Model argumentative essay with counterclaim

Here is an example of a simplified counterclaim and rebuttal paragraph's topic sentence: X = your argument or claim. Y = the claim of the opposing side of your argument. Skeptics of X _____ claim Y _____ ; however, these arguments are weak because X_____. Those who oppose X ______ say that Y _____, yet they are incorrect because X _____.

A counterclaim and rebuttal paragraph, if done well, gives you a chance to respond to the reader's potential arguments before they are done reading. It also shows that you have considered both sides of the debate, which strengthens your position.

Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample. Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

Rather than weakening your paper, a good counterclaim paragraph will actually strengthen your essay by showing that you have thoughtfully considered both sides of the issue before arriving at your own claim. On the other hand, some people say that rock music contains lyrics that are both provocative and r ebellious.