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At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important. 

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic.  Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
• Do GMOs help or harm people?
• Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
• Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
• Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
• Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
• Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

• Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
• Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
• Should sports be segregated by gender?
• Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
• Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
• Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
• Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
• Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
• Should religion be taught in schools?
• Should clergy be allowed to marry?
• Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
• Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
• Should assisted suicide be legal?
• Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
• Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

• Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
• Should Puerto Rico become a state?
• Should voter registration be automatic?
• Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
• Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
• Should sex work be legalized?
• Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
• Should the death penalty be legal?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should drug possession be decriminalized?

• Should unpaid internships be legal?
• Should minimum wage be increased?
• Should monopolies be allowed?
• Is universal basic income a good idea?
• Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
• Are school uniforms a good idea?
• Should PE affect a student’s grades?
• Should college be free?
• Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
• Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should books with objectionable words be banned?
• Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
• Is art education important?
• Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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25 Rebuttal Examples

Rebuttal is the process of presenting a counterargument to someone else’s claims or debate points. It is an essential element in the realm of debate and negotiations.

To rebut is not merely to disagree. It needs to be a thoughtful, factual, and logical response to the argument presented.

Some common methods of rebuttal include:

• Fact-checking: Go through the opponent’s fact claims and analyze each one to see if it’s accurate.
• Counterexamples: Provide real-life examples that demonstrate flaws in the opponent’s arguments.
• Ethical dispute: Counter the opponent’s perspective on ethical or moral grounds.

I’ll explore some more methods below.

Rebuttal Examples

1. fact-checking.

Fact-checking simply refers to looking at the series of claims presented by an opponent and seeing if they are factually accurate. You’ll do this by scrutinizing the accuracy of the information presented by the other side. If your opponent’s argument rests on incorrect or inaccurate facts, exposing these inaccuracies can quickly dismantle the structure of their argument.

Example: Suppose your opponent states, “Global warming is a hoax; last winter was extremely cold!” Your rebuttal could be, “Weather and climate are different. Despite a cold winter, long-term data supports global warming.” Here, you’ve used fact-checking to debunk the misleading statement.

2. Counterexamples

Counterexamples involve providing your own examples that challenge the claims made by the opponent. The goal is to offer a scenario or instance that directly contradicts or disproves the opposing argument argument, This can undermine the validity of your opponent, showing how it doesn’t hold up in all real-life circumstances.

Example: If an adversary argues, “All rich people are successful because they have money”, you could provide a counterexample such as, “John is wealthy due to inheritance, but he has not achieved any personal or professional success.” Through this demonstration, you’ve effectively countered the claim being made.

3. Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning is all about using a systematic series of analytical steps to see if each point logically follows from the one before it, with no leaps or gaps. Often, this does require you to look at the points step-by-step, trying to find instances where one point does not logically lead to another. By demonstrating that the opponent’s stance lacks logical coherence, and yours is logical, you can effectively nullify their argument.

Example: Let’s say someone asserts, “Eating ice cream makes you happy. Therefore, if everyone ate ice cream daily, there would be no sadness in the world.” Your rebuttal could involve logical reasoning: “While ice cream might provide a temporary boost, it doesn’t address complex causes of sadness or depression.” In this example, you’ve pointed out the simplistic and illogical nature of the original claim.

See More: Reasoning Examples

4. Highlighting Inconsistencies

This method of rebuttal zeroes in on contradictions within the opponent’s argument. The objective is to capture instances where they have made one point in one instance, and another in the next instance, and those two points contradict each other. Recognizing and pointing out these inconsistencies can demonstrate a weakness in their viewpoints and invalidate their overall argument.

Example: Suppose an opponent argues, “Cutting taxes stimulates business growth and should be applied universally,” but then contradicts themselves by stating, “Government services like healthcare and education need more funding.” By calling out the inconsistency between wanting lower taxes but more public services, you successfully weaken their argument.

5. Reductio ad Absurdum

Reductio ad Absurdum means “reducing an argument to absurdity”. This method involves taking the opponent’s argument to its most extreme logical conclusion and pointing out how irrational or implausible that conclusion would be. By doing so, this makes the other side’s argument appear unreasonable or nonsensical.

Example: Assume an opponent’s claim is, “Everyone should be allowed to say whatever they want, whenever they want, as an exercise of free speech.” Your rebuttal using reductio ad absurdum could be: “By that logic, should someone be allowed to falsely yell ‘fire’ in a crowded theater because of free speech? Surely that would lead to unnecessary panic and potential danger.”

See More: Reductio ad Absurdum Examples

6. Empirical Evidence

Empirical evidence puts forth real-world, verifiable data as a counterpoint to an opponent’s argument. It involves using objective facts, measurement, or observations to directly contest a claim. The strength of this form of rebuttal is that it appeals to tangible and measurable information that is difficult to refute, especially if it’s based on the scientific method.

Example: If an opponent argues, “Schools with standardized uniforms perform better academically,” you could counter with empirical evidence: “Many top-scoring countries in international education ranking, such as Finland, do not mandate school uniforms.”

See More: Empirical Evidence Examples

7. Expert Testimony

Calling on expert testimony as a form of rebuttal means citing a specialist or a professional to disprove the opponent’s argument. This could be a scientist, an academic, a historian, or any acknowledged authority on the topic being discussed. Their words typically carry weight due to their expertise in the field and can debunk the opposing argument, adding credibility to your own. But be careful of the appeal to authority fallacy – make sure the expert is actually an expert in the field, with strong evidence backing them.

Example: In a debate on climate change, if someone claims that “Climate change is cyclical and not significantly impacted by human activities,” you could rebut with expert testimony from reputable climate scientists: “Overwhelming consensus in the scientific community supports the fact that human activities, particularly carbon emissions, play a major role in accelerating climate change.”

8. Precedent

When using precedent as a rebuttal, your goal is to demonstrate that past events do not support the opponent’s claims. This might refer to exemplar events, past rulings in courts, past research, and any other established facts that could counter an opposing argument. If an opponent’s point is unprecedented or contradicts what has worked before, pointing out such an inconsistency can be an effective rebuttal.

Example: If an opponent argues that “The death penalty is an effective means to control crime,” you could rebut based on precedent: “Numerous studies based on precedents, such as states without the death penalty experiencing lower crime rates, indicate that the death penalty does not effectively deter crime.”

An analogy is a form of rebuttal where you draw a parallel with another situation to demonstrate flaws or absurdity in the opponent’s arguments. By pulling in an example that’s easy for audiences to understand, you can clearly show why the contrasting argument might not hold water.

Example: If your adversary insists, “We shouldn’t take action on climate change unless all countries agree to work together,” you could illustrate the weakness of this argument with an analogy: “If your roof was leaking, would you wait for your neighbors’ roofs to leak before you fixed yours? No, you’d take action immediately.”

10. Reframing the Argument

Reframing your opponent’s argument involves changing the perspective or emphasis of the conversation in order to challenge their standpoint. According to this tactic, you contest not necessarily the points made by your opponent, but the way they’ve chosen to present it. By putting the argument into another context or highlighting a different aspect of the problem, this method offers a fresh viewpoint to the audience.

Example: If an opponent asserts, “Cutting down on meat consumption hurts the farming industry,” your reframing could be: “We should be focusing on how the farming industry can adapt and grow more sustainable practices, which is a more reasonable solution to this problem.”

11. Pointing Out Fallacies

This rebuttal technique involves calling attention to logical fallacies—an error in reasoning—in the opponent’s argument. Logical Fallacies can often sound persuasive, but they tend to crumble under close scrutiny. By pointing them out, you show the audience that the argument being made is not as sound as it appears to be.

Example: If an opponent claims, “Most famous writers were heavy drinkers, so drinking must enhance creativity,” you could counter by highlighting the fallacy of the argument: “That’s a correlation-causation fallacy. It incorrectly assumes that being a heavy drinker leads to creativity, neglecting other factors like hard work or innate talent.”

See More: The Types of Fallacies

12. Historical Context

This form of rebuttal invokes history to challenge an opponent’s argument. Here, you draw examples from past events or periods to refute their claims or show that their argument is not compatible with historical accounts. It emphasizes how understanding context can change the meaning or implications of an argument. This is similar to precedent , outlined above.

Example: If someone posits, “The colonization period allowed for the spread of civilization to other parts of the world,” you could challenge this with historical context: “Your claim overlooks the many atrocities, human rights abuses, and cultural erasures that also took place during colonization.”

See More: Historical Context Examples

13. Ethical/Moral Grounds

This rebuttal method involves challenging the ethical or moral stance taken by the opponent in their argument. It is often used when the debate revolves around issues of moral judgement or ethical choices. The key here is to show that the opponent’s argument contradicts widely accepted moral or ethical standards.

Example: If an opponent declares, “It’s acceptable to test cosmetics on animals because it ensures the safety of the product for human use,” you could respond on ethical grounds: “Animal testing relies on causing harm to sentient beings, which many consider to be an unethical practice, regardless of the intended outcomes.”

See More: Ethical Dilemma Examples

14. Clarifying Definitions

This rebuttal strategy aims to disprove an opponent’s argument by clarifying or disputing the definitions of terms or concepts they have used. The goal is to expose any incorrect or misunderstood use of these terms, which may be the basis for their contention. Establishing a shared understanding of the terms being used often leads to generating more precise arguments.

Example: If an opponent argues, “Homeschooling is neglectful because it isolates children,” you could challenge their definition of homeschooling: “This contention is based on a misconception. Homeschooled children often interact with peers in community activities, cooperative learning endeavors, sports teams, and volunteer work.”

15. Challenging Assumptions

Challenging the assumptions of your opponent’s argument involves exposing and addressing the baseless or unsupported claims they have made. Such assumptions often underpin the core of their argument, and tearing them down can effectively challenge their stance.

Example: In a debate on public transport, if an opponent asserts, “Public transportation will always be less efficient than private cars,” you could challenge the underlying assumption, stating, “Your argument assumes all public transit is inefficient. Many cities globally have efficient, well-managed public transport systems.”

See More: Assumptions Examples

16. Demonstrating Bias

Demonstrating bias is a form of rebuttal where you show that your opponent’s argument may be rooted in personal or institutional bias. The bias could skew the evidence they present or the way they interpret it. Providing evidence of these biases may discredit your opponent’s argument, illustrating that it’s not derived from balanced analysis.

Example: If an opponent cites an article from a known politically biased journalist, arguing, “According to this article, cutting environmental regulations promotes industrial growth,” you can rebut by demonstrating bias: “We should consider the source of this article, the journalist has a record of arguing for deregulation and could be presenting the information with an inherent bias.”

See More: A List of Types of Bias

17. Questioning Sources

Questioning sources involves examining the credibility and reliability of the information that your opponent presents in their argument. In the era of rampant misinformation, it has become increasingly necessary to verify sources of information. By questioning the legitimacy of your opponent’s sources, you can potentially undermine their argument.

Example: If an opponent uses a social media post to support their argument, “A post on Facebook revealed that vaccines cause autism,” you could question the source, asserting, “Social media posts are not credible sources of health information. Reputable scientific studies repeatedly confirm that there is no link between vaccines and autism.”

See More: Best Sources to Cite in Essays

18. Comparative Analysis

Comparative analysis as a rebuttal involves comparing the opponent’s argument or case to another scenario or instance where the outcomes were different, thus disproving their claim. It’s about taking a similar but not identical situation and drawing relevant conclusions.

Example: If your opponent insists, “A strict dress code in the office improves productivity,” you could employ a comparative analysis: “Tech companies like Google and Facebook, known for their relaxed dress codes, have consistently ranked high in productivity.”

19. Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis revolves around using empirical data, numbers, and statistics to disprove an opponent’s argument. Well-conducted research yields statistics that represent factual, quantifiable evidence which can be persuasive in a debate.

Example: If an opponent claims, “Children who watch more TV perform worse academically,” your rebuttal could involve statistical analysis: “A recent large-scale study showed no significant correlation between time spent watching TV and academic performance, once controlled for other factors like socioeconomic status and parental education level.”

20. Exposing Oversimplifications

Oversimplifications often occur when an opponent reduces a complex problem into an overly simple cause and effect relation. Tackling such oversimplifications requires you to expose the inherent complexity of the issue, highlighting that reality is more nuanced than the opponent’s portrayal.

Example: If an opponent posits, “Unemployment is simply due to laziness”, your rebuttal could be, “Such a claim dramatically oversimplifies a multifaceted issue. Unemployment can be caused by various economic factors such as automation, outsourcing, and economic downturns.”

See More: Oversimplification Examples

21. Highlighting Missing Information

Missing information, or gaps in information, can weaken an argument. If you can identify and point out this missing information, it can undermine the validity of the opponent’s argument, leading to a powerful rebuttal.

Example: Should your adversary argue, “Banning soft drinks in schools will solve the obesity problem,” your counter-argument could highlight missing information: “This argument overlooks other more significant aspects of diet and lifestyle, such as the foods parents put in children’s lunch boxes.”

22. Demonstrating Irrelevance

Demonstrating irrelevance involves showing that the opponent’s argument or a part of it is not relevant to the issue at hand. This can be a formidable rebuttal strategy as it invalidates the opponent’s argument without necessarily proving it wrong. This is related to pointing out the red herring fallacy in an opponent’s argument.

Example: If someone argues, “Solar energy will never work because it’s not always sunny,” you could demonstrate irrelevance: “Modern solar energy systems store power for use during cloudy days or nights, making this argument irrelevant.”

23. Pointing Out Contradictions

Pointing out contradictions involves identifying and spotlighting points in an opponent’s argument that contradict each other. This approach is potent because it shows a lack of coherence in the other side’s argument, which undermines its strength and credibility.

Example: If an opponent argues, “We should focus on developing green energy to combat climate change, yet we must continue to support coal industries for job preservation,” you could expose the contradiction: “Your argument contradicts itself because promoting coal industries undermines the push towards green energy, which you acknowledge is crucial for combating climate change.”

See More: Contradiction Examples

24. Challenging the Significance

This technique disputes the importance or relevance of the points presented by your opponent. Even if their facts are correct, you may argue that they are insignificant in the broader context of the issue at hand, thus deflating the impact of their argument.

Example: In a debate about healthy diets, if someone states, “Quinoa is expensive, so eating healthy is not affordable,” you could counter by challenging the significance: “While quinoa may be costly, there are many affordable healthy eating options, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. So, the cost of quinoa is not representative of a healthy diet’s overall cost.”

25. Using Humor or Satire

While this method requires a careful touch and a responsive audience, using humor or satire can be an effective way to disassemble an opponent’s argument. By making light of the situation or the argument, you can create a connection with the audience and subtly chip away at the integrity of the opponent’s case.

Example: Suppose an opponent argues, “People should stop using the internet because it’s filled with false information.” In response, you could say, “Well, if we avoided everything with a little bit of false information, we’d never be able to watch a superhero movie or read a fairy tale again.”

The skill of rebuttal is essential for good debaters. But be careful to ensure your rebuttals are sound and foolproof. You don’t want to fall into the same traps as your opponent, but engaging with logical fallacies or flawed arguments. Select rebuttals that steelman your case while helping to cast doubt and uncertainty in the points of your opponents.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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Another helpful and simple to understand publication by Chris. I have learnt so much from reading Professor Chris numerous articles online and I love this latest article with examples. Thank you.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject, otherwise you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. (You don't need to know everything, though.) Part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one that you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay, opinions matter and controversy is based on opinions, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is our election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Do we have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Are girls too mean to each other?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?
• Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
• Controversial Speech Topics
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
• 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
• Topic In Composition and Speech
• MBA Essay Tips
• How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
• 61 General Expository Essay Topic Ideas to Practice Academic Writing
• 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
• Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
• Middle School Debate Topics
• Topical Organization Essay
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A Student's Guide: Crafting an Effective Rebuttal in Argumentative Essays

Table of contents

Picture this – you're in the middle of a heated debate with your classmate. You've spent minutes passionately laying out your argument, backing it up with well-researched facts and statistics, and you think you've got it in the bag. But then, your classmate fires back with a rebuttal that leaves you stumped, and you realize your argument wasn't as bulletproof as you thought.

This scenario could easily translate to the world of writing – specifically, to argumentative essays. Just as in a real-life debate, your arguments in an essay need to stand up to scrutiny, and that's where the concept of a rebuttal comes into play.

In this blog post, we will unpack the notion of a rebuttal in an argumentative essay, delve into its importance, and show you how to write one effectively. We will provide you with step-by-step guidance, illustrate with examples, and give you expert tips to enhance your essay writing skills. So, get ready to strengthen your arguments and make your essays more compelling than ever before!

Understanding the Concept of a Rebuttal

In the world of debates and argumentative essays, a rebuttal is your opportunity to counter an opposing argument. It's your chance to present evidence and reasoning that discredits the counter-argument, thereby strengthening your stance.

Let's simplify this with an example . Imagine you're writing an argumentative essay on why school uniforms should be mandatory. One common opposing argument could be that uniforms curb individuality. Your rebuttal to this could argue that uniforms do not stifle individuality but promote equality, and help reduce distractions, thus creating a better learning environment.

Understanding rebuttals and their structure is the first step towards integrating them into your argumentative essays effectively. This process will add depth to your argument and demonstrate your ability to consider different perspectives, making your essay robust and thought-provoking.

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to structure your rebuttals and make them as effective as possible in the following sections.

The Structural Anatomy of a Rebuttal: How It Fits into Your Argumentative Essay

The potency of an argumentative essay lies in its structure, and a rebuttal is an integral part of this structure. It ensures that your argument remains balanced and considers opposing viewpoints. So, how does a rebuttal fit into an argumentative essay? Where does it go?

In a traditional argumentative essay structure, the rebuttal generally follows your argument and precedes the conclusion. Here's a simple breakdown:

Introduction : The opening segment where you introduce the topic and your thesis statement.

Your Argument : The body of your essay where you present your arguments in support of your thesis.

Rebuttal or Counterargument : Here's where you present the opposing arguments and your rebuttals against them.

Conclusion : The final segment where you wrap up your argument, reaffirming your thesis statement.

Understanding the placement of the rebuttal within your essay will help you maintain a logical flow in your writing, ensuring that your readers can follow your arguments and counterarguments seamlessly. Let's delve deeper into the construction of a rebuttal in the next section.

Components of a Persuasive Rebuttal: Breaking It Down

A well-crafted rebuttal can significantly fortify your argumentative essay. However, the key to a persuasive rebuttal lies in its construction. Let's break down the components of an effective rebuttal:

Recognize the Opposing Argument : Begin by acknowledging the opposing point of view. This helps you establish credibility with your readers and shows them that you're not dismissing other perspectives.

Refute the Opposing Argument : Now, address why you believe the opposing viewpoint is incorrect or flawed. Use facts, logic, or reasoning to dismantle the counter-argument.

Support Your Rebuttal : Provide evidence, examples, or facts that support your rebuttal. This not only strengthens your argument but also adds credibility to your stance.

Transition to the Next Point : Finally, provide a smooth transition to the next part of your essay. This could be another argument in favor of your thesis or your conclusion, depending on the structure of your essay.

Each of these components is a crucial building block for a persuasive rebuttal. By structuring your rebuttal correctly, you can effectively refute opposing arguments and fortify your own stance. Let's move to some practical applications of these components in the next section.

Building Your Rebuttal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a persuasive rebuttal may seem challenging, especially if you're new to argumentative essays. However, it's less daunting when broken down into smaller steps. Here's a practical step-by-step guide on how to construct your rebuttal:

Step 1: Identify the Counter-Arguments

The first step is to identify the potential counter-arguments that could be made against your thesis. This requires you to put yourself in your opposition's shoes and think critically about your own arguments.

Step 2: Choose the Strongest Counter-Argument

It's not practical or necessary to respond to every potential counter-argument. Instead, choose the most significant one(s) that, if left unaddressed, could undermine your argument.

Step 3: Research and Collect Evidence 

Once you've chosen a counter-argument to rebut, it's time to research. Find facts, statistics, or examples that clearly refute the counter-argument. Remember, the stronger your evidence, the more persuasive your rebuttal will be.

Step 4: Write the Rebuttal

Using the components we outlined earlier, write your rebuttal. Begin by acknowledging the opposing argument, refute it using your evidence, and then transition smoothly to your next point.

Step 5: Review and Refine

Finally, review your rebuttal. Check for logical consistency, clarity, and strength of evidence. Refine as necessary to ensure your rebuttal is as persuasive and robust as possible.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice writing rebuttals, the more comfortable you'll become at identifying strong counter-arguments and refuting them effectively. Let's illustrate these steps with a practical example in the next section.

Practical Example: Constructing a Rebuttal

In this section, we'll apply the steps discussed above to construct a rebuttal. We'll use a hypothetical argumentative essay topic: "Should schools switch to a four-day school week?"

Thesis Statement : You are arguing in favor of a four-day school week, citing reasons such as improved student mental health, reduced operational costs for schools, and enhanced quality of education due to extended hours.

Identify Counter-Arguments : The opposition could argue that a four-day school week might lead to childcare issues for working parents or that the extended hours each day could lead to student burnout.

Choose the Strongest Counter-Argument : The point about childcare issues for working parents is potentially a significant concern that needs addressing.

Research and Collect Evidence : Research reveals that many community organizations offer affordable after-school programs. Additionally, some schools adopting a four-day week have offered optional fifth-day enrichment programs.

Write the Rebuttal : "While it's valid to consider the childcare challenges a four-day school week could impose on working parents, many community organizations provide affordable after-school programs. Moreover, some schools that have already adopted the four-day week offer an optional fifth-day enrichment program, demonstrating that viable solutions exist."

Review and Refine: Re-read your rebuttal, refine for clarity and impact, and ensure it integrates smoothly into your argument.

This is a simplified example, but it serves to illustrate the process of crafting a rebuttal. Let's move on to look at two full-length examples to further demonstrate effective rebuttals.

Case Study: Effective vs. Ineffective Rebuttal

Now that we've covered the theoretical and practical aspects, let's delve into two case studies. These examples will compare an effective rebuttal versus an ineffective one, so you can better understand what separates a compelling argument from a weak one.

Example 1: "Homework is unnecessary."

Ineffective Rebuttal : "I don't agree with you. Homework is important because it's part of the curriculum and it helps students study."

Effective Rebuttal : "Your concern about the overuse of homework is valid, considering the amount of stress students face today. However, research shows that homework, when thoughtfully assigned and not overused, can reinforce classroom learning, provide students with valuable time management skills, and help teachers evaluate student understanding."

The effective rebuttal acknowledges the opposing argument, uses evidence-backed reasoning, and strengthens the argument by showing the value of homework in the larger context of learning.

Example 2: "Standardized testing doesn't accurately measure student intelligence."

Ineffective Rebuttal : "I think you're wrong. Standardized tests have been around for a long time, and they wouldn't use them if they didn't work."

Effective Rebuttal : "Indeed, the limitations of standardized testing, such as potential cultural bias or the inability to measure creativity, are recognized issues. However, these tests are a tool—albeit an imperfect one—for comparing student achievement across regions and identifying areas where curriculum and teaching methods might need improvement. More comprehensive methods, blending standardized testing with other assessment forms, are promising approaches for future development."

The effective rebuttal in this instance acknowledges the flaws in standardized testing but highlights its role as a tool for larger educational system assessments and improvements.

Remember, an effective rebuttal is respectful, acknowledges the opposing viewpoint, provides strong counter-arguments, and integrates evidence. With practice, you will get better at crafting compelling rebuttals. In the next section, we will discuss some additional strategies to improve your rebuttal skills.

Final Thoughts

The art of constructing a compelling rebuttal is a crucial skill in argumentative essay writing. It's not just about presenting your own views but also about understanding, acknowledging, and effectively countering the opposing viewpoint. This makes your argument more robust and balanced, increasing its persuasive power.

However, developing this skill requires patience, practice, and a thoughtful approach. The techniques we've discussed in this guide can serve as a starting point, but remember that every argument is unique, and flexibility is key.

Always be ready to adapt and refine your rebuttal strategy based on the particular argument and evidence you're dealing with. And don't shy away from seeking feedback and learning from others - this is how we grow as writers and thinkers.

But remember, you're not alone on this journey. If you're ever struggling with writing your argumentative essay or crafting that perfect rebuttal, we're here to help. Our experienced writers at Writers Per Hour are well-versed in the nuances of argumentative writing and can assist you in achieving your academic goals.

So don't stress - embrace the challenge of argumentative writing, keep refining your skills, and remember that help is just a click away! In the next section, you'll find additional resources to continue learning and growing in your argumentative writing journey.

Additional Resources

As you continue to learn and develop your argumentative writing skills, having access to additional resources can be immensely beneficial. Here are some that you might find helpful:

Posts from Writers Per Hour Blog :

• How Significant Are Opposing Points of View in an Argument
• Writing a Hook for an Argumentative Essay
• Strong Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas
• Writing an Introduction for Your Argumentative Essay

External Resources :

• University of California Berkeley Student Learning Center: Writing Argumentative Essays
• Stanford Online Writing Center: Techniques of Persuasive Argument

Remember, mastery in argumentative writing doesn't happen overnight – it's a journey that requires patience, practice, and persistence. But with the right guidance and resources, you're already on the right path. And, of course, if you ever need assistance, our argumentative essay writing service  services are always ready to help you reach your academic goals. Happy writing!

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What is Rebuttal in an Argumentative Essay? (How to Write It)

by  Antony W

April 7, 2022

Even if you have the most convincing evidence and reasons to explain your position on an issue, there will still be people in your audience who will not agree with you.

Usually, this creates an opportunity for counterclaims, which requires a response through rebuttal. So what exactly is rebuttal in an argumentative essay?

A rebuttal in an argumentative essay is a response you give to your opponent’s argument to show that the position they currently hold on an issue is wrong. While you agree with their counterargument, you point out the flaws using the strongest piece of evidence to strengthen your position. 

To be clear, it’s hard to write an argument on an issue without considering counterclaim and rebuttals in the first place.

If you think about it, debatable topics require a consideration of both sides of an issue, which is why it’s important to learn about counterclaims and rebuttals in argumentative writing.

What is a Counterclaim in an Argument? 

To understand why rebuttal comes into play in an argumentative essay, you first have to know what a counterclaim is and why it’s important in writing.

A counterclaim is an argument that an opponent makes to weaken your thesis. In particular, counterarguments try to show why your argument’s claim is wrong and try to propose an alternative to what you stand for.

From a writing standpoint, you have to recognize the counterclaims presented by the opposing side.

In fact, argumentative writing requires you to look at the two sides of an issue even if you’ve already taken a strong stance on it.

There are a number of benefits of including counterarguments in your argumentative essay:

• It shows your instructor that you’ve looked into both sides of the argument and recognize that some readers may not share your views initially.
• You create an opportunity to provide a strong rebuttal to the counterclaims, so readers see them before they finish reading the essay.
• You end up strengthening your writing because the essay turns out more objective than it would without recognizing the counterclaims from the opposing side.

What is Rebuttal in Argumentative Essay? 

Your opponent will always look for weaknesses in your argument and try the best they can to show that you’re wrong.

Since you have solid grounds that your stance on an issue is reasonable, truthful, or more meaningful, you have to give a solid response to the opposition.

This is where rebuttal comes in.

In argumentative writing, rebuttal refers to the answer you give directly to an opponent in response to their counterargument. The answer should be a convincing explanation that shows an opponent why and/or how they’re wrong on an issue.

How to Write a Rebuttal Paragraph in Argumentative Essay

Now that you understand the connection between a counterclaim and rebuttal in an argumentative writing, let’s look at some approaches that you can use to refute your opponent’s arguments.

1. Point Out the Errors in the Counterargument

You’ve taken a stance on an issue for a reason, and mostly it’s because you believe yours is the most reasonable position based on the data, statistics, and the information you’ve collected.

Now that there’s a counterargument that tries to challenge your position, you can refute it by mentioning the flaws in it.

It’s best to analyze the counterargument carefully. Doing so will make it easy for you to identify the weaknesses, which you can point out and use the strongest points for rebuttal

2. Give New Points that Contradict the Counterclaims 

Imagine yourself in a hall full of debaters. On your left side is an audience that agrees with your arguable claim and on your left is a group of listeners who don’t buy into your argument.

Your opponents in the room are not holding back, especially because they’re constantly raising their hands to question your information.

To win them over in such a situation, you have to play smart by recognizing their stance on the issue but then explaining why they’re wrong.

Now, take a closer look at the structure of an argument . You’ll notice that it features a section for counterclaims, which means you have to address them if your essay must stand out. 

Here, it’s ideal to recognize and agree with the counterargument that the opposing side presents. Then, present a new point of view or facts that contradict the arguments.

Doing so will get the opposing side to consider your stance, even if they don’t agree with you entirely.

3. Twist Facts in Favor of Your Argument 

Sometimes the other side of the argument may make more sense than yours does. However, that doesn’t mean you have to concede entirely.

You can agree with the other side of the argument, but then twist facts and provide solid evidence to suit your argument.

This strategy can work for just about any topic, including the most complicated or controversial ones that you have never dealt with before.

4. Making an Emotional Plea 

Making an emotional plea isn’t a powerful rebuttal strategy, but it can also be a good option to consider.

It’s important to make sure that the emotional appeal you make outweighs the argument that your opponent brings forth.

Given that it’s often the least effective option in most arguments, making an emotional appeal should be a last resort if all the other options fail.

Final Thoughts 

As you can see, counterclaims are important in an argumentative essay and there’s more than one way to give your rebuttal.

Whichever approach you use, make sure you use the strongest facts, stats, evidence, or argument to prove that your position on an issue makes more sense that what your opponents currently hold.

Lastly, if you feel like your essay topic is complicated and you have only a few hours to complete the assignment, you can get in touch with Help for Assessment and we’ll point you in the right direction so you get your essay done right.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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College Minor: Everything You Need to Know

14 fascinating teacher interview questions for principals, tips for success if you have a master’s degree and can’t find a job, 14 ways young teachers can get that professional look, which teacher supplies are worth the splurge, 8 business books every teacher should read, conditional admission: everything you need to know, college majors: everything you need to know, 7 things principals can do to make a teacher observation valuable, 3 easy teacher outfits to tackle parent-teacher conferences, 100+ argumentative essay topics.

Are you a student looking for argumentative essay topics? If so, we have you covered. Below you will find a list of the best argumentative essay topics.

Argumentative Essay Topics (General)

• Do you think that abortion should be made illegal?
• Do you think that animal testing should be banned?
• Is the #metoo movement a great thing?
• Do you think that manufacturers are responsible for the effects of the chemicals used in creating their products?
• Do you think that illegal immigrants be granted residency?
• Is there a fake news problem? What is the source?
• Do you believe that “big pharma” has people’s best interests at heart?
• Is the death penalty a just punishment?
• Are there moral concerns that make genetic cloning illegal?
• What Do you think that people do to stop human trafficking?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Politics

• Which political party has the right ideology?
• What Do you think that be done to reduce income inequality?
• Is paying down the US deficit the most essential issue of our time?
• Do you believe that the Federal Reserve needs to stop printing money because it creates an unsustainable bubble?
• Is capitalism the best economic system?
• Is socialism the best economic system?
• Is America ready for a female president?
• Do you think that an elected leader represents the interests of their own political party, or is it best to try to compromise?
• What modern political decision has created the most change?
• Do you believe that campaign finance reform works?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

• When will LGTBQ individuals experience equality?
• Is healthcare a fundamental human right?
• Do you think that TV censors explicit content because programmers must produce family-friendly programming?
• Social media brings us together and pulls us apart; Do you believe that the great outweighs the bad or vice versa?
• Is a gap year time for exploration and reflection or a year-long vacation?
• Many states have begun to decriminalize the possession of certain drugs like marijuana; is this a great idea?
• Equality is part of lawmaking, but do you believe that it works in practice?
• Do you think that people have the right to own a gun?
• In cases of terminal illness, Do you think that a patient should be able to request medically assisted suicide?
• Do you think that smoking should be illegal?
• What is the best way to foster positive conversation about controversial issues?

Argumentative Essay Topics About History

• Many people think that we learn from the past, but there are many patterns in history. Do you think history repeats itself?
• How did the US Civil War make the nation best or worse?
• Thomas Jefferson made considerable contributions to the founding of America, both as a writer and a politician. However, he didn’t live a perfect life. Was he a hero?
• Do you believe that our modern perspective changes the “truth” of what happened during major historical events?
• Pick a past decade and discuss if lower socio-economic classes had opportunities at that time.
• Did the handling of Native Americans leave a moral stain on the US?
• Slavery was a foundational part of the American colonies and, later, the United States. So how did this injustice change the nation?
• What factors led to the rise of Naziism in Germany and to the Holocaust?
• The plague destroyed the population of Europe and changed the course of history. So what was its biggest lesson?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids in Elementary School

• Do you think that there be commercials in kids’ programs?
• Do you believe that homework help kids learn?
• Do you think that school should be all year?
• Do schools treat girls and boys the same way?
• Do you think that parents limit screen time?
• Do you think that school start before eight o’clock in the morning?
• Do you think that kids be able to vote in national elections?
• Is it best to read fiction or nonfiction?
• Is it best for kids to have distance learning or be in school?
• Do parents treat all their kids the same way, or do they treat the oldest and youngest differently?
• Do you think that kids have the same teacher every year or switch teachers each year?
• Do you think that video games be a sport?
• Are schools doing enough to stop bullying?
• Do you think that kids have homework on weekends?
• Is it best if three generations of a family live together?
• Are hot dogs bad for you?
• Do you think that school lunch should include vegetables, even if Many kids don’t like them?
• Is it okay to eat dessert before dinner?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

• Do you think that middle schoolers have jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns?
• Are beauty pageants a great idea?
• Are violent video games bad?
• Do you think that parents be able to say whether kids can dye their hair?
• Do you believe that social media do more harm than good?
• Do middle schoolers have too much homework?
• Do you think that teachers get paid more?
• Is life more challenging for your parent’s generation or yours’?
• Why is your favorite musical artist best than anyone else?
• Do you think that kids read age-appropriate books, or is it okay to read grown-up books?
• Do you think that there be ratings (like G, PG, and R) for movies?
• Is it best to ride the bus or walk to school?
• Is school lunch great for kids?
• Do you believe an hour of reading or an hour of exercising is better?
• Do you think that gym class should be required?
• Do you think that kids get paid for getting excellent grades?
• Is it best to have class over the computer or in person?
• Is cyberbullying as big of a problem as in-person bullying?
• Do you think that all cars be electric?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

• Do you think that people be allowed to burn the flag?
• Do you think that parents get in trouble for truancy if kids don’t go to school?
• Is social media bad for relationships?
• Do you think that businesses be required to hire for diversity?
• Are women and men treated equally?
• Do you think that the minimum wage should be raised?
• Do you think that everyone should go to college?
• Is climate change a real threat?
• Are wind farms benefitting the environment and economy?
• Do you think that people be allowed to wear fur of any kind?
• Is it a bad idea to use your DNA for genealogy?
• Do you think that parents should decide they don’t want medical treatment for their kids?
• Is the United States falling behind other nations in terms of education?
• Do the actions of a nation’s leader influence the actions of the people?
• Do you think that the electoral college should be abolished?
• Do you think that schools be required to offer art courses?
• Do you think that all new cars be electric?
• Will AI help the world or hurt it?
• Do you think that high school pupils work during the school year?
• Are there forms of personal expression that you think should be allowed in schools?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

• Are men and women equally emotional?
• Are printed books best than e-readers?
• Do you think that the drinking age should be lowered?
• Are parents responsible for childhood obesity?
• Do you think that college should free?
• Do you think that beauty standards be more inclusive?
• Are all college majors equally essential?
• Is social media bad for kids?
• Has technology changed our definition of magic?
• Is it worth exploring space?
• Do you think that all internships be paid?
• Do you think that income should be tied to the cost of a degree?
• Is climate change the biggest threat to the world?
• Is feminism still essential?
• Has society made the needed reparations for slavery?
• Do you believe that elections should be decided by the popular vote?
• Should everyone be entitled to free health care?
• Do anti-discrimination laws protect disabled pupils?
• Is a degree from an online college or university as legitimate as a degree from a brick-and-mortar university?
• Is it a conflict of interest for an instructor or professor to require pupils to purchase his book?

100+ Persuasive Essay Topics

2023 best online doctorate in educational technology.

Matthew Lynch

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, rebuttal essay topic suggestions.

I've got this assignment to write a rebuttal essay but I'm stumped trying to think of a good topic. Have any of you written rebuttal essays before? Can you throw some topic suggestions my way?

Of course! I'm happy to help you brainstorm some rebuttal essay topics. Rebuttal essays typically involve taking a stance against a popular opinion or belief in order to present a strong counter-argument. Here are a few topic suggestions for you to consider:

1. Remote work isn't the future: Remote work has become increasingly popular, but you could argue that it's not the future of work for everyone because it neglects the benefits of in-person collaboration and social interactions among colleagues.

2. Standardized tests are still relevant in college admissions: Despite the recent trend of test-optional policies, you might argue that standardized tests still provide valuable information about a student's academic potential and act as a leveling method among different educational backgrounds.

3. The importance of cursive handwriting in the digital age: While technology continues to evolve, you could advocate for the essential role of cursive handwriting in fostering fine motor skills, creativity, and the ability to focus.

4. The value of traditional libraries: You could argue that despite the rise of digital resources and e-books, traditional libraries play an indispensable role in fostering a sense of community, providing access to physical resources, and supporting hands-on learning.

5. The pros of playing video games: Video games often receive negative attention, but you could highlight the positive aspects, such as cognitive benefits, problem-solving skills, and social engagement.

6. The benefits of single-sex education: While mixed-gender education is popular, you could argue for the advantages of single-sex schooling, such as increased focus, reduced gender stereotypes, and tailored teaching methods.

7. The role of print media in the digital world: You could argue that despite the prevalence of digital media, print media still has significant value in terms of providing in-depth information, fostering authentic engagement, and supporting local journalism.

Remember to pick a topic you're genuinely interested in and passionate about, as this will make the research and writing process more enjoyable. Good luck with your rebuttal essay!

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Rebuttal Sections

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This resource outlines the generally accepted structure for introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions in an academic argument paper. Keep in mind that this resource contains guidelines and not strict rules about organization. Your structure needs to be flexible enough to meet the requirements of your purpose and audience.

In order to present a fair and convincing message, you may need to anticipate, research, and outline some of the common positions (arguments) that dispute your thesis. If the situation (purpose) calls for you to do this, you will present and then refute these other positions in the rebuttal section of your essay.

It is important to consider other positions because in most cases, your primary audience will be fence-sitters. Fence-sitters are people who have not decided which side of the argument to support.

People who are on your side of the argument will not need a lot of information to align with your position. People who are completely against your argument—perhaps for ethical or religious reasons—will probably never align with your position no matter how much information you provide. Therefore, the audience you should consider most important are those people who haven't decided which side of the argument they will support—the fence-sitters.

In many cases, these fence-sitters have not decided which side to align with because they see value in both positions. Therefore, to not consider opposing positions to your own in a fair manner may alienate fence-sitters when they see that you are not addressing their concerns or discussion opposing positions at all.

Organizing your rebuttal section

Following the TTEB method outlined in the Body Paragraph section, forecast all the information that will follow in the rebuttal section and then move point by point through the other positions addressing each one as you go. The outline below, adapted from Seyler's Understanding Argument , is an example of a rebuttal section from a thesis essay.

When you rebut or refute an opposing position, use the following three-part organization:

The opponent’s argument : Usually, you should not assume that your reader has read or remembered the argument you are refuting. Thus, at the beginning of your paragraph, you need to state, accurately and fairly, the main points of the argument you will refute.

Your position : Next, make clear the nature of your disagreement with the argument or position you are refuting. Your position might assert, for example, that a writer has not proved his assertion because he has provided evidence that is outdated, or that the argument is filled with fallacies.

Your refutation : The specifics of your counterargument will depend upon the nature of your disagreement. If you challenge the writer’s evidence, then you must present the more recent evidence. If you challenge assumptions, then you must explain why they do not hold up. If your position is that the piece is filled with fallacies, then you must present and explain each fallacy.

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• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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How to Write a Rebuttal Essay — An Easy Guide to Follow

Ever wondered how to write a rebuttal essay? Face this academic assignment for the first time and can’t find an understandable guide to follow? Don’t worry because here you’ll find a detailed guideline allowing you to set the record straight and understand what tips to follow while writing. We’ll take a look at all the aspects of writing, check what rebuttal in an essay is and list all tips to follow.

What Is a Rebuttal in an Essay — Simple Explanation

Academicians also call this form of writing a counter-argument essay. Its principal mission is to respond to some points made by a person. If you render a decision to answer one or another argument, you should present a rebuttal which is also known as a counter-argument. Otherwise stated, it is a simple attempt to disprove some statements by suggesting a counter-argument.

At a glance, this task seems to be quite challenging. However, rebuttal argument essay writing doesn’t take a massive amount of time. You just need to air your personal opinion on one or another situation.

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Nevertheless, your viewpoint should be based on your research and comprise a strong thesis statement. An excellent essay can even change the opinion of the intended audience. Thus, you need to be very attentive while writing and use only strong and double-checked arguments.

How to Do a Rebuttal in an Essay — Useful Tutorial

Firstly, you should conduct simple research before you start expressing your ideas. Don’t tend to procrastinate this task because it is tough to organize your thoughts when your deadline is dangerously close. If you don’t have a desire to spend the whole night poring over the books, it is better to start processing the literature as soon as possible. It would be great if you subdivide this task into a few sections. As a result, it will be easier to work!

The majority of academicians have not the slightest idea how to answer the question of how to start a rebuttal in an essay. In sober fact, you need to start with a strong introduction, comprising a thesis statement. Besides, your introductory part should explain what particular situation you are going to discuss. Your core audience should look it through and immediately understand what position you desire to explore.

You should create a list of claims and build your essay structure in the way allowing you to explain each claim one by one. Writing a rebuttal essay, you should follow a pre-written outline. As a result, you won’t face difficulties with the structure.

For instance, there is a particular situation, and you don’t agree with it. You wish to prove the targeted audience that your idea is correct. In this scenario, you need to state your opinion in a thesis statement and list all counter-arguments one by one.

Each rebuttal paragraph should be short and complete. Besides, you should avoid making too general statements because your targeted audience won’t understand what you mean. If you wish to air your proof-point, you should try to make more precise arguments. As a result, your readers won’t face difficulties trying to understand what you mean.

Rebuttal Essay Outline — Why Should You Create It

As well as any other academic paper, this one also should have a plan to follow. Your rebuttal essay outline is a sterling opportunity to organize your thoughts and create an approximate plan to follow. Commonly, your outline should look like this:

• Short but informative introduction with a thesis statement (just a few sentences).
• 3 or 5 body paragraphs presenting all counter-arguments.
• Strong conclusion where you should repeat your opinion once again.

For you not to forget some ideas, we highly recommend writing a list of all claims you wish to discuss in all paragraphs. Even if you are a seasoned writer who is engaged in this area and deals with creative assignments on a rolling basis, you won’t regret it. You’ll spend a few minutes creating the outline, but the general content of your essay will be considerably better.

Top-7 Rebuttal Essay Topics for Students

If you really can’t render a correct decision and pick a worthy topic, look through the rebuttal essay ideas published below. You can’t go wrong if you choose one of the below-listed ideas:

• Is it necessary to sentence juveniles to life imprisonment?
• Why are electro cars better for the environment?
• Distance learning is more effective than the traditional approach to education.
• Why should animal testing be forbidden?
• Modern drones can help police solve the crimes faster.
• Why should smoking marijuana be prohibited?
• Why should the screentime of kids be limited?

We hope our tips will help you catch the inspiration and create a compelling essay which will make your audience think of the discussed problem and even change their minds.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

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The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to understand and support your position on an issue by presenting your reasoning along with supporting evidence. It’s important to find the right balance between giving your opinions and presenting established research.

These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you’re a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we’ve compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

●  Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?

●  Should social media sites be allowed to collect users’ data?

●  Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

●  Are governments around the world doing enough to combat global warming?

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

●  Are there any circumstances under which physician-assisted suicides should be legal?

●  Should parents be able to choose specific genetic modifications of their future children?

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

●  Should patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles be denied organ transplants?

●  Should doctors be able to provide medical care to children against their parents’ wishes?

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

●  Discuss the link between insufficient access to mental health services and the high suicide rates among veterans.

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●  Should cannabis be used as a treatment for patients with mental disorders?

●  Is there a link between social media use and mental disorders?

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

●  Should male and female athletes be given the same pay and opportunities?

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

●  Should online access to art such as music be free?

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

●  Are there any circumstances under which books should be banned?

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

●  Should reciting the Pledge of Allegiance be required in schools?

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

●  Should high school students take a gap year before pursuing higher education?

●  Should higher education be free?

●  Is there too much pressure on high school students to attend college?

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

●  Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?

●  Is it okay for parents to physically discipline their children?

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

An argument could also be made for the importance of proofreading your essay ! The reader can focus more on your message when your writing is clear, concise, and error-free, and they won’t question whether you’re knowledgeable on the issues you’re presenting. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit a free trial document to start working with our expert editors!

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How To Write A Rebuttal In An Essay

What is a rebuttal in writing.

When writing an essay, rebutting is one way to argue points or facts that have been stated. It will directly oppose any view and will include reasons for your claims being valid. When including this in an essay, you will be acknowledging what the opposition is saying, but will continue to argue your own points. Here, you can see how to write a good rebuttal that will be easy to understand while getting your point across.

Why Are Rebuttal Paragraphs Important?

When planning to include a rebuttal in an argumentative essay, it is essential to know how to write a rebuttal paragraph. Students should plan an outline for an argumentative essay and know where to place these paragraphs. These are used for arguing points that have been made. They will appear after the main argument in an essay. When working on these paragraphs, it is important for there to be evidence that supports your arguments.

These paragraphs will introduce your opposing argument and will also acknowledge that some parts of the opposition are valid points. It will also be used for introducing the conclusion of the essay. Learning how to include these paragraphs is not always an easy task. If you need help with your essay, you can hire an argumentative essay writer that has experience including counterarguments. With professional help, students can create a powerful argument that will attract the attention of the reader and be backed with evidence.

How to Start Refuting

To get started, a three-part organization process should be used. You must have a complete understanding of the opposing viewpoint. Know who the intended audience is, what message is being sent, and what points you agree with. You will then analyze the argument and determine your position. The argument may contain untrue statements or claims that cannot be verified.

Additional research will then have to be performed. You need to back up your statements with facts and evidence when you write a counterargument. It will be important to fact-check any of the opposition’s arguments and collect reliable data that can disprove these.

Using Effective Transition Words

Transition words and phrases are key things that one should consider when writing an argumentative paper. They act as bridges and will connect your ideas and arguments. Transition words will help your reader identify the counter argument and rebuttal you are writing. It is an effective way of making the argument clearer. When you are creating a refutation essay, it is important you include these words. Some common transition phrases that can be used when writing include:

•       However
•       Instead of
•       On the other hand
•       In contrast
•       It can be argued that
•       The problem with that

As you write a rebuttal in a sentence, be sure you use words that will easily connect the two things being compared or contrasted. These words will show a relationship between arguments and will link one idea to the next being presented.

Rebuttal Examples In an Argumentative Essay

You will have to make your arguments in essays on various topics. It is important to know the proper argumentative essay structure before getting started. Once this has been addressed, you can start to work on the counter-argument. For example, let’s say that the essay focuses on the violence children learn from video games. The objection being made is that these games cause children to use guns and shoot people.

You would then assert that violence in media existed long before the creation of video games. You would then make a counterargument that may state:

“Some may argue that certain video games include violent scenes that cause children to use guns. Youth violence does appear to be on the rise. However, before video games, there were other courses of violence that children had been exposed to. To blame video games, one would have to ignore the effect of movies, books, music, and other forms of media.”

In this example, the counter-argument addresses the initial point and acknowledges validity. It then makes use of transition words to present a different view, backed by research stating that other types of media have also had an impact on the rise of violence.

Being able to make a concise counter-argument is not always easy. It should be short and to the point. With a custom argumentative essay writing service , you can get help from experienced writers who know how to generate an effective counter-argument.

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Writing Refutation Sentences

There are some common mistakes that are often made by students when writing essays. This is why using a custom essay writing service can be beneficial. The professionals with these services will know how to properly structure an essay and know how to do a rebuttal in an essay. Here, you can learn about the mistakes that should be avoided when writing sentences and paragraphs.

•       Irrelevant counter-argument
•       Single sentence refutations
•       Repeating points already made
•       Not using transition words
•       Lack of research
•       Not citing sources and references
•       Being emotional
•       Relying on fallacies
•       Failure to fact-check
•       Poor structure and grammar

Avoiding these will ensure that any arguments made against an oppositional point will be effective.

Know that you know how to refute the points of the opposition and have this be an effective piece of an essay, you can create a paper that presents your view and supporting facts. While these essays can be difficult to structure, there are many resources online and services that can be of use. With the help me do my assignment service, you can gain access to expert advice that can help you with your essay structure and make sure that you avoid any common mistakes. Additionally, experienced professionals can provide guidance on how to effectively use transition words and how to start your essay. Knowing that you have this kind of assistance can make the essay writing process much less daunting.

Do you need a rebuttal in a synthesis essay?

This is not needed in a synthesis essay. These essays have an intro that provides the topic, a body that offers an objective two-sided interpretation, info from multiple sources, as well as citations, and a conclusion.

Which rebuttal would be ineffective in an argumentative essay?

If it takes the opposition’s point, acknowledges it, and then uses words to insult that point, it would be considered to be ineffective when drafting an argumentative essay.

Does a persuasive essay have a refutation?

Refutations are not used in persuasive essays. They are found in argumentative essays, where the writer is arguing a point and proving it is false by providing their own ideas and facts.

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Rebuttal Generator – Free & Online Tool for Counterarguments

When writing an argumentative or persuasive essay, you must also be able to anticipate and address opposing viewpoints. It strengthens your position and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic.

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The AI rebuttal generator can make compelling counterarguments and refutations in seconds!

🥊 What Is a Rebuttal?

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A rebuttal in academic writing is a counterargument that challenges opposing viewpoints and strengthens your position. It acknowledges and refutes potential objections to your argument to demonstrate your understanding of the topic and ability to engage with differing perspectives.

Here is an example of what a rebuttal might look like in an argumentative essay about cell phone allowance in schools.

• Initial argument (claim): Cell phones should not be allowed at schools because they distract students from learning.
• Counterargument (opposing viewpoint): Cell phones are essential for communication and emergencies, and restricting them at schools causes safety concerns.
• Rebuttal (argument support, counterargument opposition): While it's true that cell phones provide a sense of security, there are alternative methods to address these concerns. For example, implementing designated areas or times for students to check their phones. Additionally, schools can provide emergency communication channels, such as landlines or apps installed on school-owned devices, to ensure that students have access to help when needed.

⚠️ To develop counterarguments and build an effective defense line , you need profound research, well-integrated examples, and a clear understanding of the opposing perspective.

😎 5 Rebuttal Generator Benefits

Explore the numerous benefits of our cutting-edge rebuttal generator, designed to enhance your persuasive abilities:

⚙️ How the Rebuttal Generator Works?

Our rebuttal paragraph generator is an advanced and user-friendly platform designed to make it easy for everyone to develop persuasive arguments and counterarguments . It offers several powerful features to help you fully cover the topic.

Here are the main capacities of the tool:

Generating arguments and counterarguments for a claim.

When you insert a specific claim into the tool, it automatically generates arguments supporting that claim and counterarguments against it.

Generating additional arguments and counterarguments.

If you input an argument into the tool, it generates additional arguments supporting this position and counterarguments against it.

Generating rebuttals.

For each mode, you can choose to generate rebuttals, so the tool will go a step further and provide rebuttals to the corresponding counterarguments. This feature enables you to explore multiple angles of a given position and develop a rebuttal effectively.

If you're wondering what is a good way to start a rebuttal paragraph , you're at the right place. This section will discuss how to make your counterclaim passage impressive from the first sentence.

• Acknowledge the opposing viewpoint. Ensure you understand their position and its reasons before crafting your response.
• Present the opposing argument. Start your rebuttal paragraph by summarizing the opposing argument fairly and accurately. This shows that you have engaged with the other side's perspective and helps set the stage for your response.
• Provide evidence and reasoning. After presenting the opposing argument, provide evidence, examples, and reasoning to support your rebuttal.
• Address potential weaknesses. Anticipate possible counterarguments that the opposing side may raise in response to your rebuttal.
• Conclude with a strong statement. Finish your rebuttal paragraph with a strong statement summarizing your key points and reinforcing your position. Leave the reader with a clear understanding of why your rebuttal is persuasive and why they should consider your viewpoint.

Rebuttal Sentence Starters

An effective rebuttal starter lets you capture the audience's attention while addressing the opposing argument. Make your rebuttal persuasive with the starters from below.

Good rebuttal phrases:

• "I understand the perspective that opposing viewpoint suggests, however..."
• "It's worth acknowledging that opposing viewpoint may seem valid, but a closer examination reveals..."
• "Although some may argue that..., the reality is..."
• "At first glance, the argument for... appears strong, yet upon further analysis..."
• "While there may be merit to the idea of the opposing viewpoint, it overlooks the crucial factor of..."

Imagine you're writing an essay on "Should students be allowed to use AI?" Let's come up with a rebuttal paragraph example together.

Students should be allowed to use AI because these technologies can assist them in research, data analysis, and problem-solving, improving their educational outcomes and preparing them for the future workforce.

On the other hand, it can be argued that students should not be allowed to use AI in their learning because it may encourage a passive learning approach and discourage critical thinking. Overreliance on AI could worsen problem-solving skills and creativity, as students may rely on technologies too heavily. While expressing concerns about overreliance on AI is valid, it's essential to recognize the potential opportunities artificial intelligence can offer. For example, it can provide feedback, guidance, and scaffolding to support learners in enhancing their reasoning, analysis, and evaluation skills. When properly utilized, AI can be a valuable tool for students to develop and refine their critical thinking abilities, providing them with personalized assistance and resources to strengthen their cognitive capabilities. This way, using AI in education can empower students to become more adept at thinking critically and creatively rather than diminishing these essential skills.

🔗 References

• Rebuttal Sections - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University
• Four Step Refutation | Department of Communication | University of Pittsburgh
• Formula for Refutation and Rebuttal | Writing Skills Lab
• Counter-argument And Rebuttal
• Counterarguments | University Writing & Speaking Center | University of Nevada, Reno

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How to Title an Argumentative Essay

November 17, 2023

Identifying the Purpose of the Essay

Before you can create a compelling title for your argumentative essay, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of its purpose. Is your goal to persuade readers to adopt a certain viewpoint, criticize an existing argument, or propose a solution to a problem? Determining the purpose will help you in crafting a title that aligns with your intentions.

The purpose of your essay will guide the tone, language, and overall approach you take. Are you aiming to be informative, provocative, or authoritative? Identifying the purpose will also help you in selecting the most suitable words and phrases to convey your message effectively. By defining the purpose upfront, you can develop a concise and powerful title that grabs readers’ attention and gives them a glimpse of your argumentative stance.

Analyzing the Target Audience

To create an impactful title for your argumentative essay, it is essential to have a deep understanding of your target audience. Consider their interests, knowledge level, beliefs, and values. By analyzing the target audience, you can tailor the title in a way that resonates with them and captures their attention. Here are some factors to consider:

• Knowledge level: Are your readers familiar with the topic, or is it relatively new to them? This will determine whether you need to use technical terms or simplify the language in the title.
• Demographics: Consider the age, education level, and cultural background of your audience. This information can help you choose the right tone and style for the title.
• Values and beliefs: What are the prevailing beliefs or opinions of your target audience regarding the subject? Craft a title that connects with their existing viewpoint or challenges it in a thought-provoking manner.
• Emotional appeal: Identify the emotions you want to evoke in your readers — curiosity, surprise, concern, or a desire for change. Incorporating emotional triggers in the title can generate interest and engagement.
• Priorities and interests: Determine the key concerns or priorities of your audience related to the topic. Highlighting these aspects in the title will grab their attention and make your essay more relevant to their interests.

Analyzing your target audience allows you to tailor your title to their specific needs, making it more compelling and effective in capturing their attention and sparking their interest in your argumentative essay.

Strategies for Creating an Effective Title

Crafting an effective title for your argumentative essay is crucial to grab readers’ attention and convey the essence of your argument. Here are some strategies to consider when creating your title:

• Be concise and clear: Keep your title brief and to the point, avoiding any unnecessary words or phrases. Aim for clarity so that readers can quickly understand the main focus of your essay.
• Be specific: Instead of using generic terms, be specific in your title to give readers a clear idea of what your essay is about. Specific titles tend to be more attention-grabbing and engaging.
• Use compelling language: Capture readers’ interest by using powerful and persuasive language in your title. Strong verbs, impactful adjectives, or intriguing phrases can help make your title more enticing.
• Consider a question or a statement: Pose a thought-provoking question or make a bold statement in your title to pique readers’ curiosity and encourage them to delve into your argumentative essay.
• Use a unique angle: Stand out from the crowd by approaching your title from a unique angle. Find a fresh perspective or highlight an unusual aspect of your argument to intrigue your audience.

By implementing these strategies, you can create an effective title that not only accurately represents your argumentative essay but also captures readers’ attention and compels them to explore your ideas further.

Using Keywords and Key Phrases

Including relevant keywords and key phrases in your title can help increase your argumentative essay’s visibility and attract readers who are interested in its topic. Begin by considering the words or phrases that are central to your argument. These could be technical terms, concepts, or keywords that you expect readers to search for.

Once you have identified these keywords and phrases, you can then experiment with different combinations until you find a title that accurately represents your argument while also utilizing these terms. Keep in mind that the goal is not to stuff as many keywords as possible into your title, but to use them in a way that is natural and helps communicate the essence of your essay’s argument.

Using keywords and key phrases can also help readers quickly recognize what your essay is about, making it more likely for them to click on and read further. Incorporating them into your title can help boost your essay’s online visibility and attract the right audience to your argumentative essay.

Focusing on Clarity and Conciseness

When creating a title for your argumentative essay, it is vital to prioritize clarity and conciseness. Your title should immediately convey the main idea of your essay without causing confusion or leaving room for misinterpretation. Here are some tips to ensure clarity and conciseness in your title:

• Avoid ambiguity: Make sure your title is specific and unambiguous, leaving no room for multiple interpretations. Ambiguous titles can confuse readers and diminish their interest.
• Cut out unnecessary words: Keep your title concise by eliminating any unnecessary words. Each word should serve a purpose in conveying your argument, and brevity helps to maintain reader engagement.
• Use straightforward language: Use clear and accessible language in your title, ensuring that it is easily understood by a wide range of readers. Avoid jargon or technical terms that might alienate or confuse your audience.
• Organize the title effectively: Structure your title in a way that clearly presents the main focus or argument of your essay. Use keywords or key phrases strategically to capture the essence of your argument.
• Proofread and revise: After crafting a draft title, review and revise it to ensure clarity and conciseness. Proofreading helps to identify any potential confusion, ambiguity, or redundancy that could be eliminated.

By focusing on clarity and conciseness, your title will effectively communicate the main idea of your argumentative essay, intrigue readers, and encourage them to explore your content further.

Highlighting the Argumentative Nature of the Essay

When titling your argumentative essay, it is essential to emphasize its argumentative nature in order to set clear expectations for readers. By incorporating the keyword “title an argumentative essay” into your title, you can effectively convey the purpose and nature of your essay. Here are some strategies to highlight the argumentative aspect:

• Include words like “debate,” “persuasion,” or “controversy” to signal that your essay presents differing viewpoints and aims to persuade readers.
• Use strong and assertive language that showcases the clash of ideas inherent in an argumentative essay. Words like “challenging,” “contradictory,” or “disputable” can help emphasize the opposing viewpoints central to your argument.
• Reflect the topic and stance: Incorporate words that clearly represent the topic of your essay. For instance, if your essay argues for stricter gun control laws, consider using phrases like “advocating for change” or “evaluating gun policy.”
• Consider using a question format: Pose an intriguing question that highlights the contentious nature of your argument. This can spark curiosity and engage readers from the outset.

By selecting a title that highlights the argumentative nature of your essay, while incorporating the keyword “title an argumentative essay,” you can capture readers’ attention and convey the persuasive and contentious essence of your writing.

Averting Misleading Titles

When crafting a title for your argumentative essay, it is crucial to avoid misleading titles that may give readers a false impression of your essay’s content. Misleading titles can lead to confusion, disappointment, and a lack of trust from your audience. Here are some tips to avoid misleading titles:

• Stay true to your argument: Ensure that your title accurately reflects the main argument of your essay. Don’t exaggerate or make claims that are not supported by your content.
• Avoid clickbait tactics: While it may be tempting to use sensational or exaggerated phrases to attract attention, it is essential to maintain integrity in your title. Misleading readers for the sake of gaining clicks will harm your credibility.
• Be specific and precise: Clearly convey the core argument and scope of your essay in the title. This will help readers understand what they can expect from your essay and avoid any misconceptions.
• Consider the tone: The tone of your title should align with the tone of your essay. If your essay takes a serious and analytical approach, a title with a lighthearted or sensational tone may mislead readers.

By being honest, specific, and precise in your title, you can ensure that it accurately represents your argumentative essay’s content and avoids misleading your audience. This will not only cultivate trust but also attract the right readers who are genuinely interested in engaging with your argument.

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A Critic’s Plea for Maximalism: ‘Crack Us Open Like Eggs’

In her first essay collection, Becca Rothfeld demonstrates that sometimes, more really is more.

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By David Gates

David Gates teaches in the M.F.A. program at St. Joseph’s University.

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ALL THINGS ARE TOO SMALL: Essays in Praise of Excess , by Becca Rothfeld

The essays I love favor abundance over economy, performance over persuasion. Zadie Smith’s exemplary “Speaking in Tongues” juggles Barack Obama, Shakespeare, Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” Pauline Kael on Cary Grant, Thomas Macaulay on the Marquess of Halifax and her own “silly posh” speaking voice. Its modest argument, that “flexibility of voice leads to a flexibility in all things,” disappears into the spectacle of a nimble mind reveling in its omnivorous erudition.

The critic Becca Rothfeld’s first collection, “All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess,” is splendidly immodest in its neo-Romantic agenda — to tear down minimalism and puritanism in its many current varieties — but, like Smith, she makes her strongest case in her essays’ very form, a carnival of high-low allusion and analysis. Macaulay, Cary Grant, Obama and a posh accent? Rothfeld will see you and raise you: How about Simone Weil, Aristotle, “Troll 2,” Lionel Trilling, Hadewijch of Brabant (from whom she takes her title), serial killer procedurals, Proust and the Talmud? Not that she neglects Cary Grant; in an essay on love and equality, she filters a smart reading of “His Girl Friday” through the philosopher Stanley Cavell.

Cynthia Ozick (who ought to know) has favorably — and justly — compared Rothfeld to “the legendary New York intellectuals,” though Rothfeld lives in D.C., where she’s the nonfiction book critic for The Washington Post. She’s also an editor at The Point, a contributing editor at The Boston Review, and has published in The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, The Nation, The Atlantic, The Baffler and The British Journal of Aesthetics. Of course she also has a Substack, and she declares on her website — which links to many splendid pieces not collected in this book — that she’s “perhaps delusionally convinced” she’ll eventually finish her Harvard Ph.D. dissertation in philosophy.

The costive and the envious might wonder if she’s spreading herself too thin, but Rothfeld’s rigor and eloquence suggest that in her case, as the title of one essay has it, “More Is More.” That piece begins in dispraise of “professional declutterers” such as Marie Kondo, whose aesthetic amounts to “solipsism spatialized,” and from whose dream houses “evidence of habitation — and, in particular, evidence of the body, with its many leaky indecencies — has been eliminated.”

But it soon morphs into dispraise of minimalist prose and the “impoverished non-novels” of fashionable writers including Jenny Offill, Ottessa Moshfegh and Kate Zambreno, whose “anti-narratives are soothingly tractable, made up of sentences so short that they are often left to complete themselves.”

Rothfeld, by contrast, leaves no phrase unturned. Her maximalist prose abounds in alliteration — “I recommend bingeing to bursting,” she writes, exhorting us to “savor the slivers of salvation hidden in all that hideous hunger” — as well as such old-school locutions as “pray tell” and “cannot but be offensive.” If these mannerisms sit uneasily next to her f-worded celebrations of sexuality, the dissonance is deliberate, and the unease is a matter of principle.

In “Wherever You Go, You Could Leave,” a takedown of “mindfulness,” Rothfeld reports that when she “decided to live” after a suicide attempt in her first year of college, she rejected the soothing blankness of meditation and concluded that “perturbation is a small price to pay for the privilege of a point of view.”

Despite her disdain for “professional opinion-havers” — among them the columnist Christine Emba, lately also of The Washington Post — she doesn’t mind laying down the law. In the book’s longest essay, “Only Mercy: Sex After Consent,” Rothfeld taxes Emba, author of the best-selling “Rethinking Sex,” with an “appalling incomprehension of what good sex is like.”

So, pray tell. “We should choke, crawl, spank, spew, and above all, surrender furiously, until the sheer smack of sex becomes its own profuse excuse for being.” Some sexual encounters, she continues, “crack us open like eggs” and “we should not be willing to live without them.”

We-shoulding is an occupational hazard of opinion-having, but we need take these pronouncements no more — and no less — to heart than Rothfeld’s paradoxical admiration for both the “beatifically stylized” films of Éric Rohmer and the “magnificently demented” oeuvre of David Cronenberg. Do we agree or disagree with her that Sally Rooney’s novels are overpraised, and that Norman Rush’s “Mating” is really “one of the most perfect novels of the past half century”?

More to the point, do we agree that “the aesthetic resides in excess and aimlessness,” and that extravagance is “our human due”? I’d say no to the former and yes to the latter, but who cares? What counts in these essays is the exhilarating ride, not the sometimes-dodgy destination. William Blake wrote that the road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom; Rothfeld might say that they’re one and the same. No argument there.

ALL THINGS ARE TOO SMALL : Essays in Praise of Excess | By Becca Rothfeld | Metropolitan Books | 287 pp. | $27.99

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