Exercises — Week 11: Writing Persuasive Essays; Sources and Information Needs

1. Counterargument Planner

1. STATE YOUR THESIS — Write your current, revised thesis in one sentence.
2. IDENTIFY THE STRONGEST COUNTERARGUMENT — What is the most reasonable objection to your claim? State it fairly and completely, as someone who holds that view would state it.
3. SOURCE THE COUNTERARGUMENT — Is there a credible source that represents this opposing view? If yes, name it. This shows you have engaged with real opposition, not a straw man.
4. WRITE YOUR CONCESSION — Acknowledge what is valid or understandable about the opposing view: 'While it is true that...,' 'Some researchers argue persuasively that...'
5. WRITE YOUR REBUTTAL — Explain why, despite the counterargument, your position still holds. Cite specific evidence: 'However, the evidence from [source] demonstrates...'
6. CHECK — Does your rebuttal directly address the counterargument, or does it change the subject? A strong rebuttal meets the opposing view on its own terms and then surpasses it.