Page 104 - 2021-bfw-shea-all-2e

entire position, but they might represent a different course of action, or might go
5
beyond what you are willing to propose.
Some writers address the counterargument at the beginning of their piece,
immediately conceding and refuting their opponents’ points. Other writers may wait
until later in their argument, after they have made their strongest points. Mckesson
addresses a key counterargument toward the end of his essay when he points out
that not everyone believes in the same approach to confronting the bully of white
supremacy. Notice how he raises several other possibilities, and then works to explain
Changing the World
why his approach might be the best:
In the face of the bully, there are seemingly only two options: to challenge him or to
accept him. I never understood the notion of “fight or flight” in this context, because
“flight” would only be a temporary reprieve and not an actual stance. I couldn’t avoid the
street forever, and I shouldn’t have had to. “Fight” feels like an equally false option-
overcoming the bully should not rest on adopting his tactics. When we accept these
options, we run, we fight, we push back, because it seems like these are the only things we
can do. In a world of incessant battles and their accompanying exhaustion, survival can
become the overriding theme in how we think about living, and fear something that we
unconsciously accept.
The basic approach of addressing counterarguments is to acknowledge and
concede any valid points your opponents might make, and then refute the main thrust
of their arguments. Unaddressed counterarguments linger in the minds of thoughtful
readers who say, “Yeah, but what about ?” Your job as a successful writer
of arguments includes anticipating all reasonable objections to your claim and
presenting evidence that your point of view is the most reasonable.
It may be tempting to use a phrase such as “Some people say ” but
this only prompts readers to question, “Who?” Try, instead, to fully understand and
describe the opposition’s position, and respectfully identify any noteworthy experts who
hold that view.

activity Writing Body Paragraphs
Draft three body paragraphs. One focusing primarily on personal experience as
evidence, one integrating support from an outside source, and one introducing and
refuting a key counterargument. Use the Point-Evidence-Commentary structure as a
guide. Share your body paragraphs with a partner or in a small group, to help you make
sure that your points are clear, that your evidence is balanced with commentary, and
that you fully and ethically present and refute the counterargument. Then, return to your
claim (p. 83) and the organizational structure you identified (pp. 85–86 ) and draft any
remaining body paragraphs for your essay. The number of paragraphs you need will
depend on your purpose and the complexity of your topic.

88
88
Copyright © Bedford/St. Martin’s. Uncorrected proofs have been used in this sample chapter.
Distributed by BFW Publishers. Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution.

sheaall2e_24428_ch05_002_095.indd 88 09/07/20 5:30 PM