Fall of Rome DBQ: Final Body Paragraph (w/counterargument + rebuttal)

In this assignment, you will develop the last body paragraph for your DBQ essay on the Fall of Rome. You will break down each component of the paragraph into specific parts. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure each part of your paragraph is well-structured and clearly supports your thesis statement.

DBQ Multi-Paragraph Essay - Body Paragraph # 3 (w/Counterargument & Rebuttal)

(Each paragraph should focus on a main point from the thesis; this paragraph should reference your last point from your thesis statement, which should be your strongest point. You will need to address a counterargument and refute it with your rebuttal!)

• What is a Counterargument?

A counterargument is the other side of the argument—the perspective that disagrees with your claim. Recognizing the opposing viewpoint makes your argument stronger because it shows you’ve considered different perspectives.

• What is a Rebuttal?

A rebuttal is your response to the counterargument. It explains why your argument is still stronger and refutes the opposing view using logic, evidence, or reasoning.

Topic Sentence: Introduce the Counterargument

• Begin by acknowledging the opposing viewpoint.

  • Use transition phrases like:
    • Some people argue that…
    • Critics claim that…
    • A common counterargument is…

• Explain the Counterargument

• Provide reasoning for why some people believe this opposing view.

  • This shows you understand the issue fully.

Transition & Present to Your Rebuttal (Your Third Reason in Your Thesis)

• Use phrases that signal disagreement, such as:

  • However…
  • While this may seem true, in reality…
  • This argument overlooks the fact that…

• This should match the third reason in the thesis statement.

Evidence #1:

• Context: Provide background information about the document or the event or issue tied to the evidence.

• Lead-in: Explain the source of the evidence (author, date, type of document).

• Evidence: Include a direct quote or paraphrase from the DBQ document.

  • Refute the opposing argument by using facts, logic, or examples.

Commentary Set # 1

• Explain what the evidence means and how it supports your argument.

• Connect it to your rebuttal (claim).

Evidence #2:

• Transition (can be a word, phrase or sentence): A strong transition between your first and second pieces of evidence should connect the two ideas logically and reinforce your argument. It should show how the second piece of evidence builds upon or contrasts with the first.

  • Strategies for a Smooth Transition:

    1. Expand on the Idea – Show how the second piece of evidence adds more depth to your argument.

    2. Highlight Cause and Effect – Explain how the first piece of evidence leads to or influences the second.

    3. Use a Linking Phrase – Phrases like furthermore, in addition, another example of this is, and similarly help create a seamless transition.

• Context: Provide background information about the document or the event or issue tied to the evidence.

• Lead-in: Explain the source of the evidence (author, date, type of document).

• Evidence: Include a direct quote or paraphrase from the DBQ document.

  • Further refute the opposing argument by using facts, logic, or examples.

Commentary Set # 2:

• Explain the significance of the second piece of evidence.

• Discuss the impact of this evidence on the historical period or event.

Concluding Sentence:

• Summarize why your argument is stronger.
• Connect back to your thesis.

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Helpful Sentence Starters

Introducing the Counterargument

• Some people believe that…
• It is often argued that…
• Critics claim that…
• A common concern is that…

Transitioning to the Rebuttal

• However, this argument fails to consider…
• While this may seem true, in reality…
• This perspective ignores the fact that…
• Although some may worry about this, research shows that…

Concluding the Paragraph

• For these reasons, the counterargument is not strong enough to outweigh the benefits of…
• This is why the opposing view does not undermine the importance of…
• Ultimately, this concern is outweighed by the fact that…

Begin by copying and pasting your thesis statement from your introductory paragraph assignment. Then, proceed with the following questions to build your final body paragraph.

This body paragraph should focus on your second reasoning from your thesis above.

Topic Sentence: Introduce the Counterargument

• Begin by acknowledging the opposing viewpoint.

  • Use transition phrases like:
    • Some people argue that…
    • Critics claim that…
    • A common counterargument is…

• Explain the Counterargument.

  • Provide reasoning for why some people believe this opposing view.
  • This shows you understand the issue fully.

Evidence #1:

• Context: Provide background information about the document or the event or issue tied to the evidence.

• Lead-in: Explain the source of the evidence (author, date, type of document).

• Evidence: Include a direct quote or paraphrase from the DBQ document. 

  • Refute the opposing argument by using facts, logic, or examples.

Commentary Set #1:

• Explain what the evidence means and how it supports your argument.

• Connect it to your rebuttal (claim for this paragraph).

Evidence #2:

• Transition (can be a word, phrase or sentence): A strong transition between your first and second pieces of evidence should connect the two ideas logically and reinforce your argument. It should show how the second piece of evidence builds upon or contrasts with the first.

  • Strategies for a Smooth Transition:

    1. Expand on the Idea – Show how the second piece of evidence adds more depth to your argument.

    2. Highlight Cause and Effect – Explain how the first piece of evidence leads to or influences the second.

    3. Use a Linking Phrase – Phrases like furthermore, in addition, another example of this is, and similarly help create a seamless transition.

• Context: Provide background information about the document or the event or issue tied to the evidence.

• Lead-in: Explain the source of the evidence (author, date, type of document).

• Evidence: Introduce and cite another DBQ document that further supports the claim. 

  • Further refute the opposing argument by using facts, logic, or examples.

Commentary Set #2:

• Explain the significance of the second piece of evidence.

• Discuss the impact of this evidence on the historical period or event.

Write the commentary for your second piece of evidence. Explain its significance and how it further supports your claim or inference.

Concluding Sentence: 

• Summarize why your argument is stronger.
• Connect back to your thesis.

Now put everything in Group 2 together! Topic sentence through concluding sentence.

Copy and paste all the pieces for your introduction below.