Persuasive Writing vs. Writing an Argument

1
Persuasive Writing vs. Writing an Argument

• Are you prepared to consider your opponent,
  then prove that he/she is wrong?

2
When you counter argue..

• You consider a possible argument AGAINST your
  thesis/opinion.
• You first TURN AGAINST your own opinion.
• You then RETURN or TURN BACK to your own argument
  to defend it.
• This all occurs within the same paragraph.

3
The TURN AGAINST

• Think of your target audience who are you trying
  to convince of your position?
• Think of what your audience would say about YOUR
  positionremember they are speaking AGAINST what
  your opinion is!
• Example
• You are grounded for getting a D on the last
  English test, but you really want to go to the
  party Billy Bob is throwing on Saturday night.
• Think of four reasons why you should be able to
  go, then four counter arguments your mom will
  make as to why you shouldnt go.

4
The Turn Against Possible Phrases

• One might object here that.
• Its true that
• Admittedly
• It might seem obvious that
• Some may have different opinions, but
• Although it seems that .
• Many people may think.

5
Counter Argument Example Bear Hunt

• Opinion The recent NJ bear hunt was an
  unnecessary measure to reduce the bear
  population. (My opinion WITHOUT saying, I
• feel )
• Turn Against
• Although the mass numbers of bears in the area
  are causing major upheaval and these animals have
  become a nuisance to residential areas in New
  Jersey,

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Remember, in the Turn Back

• return to your own argument/opinion.
• keep it in the paragraph as the Turn Against
  (can be the same sentence if the TA is a
  subordinate clause).
• use careful reasoning not just opinions.
• show why the opposition is mistaken.
• acknowledge that the opposing argument is valid,
  but suggest why its less important than your
  thesis/opinion.

7
The Turn BackPossible Transition Words/Phrases

• but
• yet
• however
• nevertheless
• still
• but remember
• the facts state
• it is crucial that people

REMEMBER NO YOU or NO I!!!
8
Counter Argument Example Bear Hunt

• Opinion The recent NJ bear hunt was an
  unnecessary measure to reduce the bear
  population. (My opinion WITHOUT saying, I
• feel )
• COUNTER ARGUMENT
• Although the mass numbers of bears in the area
  are causing major upheaval and these animals have
  become a nuisance to residential areas in New
  Jersey, the recent state-wide bear hunt was an
  unnecessary measure to reduce the bear
  population. Instead of killing the innocent
  animals, they could have been trapped and
  transported to various national forests.

Notice how I added a counter argument and went
back to my side/opinion INCLUDING the use of
facts by giving an alternative solution!