Honors 01-16-2014

The time today was spent with a little bit of information on counter-arguments (courtesy of the Harvard Writing Center).  I summarized the ideas below.

1) A good counter argument allows you to:

-test your argument

-offer a persuasive tactic

-disarm your opponents

-anticipate doubts

-pre-empt objections

2) A good counter-argument also:

-presents you as a person who weighs alternatives before arguing

-presents you as someone who confronts problems instead of sweeping them under the rug

-presents you as someone more interested in the truth than the victory

3) Present your counter-argument by:

-transitioning to the opposite opinion

-arguing against yourself as well as you argue for your claim

4) By the way, a weak counter-argument is ineffective

5) Now refute the counter-argument by either:

-showing how it is mistaken

-acknowledging its validity but then explaining why it is less important

-conceding that it is a darn good point but then reaffirming your dedication to your original claim

Tomorrow we will look at a sample counter-argument paragraph.  There will be several things I want to point out so that you can be sure to include them in your paper to make it as effective as possible.  Be sure to bring your devices again since all the labs have been previously reserved.  

The dog draft will be coming in Tuesday with a final copy due date tentatively looming on the 27th.

See you soon.