English

Mini-Essay: Rebuttal Argument

Consider this Step 2 of a 3 step-process. In this step, you will focus on the article with which you disagree and create an outline for a brief rebuttal essay.

1. What is the thesis of the article with which you disagree? (Write it in your own words; make sure it is a complete sentence).

2. Thesis statements are usually comprised of smaller claims. Can you identify any smaller claims within the article that contribute to the thesis? If so, write them below in your own words.

3. Do you intend to argue the thesis or just one of the claims? What is your intended thesis?

4. In what ways do you disagree with the article? (these will be your discussion points)

1.

2.

3.

Now you are ready to put everything together (this is the 3rd step of the process)…

1. Introduce your argument. Write a few sentences to grab the reader’s attention and catch him or her up on the conversation. Include some version of your thesis toward the end and underline it.

2. Write a descriptive paragraph that helps to illustrate and/or summarize the argument you will be refuting.

3. What is your first rebuttal point? Present it in a well-developed paragraph and underline the topic sentence. Be sure to use at least one specific example to support and/or illustrate your idea.

4. What is your second rebuttal point? Present it in a well-developed paragraph and underline the topic sentence. Be sure to use at least one specific example to support and/or illustrate your idea.

5. What else would you like to say about this? (optional) This paragraph is your chance to tie up any loose ends. While it’s important to not bring up anything new, you may find that more explanation is needed. Make sure to underline your topic sentence.

6. Write a brief paragraph that explains the significance of your ideas to the audience (the conclusion). Remember, it’s more important that the reader knows why he or she read the essay in the first place—don’t just restate your thesis!