question 3

Counterarguing

Answer 3

Acknowledging an opponent’s concern by either accommodating or refuting the argument

Question 4

When You Acknowledge…

Answer 4

You mention an objection to YOUR argument

1. You may refute it (completely disagree)
2. Or you may accommodate it (you see their point but don’t believe it is a strong enough argument)

Question 5

When You Accommodate…

Answer 5

• You will qualify your own position
• Without refuting or evaluating whether it is a good or bad point
• point out that it is a good point, but it is not serious enough to undermine your own position

Question 6

When You Refute…

Answer 6

• The values, principles, or beliefs are not widely shared or just plain wrong
• The reasoning is flawed
• The opposing objection lacks convincing support