How to Write an Effective Rebuttal
Rebuttals are commonly included as parts of essays or can be verbally given during debates. These speeches or essays address viewpoints oppositional to the argument you are trying to make. Constructing and writing effective rebuttals requires you to fully familiarize yourself with the arguments against your thesis, then to disprove these arguments by providing quotes, facts and appeals that support your thesis. When constructing effective rebuttals, it is important to address all opposing arguments at hand as succinctly as possible.
Instructions
-
-
1
Familiarize yourself with the counterpoints of your argument by reading essays and articles that argue against your thesis. Compile a list of these points.
-
2
Prepare your rebuttal by comparing your thesis with the arguments made against it. Go point-by-point through the arguments made against your thesis and formulate how you intend to disprove these arguments.
-
-
3
Consult expert sources -- through direct contact or through books or publications -- who may provide effective quotes for arguing against the issues raised in your rebuttal.
-
4
Construct your rebuttal based any three methods of appeal. These methods include using an appeal to reason, an appeal to emotion or using analogies and metaphors. An appeal to reason is the most common way of addressing a rebuttal. With this method, you use facts and fallacies to disprove the argument against your thesis. An appeal to emotion uses pathos to gain the sympathy of your reader and works effectively for moral issues. Using metaphors and analogies allows you to take the reader out of the direct issue at hand and understand the larger framework of the argument.
-
5
Begin your rebuttal by accurately stating the viewpoint expressed by the detractors of your thesis. Within the introduction -- and throughout the entire rebuttal -- use language that is not inflammatory or vague, but that logically states and validates the issues at hand. After stating the opposing viewpoint, state your thesis as to why that viewpoint can be disproved.
-
6
Write a paragraph or two for each point found in your research that argues against your thesis. Accurately state the viewpoint in the first sentence, then follow it up with your arguments. Use the appeals you formulated, as well as the research you conducted, to back up your thesis.
-
7
Write your conclusion by restating the opposing viewpoint and your thesis. Briefly summarize the points you made in your arguments throughout the paper.
-
8
Proofread, review and edit your rebuttal before submitting it. Try to remove yourself from your thesis and view your arguments objectively. Ask yourself if, as a non-partisan party, you would be convinced by your arguments.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
