Addressing Counterarguments Flashcards
7 cards from real LNAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Addressing Counterarguments flashcards as text
A debater claims: 'Speed cameras reduce accidents.' An opponent responds: 'Drivers just slow down at cameras and speed up after.' What type of counterargument is this?
Answer: A rebuttal challenging the effectiveness of the measure
The opponent challenges whether speed cameras actually achieve their stated goal, making it a rebuttal about effectiveness.
When an author 'steelmans' a counterargument before refuting it, what is the primary purpose?
Answer: To present the strongest version of the opposition to make the eventual rebuttal more credible
Steelmanning presents the counterargument at its strongest, so defeating it demonstrates the author's position is robust.
A passage argues for mandatory voting. A counterargument states: 'Forcing people to vote violates freedom of expression.' Which response best addresses this counterargument?
Answer: Compelled participation in civic processes differs from compelled speech, and blank ballots preserve expressive freedom
This response directly engages the freedom concern by distinguishing civic participation from compelled speech and noting that abstention remains an option.
In LNAT passages, a 'tu quoque' counterargument attempts to:
Answer: Dismiss an argument by pointing out the arguer's own inconsistency or hypocrisy
Tu quoque ('you too') attacks the arguer's credibility by alleging hypocrisy rather than addressing the argument's logic.
An author argues that social media increases political polarization. A counterargument notes: 'Polarization existed long before social media.' How should a strong author respond?
Answer: Acknowledge polarization's historical roots while arguing social media uniquely accelerates or deepens it
Acknowledging the historical point while arguing social media introduces a qualitatively different dynamic is a sophisticated and honest response.
Which of the following best describes the rhetorical technique of 'concede and pivot'?
Answer: Acknowledging a valid aspect of the counterargument before redirecting to why the main claim still holds
'Concede and pivot' grants limited validity to the opposition before explaining why it does not undermine the core argument.
A passage proposes banning single-use plastics. A counterargument argues: 'Alternatives like cotton bags have higher carbon footprints per use.' What makes this a strong counterargument?
Answer: It uses specific evidence to reveal an unintended consequence that complicates the proposal
By citing a concrete trade-off — higher carbon costs of alternatives — the counterargument forces the proponent to weigh competing environmental harms.