What is a counterargument

Summary

In this informative video, Coach Hall addresses a common question about the AP Language exam: the necessity of including a counterargument in synthesis or argument essays. He clarifies that while it's not a requirement per the exam's current rubric, effectively addressing a counterargument can enhance the nuance and sophistication of an essay. Coach Hall advises that teachers may still instruct students to include counterarguments to develop their argumentation skills, which are valuable beyond the exam. He discusses where in an essay a counterargument might be placed for maximum effect and explains two methods for addressing it: counter claim and rebuttal, and concession and reputation. The video provides sentence frames to help students construct these elements in their writing. Coach Hall concludes with an example of a concession and reputation, emphasizing the importance of considering the counterargument even if it's not mandatory on the AP Lang exam.

Takeaways

• 📚 A counterargument is the opposing side of your argument, representing the extent of the argument's spectrum.
• ❌ Addressing a counterargument is not required by the AP Lang exam rubric but can enhance the sophistication of your argument.
• 💡 Including a counterargument can improve your essay by showing you've considered other perspectives and can strengthen your own argument.
• 👍 Some teachers may require a counterclaim and rebuttal or concession and refutation in essays to develop argument skills beneficial for college and beyond.
• 📈 Placing the counterargument in your essay is flexible; it can be in the first body paragraph, last, or within a paragraph.
• ⏳ If you address the counterargument early, ensure you have time to develop your other points to avoid an unfinished essay.
• 🔄 The most common approach is to include the counterargument in the final body paragraph, which helps manage essay pacing.
• 🔍 Students often address counterarguments within body paragraphs, sometimes just in a sentence or two, to further their argument.
• 📝 Two methods for addressing counterarguments are counter claim and rebuttal, and concession and refutation.
• 🔗 A counter claim and rebuttal are presented together, with the rebuttal disproving the counter claim to support your own argument.
• 🤔 A concession and refutation acknowledge the merit of the opposing view but then provide evidence to refute it, reinforcing your argument.
• 📈 Using these techniques can help you create a more nuanced argument, increase credibility, and effectively counter opposing viewpoints.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the video?

The main topic of discussion in the video is whether or not including a counterargument is necessary in AP Lang synthesis or argument essays.

What is a counterargument?

A counterargument is the opposing side of your argument, presenting an alternative viewpoint that stands in contrast to the one you are advocating.

Is addressing a counterargument required in the AP Lang exam?

No, addressing a counterargument is not required as part of the current synthesis or argument rubrics for the AP Lang exam.

Why might a student choose to include a counterargument in their essay even if it's not required?

A student might choose to include a counterargument to create a more nuanced argument, demonstrating consideration of other perspectives, which can increase their credibility and help to squash opposing viewpoints.

Can including a counterargument guarantee earning the sophistication point in an essay?

No, including a counterargument does not guarantee earning the sophistication point, but doing so effectively can contribute to a more sophisticated argument.

What are the two main techniques for addressing a counterargument in an essay?

The two main techniques for addressing a counterargument are a counter claim and rebuttal, and a concession and reputation.

What is the purpose of a counter claim and rebuttal in an essay?

A counter claim and rebuttal serve to present and then disprove the opposing viewpoint, thus strengthening the writer's own argument.

What is the purpose of a concession and reputation?

A concession and reputation serve to acknowledge the merit or value of the opposing argument while still providing proof that the writer's own viewpoint is correct or more valid.

Where can a counterargument be placed in an essay?

A counterargument can be placed anywhere in the essay where it best fits the writer's argument, such as in the first body paragraph, as a final body paragraph, or within a body paragraph.

Why might a teacher require students to include a counter claim and rebuttal or concession and reputation in their essays?

Teachers might require these elements to help students develop their argument skills, which are valuable not just for the AP Lang exam but also for future college papers and everyday situations.

What is the advice given for students who choose to include a counterargument in their first body paragraph?

The advice is to ensure they have enough time to develop their other points to avoid the essay seeming unfinished or contradicting the thesis.

How can students adapt the provided sentence frames to their writing style?

Students can adapt the sentence frames by interchanging words to fit their personal writing style and the specific argument they are making.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Counterarguments in AP Lang Essays

This paragraph introduces the topic of whether counterarguments are necessary in AP Lang synthesis or argument essays. The speaker, Coach Hall, addresses the common question and outlines the structure of the video, which will cover the definition of a counterargument, its necessity in the AP Lang exam, and strategies for including it effectively in an essay. The speaker also encourages viewers to subscribe and follow on TikTok for more content and live study sessions as the exam approaches.

05:02

🚫 Counterargument Not Mandatory, But Valuable

The speaker clarifies that while including a counterargument is not a requirement for the AP Lang exam, doing so can enhance the nuance and sophistication of an argument. They explain that addressing a counterargument is not just beneficial for the exam but also for developing argument skills that are useful in college and everyday life. The paragraph also touches on the potential requirement by some teachers to include counterclaims and rebuttals or concessions and reputations in essays as a means to improve argumentation skills.

🤔 Placement and Techniques for Counterarguments

The paragraph discusses the strategic placement of counterarguments within an essay. The speaker suggests that the writer can choose where to place the counterargument based on where it fits best and is most effective. They mention that some students prefer to address it in the first body paragraph, while others reserve it for the last body paragraph or weave it into the body paragraphs. The paragraph also introduces two common methods for addressing counterarguments: counter claim and rebuttal, and concession and reputation, providing sentence frames to help construct these techniques.

📝 Example and Recap of Counterargument Techniques

The speaker provides an example of a concession and reputation within a body paragraph in response to a class discussion prompt about technology versus play in elementary education. The example illustrates how to concede a point about the importance of computer literacy while still arguing for the primacy of social-emotional learning through non-technology-based play. The paragraph concludes with a recap, reiterating that addressing the counterargument is not required on the AP Lang exam but can be beneficial for skill development. It summarizes the two major techniques for addressing counterarguments and encourages viewers to subscribe for more helpful content.

Keywords

💡Counterargument

A counterargument is the opposing viewpoint to the one being presented in an argument or essay. In the context of the AP Lang exam, addressing a counterargument is not required but can lead to a more nuanced and sophisticated argument. The video discusses the importance of considering counterarguments to strengthen one's own position and credibility.

💡Synthesis

Synthesis refers to the process of combining different ideas or sources to form a coherent argument or understanding. In the AP Lang exam, students are often required to synthesize multiple texts or perspectives to construct an essay. The video touches on how including a counterargument can enhance the synthesis of different viewpoints in an essay.

💡Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a type of writing where the author presents a claim and supports it with evidence and reasoning. The video focuses on the role of counterarguments in argumentative essays, specifically in the context of the AP Lang exam, and how they can contribute to the development of a more sophisticated argument.

💡Sophistication

Sophistication in writing refers to the depth and nuance of an argument. It involves considering various perspectives and presenting a well-rounded view. The video explains that while including a counterargument is not a requirement for the AP Lang exam, it can contribute to the sophistication of an essay by showing that the writer has considered opposing viewpoints.

💡Rubric

A rubric is a set of criteria or guidelines used to evaluate work, such as essays. In the context of the AP Lang exam, the rubric outlines what is expected in an essay for it to achieve a certain score. The video clarifies that the current rubric does not require addressing a counterargument, but doing so can still be beneficial.

💡Counter Claim and Rebuttal

A counter claim is the opposing position to the writer's claim, and a rebuttal is the response that refutes the counter claim. The video discusses this technique as a way to address counterarguments, emphasizing that they should come as a pair to further the writer's own argument and not just advocate for the opposing side.

💡Concession and Refutation

A concession acknowledges the merit or value of the opposing argument, while a refutation provides proof that the opposing view is incorrect or false. The video presents this as a softer approach to addressing counterarguments, allowing the writer to recognize the other side's value while still supporting their own argument.

💡Pacing

Pacing refers to the rhythm or speed at which an essay is written, particularly in timed essays like the AP Lang exam. The video advises students to consider pacing when deciding where to include a counterargument in their essay to ensure they have enough time to develop all points effectively.

💡Rhetorical Analysis

Rhetorical analysis is the process of examining the techniques used by writers or speakers to persuade or influence an audience. The video mentions that AP Lang students often work on rhetorical analysis, which can include the use of concessions and refutations to enhance an argument.

💡Sentence Frames

Sentence frames are templates or structures that help writers construct sentences, particularly when addressing complex concepts like counterarguments. The video provides sentence frames for both counter claim and rebuttal, as well as concession and refutation, to assist students in incorporating these techniques into their essays.

💡Social Media

Social media is mentioned in the video as a platform where the presenter shares content and interacts with followers. It is also used as an example of a context where argument skills, including the ability to address counterarguments, can be useful in everyday situations, such as debates or discussions.

Highlights

The video discusses the necessity of including a counterargument in AP Lang synthesis or argument essays.

Subscribing and turning on notifications is encouraged for future AP Lang content.

Counterargument is defined as the opposing side of one's argument.

Addressing the counterargument is not a requirement in the AP Lang exam rubric.

Effectively addressing a counterargument can lead to a more nuanced and sophisticated argument.

Including a counterargument is not guaranteed to earn the sophistication point but can enhance the essay.

Some teachers may require a counter claim and rebuttal or concession and refutation for skill development.

Knowing how to address a counterargument is valuable beyond the AP Lang exam, in college and everyday situations.

The decision to include a counterargument and where to place it in the essay is up to the writer.

Including a counterargument in the first body paragraph can be useful but requires careful timing.

Many students prefer to include the counterargument as the final body paragraph for pacing ease.

Addressing the counterargument within body paragraphs can be less intimidating for beginners.

Two common methods for addressing the counterargument are counter claim and rebuttal, and concession and refutation.

Counter claim and rebuttal must come as a pair to further the writer's argument.

Concession and refutation is a softer approach that acknowledges the merit of the opposing side before refuting it.

Sentence frames are provided to help construct counter claim and rebuttal, and concession and refutation.

An example of concession and refutation is given in the context of technology use in elementary schools.

The video concludes with a recap of the key points regarding the inclusion and placement of counterarguments in essays.

Transcripts

hey everybody welcome back to coach Hall

rights in today's video we're going to

be talking about one of the most

frequently asked questions that I

receive about the aplang exam and that

is do I really need to include a

counterargument in my synthesis or

argument essays before we begin let's

stay in touch please be sure to make

sure that you are subscribed with your

notifications turned on that way you

don't miss any future AP Lang content as

you prepare for the exam also if you are

a Tik Tok user would love it if you

would follow me on that platform as well

I try to post videos on my coach Hall

rights account each day and as the exam

approaches I'll be going live on Tik Tok

to help you study for the exam so in

this video we're going to talk about

what a counterargument actually is if

you really need one for the aping exam

and if so where you should put it in

your essay and what it should look like

let's start by talking about what a

counterargument actually is so simply

put a cter C argument is basically the

opposing side of your argument you might

have noticed that in some synthesis or

argument prompts it says the phrase to

what extent that's because essentially

arguments exist on a Continuum and so

whatever position you choose to argue

presumably there is an opposite side as

well that's the counter argument so do

you really need to include one the short

answer is no addressing the counter

argument is not required as part of the

current synthesis or argument rubrics

however effectively addressing the

counter argument can lead to a more

nuanced argument which is one of the

tenants of sophistication now I want to

be clear here just because you include a

counter argument in your essay it does

not guarantee that you will earn the

sophistication point however even if you

include it and don't earn the

sophistication point if you do it well

it could help your evidence and

commentary I also want to address one

other thing and that is even though it's

not mandatory for the exam some teachers

will require that you include a counter

claim and rebuttal or concession and

reputation in your essays and that's to

help you develop your argument skills

knowing how to address the counter

argument is not just valuable for AP

Lang it will help you in future College

papers and honestly it sometimes comes

up in everyday situations as well

whether it's debating with somebody

about something on social media or

writing an email or just talking to a

friend or a family number you might need

these skills so even though it is not

mandatory on the AP Lang exam you might

choose to include a counter claim and

rebuttal or concession and reputation so

let's talk about why this might be

helpful first of all it could help you

create a more nuanced argument and this

is because it would demonstrate that

you've considered other perspectives

which sort of increases your credibility

for your perspective as well it can also

help you squash opposing arguments or

viewpoints and in turn you will further

your argument so even though it's not

mandatory let's say that you want to

include one in your essay where does the

counter argument go well here's the

thing you get to decide so we want to

think about where does it fit best in

your argument we want to think about

where it's most effective and also where

it's most logical to help your line of

reasoning so there's going to be a few

different options we're going to talk

about what it might be like in body

paragraph one the last body paragraph

and also within a body paragraph

so some students like to include it as

body paragraph one and that's because

they kind of like to address the

counterargument early to sort of get it

out of the way this can be a useful

technique but I want to encourage you to

make sure that if you do this in a timed

essay that you have plenty of time to

develop your other points because if you

address the counter argument in your

first body paragraph and then you don't

have time for your other body paragraphs

it will make your essay seem very

unfinished and also it might seem like

you're contradicting your thesis that's

not to discourage you from using this

approach just be mindful of your pacing

and your timing most commonly I see

students including the counterargument

as a final body paragraph many students

prefer this method because since they

put it at the end of their essay they

don't have to worry about pacing as much

because if they're running out of time

they can just omit that paragraph and

they've already made their other points

therefore they've already constructed

their argument now most of my students

actually tend to prefer to address the

counterargument within their body

paragraphs in many cases this is only a

sentence or two so it's not meant to try

for the sophistication point but rather

it's just a way to further their

argument as you're just starting out

with this technique including it within

a body paragraph can be helpful because

I think it's less intimidating there are

two common methods for addressing the

counter argument one is a counter claim

and rebuttal the other is a concession

and reputation so let's talk about what

those terms mean a counter claim and

rebuttal must come as a pair the counter

claim is the opposite position that's

the claim that goes against your claim

and the rebuttal is a statement to

disprove the counter claim so again they

come as a pair because if you only have

the counter claim then you're not

furthering your own argument you're

actually kind of advocating for the

other side so make sure that they come

as a pair in comparison to a concession

and reputation a counter claim and

rebuttal are a bit more bold and so

there's definitely a time or place for

this technique here are some sentence

frames that you can use to construct a

counter claim and rebuttal the sentence

frames are pretty versatile so you can

adapt them to your own writing style or

to your argument and a lot of the words

can be interchanged as well so for

instance if you prefer however instead

of yet just adapt it to your needs if

you find these sentence frames helpful

please feel free to screenshot this

slide and also teachers I'll include

some additional teaching resources in

the description box of this video the

second method for addressing the

counterargument is a concession and

reputation this approach is a little bit

softer because the concession means that

you are acknowledging the Merit or the

value of the other side now like I said

before we need a pair so a concession

should be followed by a reputation so

even though you're acknowledging that

there is some value to the opposing

argument you still want to provide proof

that the opposing view is incorrect or

false and that your side is the side to

go with thus furthering your own

argument now presumably if you are an AP

Lang student you've also worked on

rhetorical analysis and so you might

have noticed that some of the writers or

speakers have used a concession and

reputation in the passages that you've

studied so just like it can help those

writers further their argument you can

use this technique to further your

argument here are some sentence frames

that you can use to construct a

concession and reputation as with the

previous sentence frames these are

pretty versatile so please feel free to

adapt them to your needs and your

writing style if you'd like you may

screenshot this slide now let's look at

a quick example of what a concession and

reputation could look like this

particular example is meant to be part

of a larger body paragraph and this is

in response to a prompt that my students

talk about in class in which they have

to discuss whether elementary schools

especially kindergarten should be more

Technology based or more play based so

you can see on the slide that the or

orange is the concession and the blue is

the reputation so here's what it says

while it is true that we live in a

digital world and as such students need

computer literacy skills adding these

skills to the elementary curriculum

should not come at the expense of an

even more crucial skill social emotional

learning a skill best achieved through

non-technology based play so you can see

here that in the orange we're conceding

that computer literacy is important it's

a digital world so yes kids need access

to computers however the point that

we're ultimately trying to prove though

is that for the younger grades it's very

important that they have time to play

that's how they learn and we don't

necessarily need a tablet or a

Chromebook to achieve that so anyway

that's one quick example but there are

several ways to adapt this technique for

your writing all right let's do a quick

recap do you need to address the counter

argument in your AP Lang synthesis or

argument essays on the exam no however

your teacher might ask you to do so in

class to help you further your skills if

you choose to address the

counterargument it can technically go

anywhere in your essay so make sure that

you're thinking about your pacing and

where it best fits for your argument

there are two major techniques that you

can use a counter claim and rebuttal and

a concession and reputation if you found

this video helpful please make sure that

you subscribe turn those notifications

on that way you don't miss any future

apealing videos and as always happy

writing