A rebuttal is a response to an article or argument that presents an opposing viewpoint. It offers you the opportunity to engage the intended audience and persuade them to look at a subject from your standpoint rather than the opposing standpoint. Political rebuttals are often seen on TV during campaign season when a commercial airs for one party and is immediately followed by a commercial from the opposing party with a reverse argument. Learn how you can write an effective rebuttal on any topic.
Instructions
1. Know the opposing viewpoint thoroughly. You can't present a convincing rebuttal without knowing exactly what it is you're opposing. An effective rebuttal should not be mere name calling, but a well-planned, systematic deconstruction of the opposing side's viewpoint.
2. Write an introduction that states the opposing viewpoint and follow it with your stance. Write a strong thesis statement that tells your audience how you intend to show the opposing viewpoint to be false, then move into the body of your rebuttal.
3. Form your rebuttal point by point. Restate each of the opposing party's claims or accusations, then follow with your rebuttal of each of these claims. Be direct and write actively. Avoid ambiguous language. This will make it appear as if you are trying to avoid key issues.
4. Avoid beginning your rebuttal by stating that everything the opposing side says is wrong or a lie. They've had their say. Now write an opposing view that negates what they've said and presents solid evidence that your audience can verify. In political campaigns, the opposing sides often paraphrase the truth or reveal something about the other party out of context to put the other party in a bad light. Avoid doing this. Base your rebuttals on full disclosure and let the audience decide.
