Critical Rebuttal

  A rebuttal essay, also known as an argument or counter-argument essay, typically responds to specific points made by an author (or authors) of a text. As in a debate, this type of essay gives you the opportunity to present your opinions on a situation using research and critical thinking to address an argument. In other words, tear down an argument to build yours. Crucial Steps: Before you begin writing, outline your argument to help prevent you from feeling stuck or uncertain about the next step in your essay. To begin, list the ideas made by the opposing view point. You should consider any length requirements for your essay (5 pages), and if you have too many points, highlight the most important items you want to address. This list will provide a starting point for your research. When you have gathered the data you need on each point, decide on the order you will present them. One good option is to begin with the smallest idea on your list and build up to the most important or impactful idea. Some more tips: -Take notes within the text. Annotate the text. If you’re still stuck, read the text again. I cannot stress to you enough the importance of close reading with this assignment. Introduction: The introduction of your rebuttal essay should give some background to the situation you will discuss. This will help any reader unfamiliar with your topic have a starting point to understand your arguments. Once the reader has this information, you will give your thesis statement. Your introduction will not list each point you plan to make. Instead, your thesis will give your general stand on the argument in one sentence. For example, if your argument relates to one person’s opinion that a certain brand of soda tastes better than another, you will simply tell your reader that you have a different opinion. This sets up your paper and your stand on the topic. The Argument (your argument): Begin by sharing the first claim by the opposing view point. You will then state your ideas, and use your research to back up your opinion on this first claim. This will show the reader why she should stand with you on each particular point. Do not make generalized statements regarding the topic. Instead, stay on the point and then continue by following to the next idea listed on the outline you made before you began writing. Conclusion: Once you cover each point, you will conclude your essay. This gives you the opportunity to pull all of your information together and show how each point you made should impact the reader’s opinion. You should restate your perspective on the topic, and end your essay with a final sentence that will leave the reader thinking about the subject and your perspective. Other Guidance: - It is easy to tear down an argument, but it is much more difficult to build it back. If you’re working with a piece that *does* contain some validity, make sure you give credit where it is due. Remember the Rogerian approach? Keep that in the back of your mind. - No text is off limits for this assignment (within reason). Just keep it PG-13, and be sure to follow the implied codes of decorum within academic writing. Please do not employ ad homonyms, curse words, or work with any text(s) that may be deemed questionable to the structural integrity of this course. For example, if you would like to critique a series of tweets from a high-profile individual, you may do so. However, be sure that these micro- arguments carry a definable theme in which you present your argument. - If you’re struggling with a topic, or are unsure if it’s appropriate, please email me/stop by the office for a chat. I will be more than happy to help. - You can choose to either counter an author’s viewpoint or an idea presented in an article (e.g. the Raw Water phenomenon). Text Suggestions for Essays: - “On Nation and Race” by Adolf Hitler - Illness as Metaphor/AIDS and Its Metaphors by Susan Sontag - Any peer-reviewed, academic writing that presents sanitized data or contains questionable ethics/ideas - Raw Water  - Carl Jung vs. Sigmund Freud - Donald Trump’s twitter feed