When writing, start the paragraph off with something that will catch people’s attention. Sentence starters/counterclaim are great ways to catch the reader’s attention and therefore more people will be interested in what you have written. If you’re wondering what a good sentence starter/counterclaim looks like, let me introduce you to some!
Good sentence starters/ ways to start your counterclaims:
- Although one may argue….
- Some people feel that….
- While it may be true that….
- It’s easy to think that….
- Although some people believe….
Now let me introduce you to rebuttals which are used to argue your counterclaim.
Good Rebuttals
- Although one may argue ____; However, ____..
- While it may be true that …, still all in all …
- It’s easy to think…because… but when the facts are looked at…
- Although people think/believe … others understand/think/believe
Counterclaim:
Differing viewpoints from the author’s claim; the opposing view (the other side of the argument)
Rebuttal:
Evidence that helps negate or disagree with the counterclaims; reasons why the counterclaim are untrue
Example:
Claim:
Mcdonalds should be considered a restaurant because they offer healthy options, including water, fruit, and a salad.
Counterclaim:
While it may be true that they have a few healthy options on the menu, Mcdonalds should not overall be considered “healthy” because the vast majority of their options are greasy, fried, and high in calories.
Rebuttal: However, Even though Mcdonalds has unhealthy options in their menu, they are really trying to improve their healthy meals over the last few years by “championing children’s well-being, expanding, and improving nutritionally balanced meal choices, and increasing customers’ and employees access to nutrition information” (“Mcdonald’s USA”) This includes reducing the sodium in their foods and giving more healthy options for kids (Happy meals).