09 Nov Counterargument Essay

Compose a They Say/I Say paper in which you argue against an article with which you disagree.
Think of this as the “counterargument” and your response as your “rebuttal.” The article must be
substantial enough to support in depth and developed disagreement. Moreover, it should stem
from a reputable published periodical (no blogs, personal sites, or .gov/.org/.edu websites).

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The following provides a general overview of the guidelines for your paper. Body paragraph
numbers are a general suggestion that you will adapt to meet your argument’s needs. More
detailed guidelines will be discussed in class on Writing Workshop days:

The introduction paragraph hooks the reader by introducing the specific debate you are writing
into with your paper. This is what makes the paper a “problem–first” paper. There are many
“problems” associated with a specific essay/article you have chosen to respond to so you will
need to narrow your focus. The introduction ends with your thesis statement.

Body paragraph 1 summarizes the essay you have chosen for your counterargument.

Body paragraph 2 praises an aspect (or aspects) of your opposition’s argument. Sources can
help you develop this praise.

Body paragraph 3 critiques an aspect of your opposition’s argument. Sources can help you
develop this critique.

Body paragraph 4 argues your own first reason for your rebuttal. You must use sources here to
support your refutation.

Body paragraph 5 builds upon BP 4 and argues your own second reason for your rebuttal. You
must use sources here to support your refutation.

The conclusion restates the thesis in different words; it then explains the “so what?” of the
problem. Closes with a concrete connection to your own life or the reader’s life.

Your Works Cited should be MLA formatted and list, in alphabetical order, your sources.

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