Writing a Rebuttal

1
Writing a Rebuttal

• Identifying the other side

2
The purpose of a rebuttal

• Show that you understand both sides of the
  argument
• Show that after understanding both sides of the
  argument you STILL chose your side
• Counter arguments that the other side might have

3
How to start

• Start by writing statements like
• The opposing side might say
• The other side of the argument is
• A popular view might be

4
How to write it

• Identify an opposing idea
• Give a quote or support from the text for the
  opposing idea
• Explain the opposing idea and how the quote
  connects
• Counter the opposing idea (say why the opposing
  idea is still wrong) using your own ideas and
  support from the text

5
Sample

• If the essay was in support of school uniforms
  for students the rebuttal would say
• A popular view amongst students might be that not
  wearing uniforms allows students to express
  themselves. In the article by Jon Doe he states,
  6 out of 10 students see wearing their own
  clothes as a way to show who they really are.
  While the idea that teenagers should be able to
  express themselves as individuals is genuine,
  school should not be the place to do so.
  Students have the opportunity to wear clothes to
  express themselves in the hours they are not in
  school.

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The End