Handling counterarguments

English · C2

The rule

Engage with the strongest relevant objection. Explain where it applies and where your position still holds. Avoid drawing general rules from isolated anecdotes.

Example

This objection matters in small firms, but larger teams may have resources to address it.

Practice

1. The most useful objection to address is…

  1. A relevant strong objection
  2. An unrelated joke
  3. A deliberately weak caricature
  4. No objection
Answer and explanation

A relevant strong objection

A strong relevant objection tests and refines your argument.

2. One anecdote alone…

  1. Proves a universal rule
  2. Needs broader evidence before generalisation
  3. Replaces all data
  4. Shows every exception
Answer and explanation

Needs broader evidence before generalisation

An isolated example cannot establish a universal claim.

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