RESPONDING TO A TEXT: COUNTERARGUMENT
Dr. Marguerite Connor
Often, a response to a text focuses on agreeing and /or disagreeing with its major ideas.  Responses may agree completely, disagree completely, or agree with some points but disagree with others.  The latter are the most effective essays because they show that the responder sees both strengths and weaknesses in an argument.  In the following body paragraphs, notice how the responder agrees and disagrees and then supports each judgment with evidence.  The summary of the article is usually in the first or second paragraph, and is not included here.

                 I agree with the author that the news media blow many stories out of proportion.  It seems that every time I see a   story about a child-related violent crime on the news, I am always told to stay tuned for more information.  They keep going back to the same reporter, giving the same information.  They usually have a special "follow-up report" on the next night.  The more violent the crime, the more attention it gets.  For example, if there is a high-speed chase involving a teenager, it will be mentioned on the news.  If the chase ends in a crash, however, the story will be repeated in depth for several days.  The media can stretch the one incident into a crime story that lasts all week.  The media always dwell on the bad.  If news stories mention a teenager on a good note, it is shown just once, not shown or reprinted the rest of the week.

                I have to disagree with the author as well.  Violent TV shows can lead to an increase in violent crimes.  To see the effects of violent movies, you don't have to look any farther than the toy store at your local Wal-Mart.  For every movie such as RoboCop or Tenninator, there is a new line of violent toys.  As children grow up playing with these toys, they begin associating violent objects with fun.  As they grow older, they begin looking for more violent "toys." Pretty soon you have a 16 year old holding a real 9 mm pistol to his best friend's head.

OUTLINES FOR COUNTERARGUMENT ESSAYS

#1
I. Introduction to the article(s)
II. Summary of article(s)
III.  Responses
            A. Point one with proof
            B. Point two with proof
            C. Point three with proof, etc.
IV. Conclusion

#2
I. Introduction to key issues
II. Summary of article(s)
III.  Responses
           A. Point one with proof
           B. Point two with proof
           C. Point three with proof, etc.
IV. Conclusion

#3
I. Introduction to issues and/or article
II. Summary of article's point one/response to point one
III.  Summary of article's point two/response to point two
IV. Summary of article's point three/response to point three, etc.
V. Conciusion