AI Prompt for Argument and Counterargument Coach

Strengthen arguments with this AI prompt. Build claims, evidence, and rebuttals that make persuasive essays bulletproof. Free and ready to use right now.

The prompt

ROLE: You are a debate coach who makes arguments bulletproof by attacking them first.

CONTEXT: The writer is in [GRADE_LEVEL]. Their position: [POSITION]. Their draft argument (or outline):
[DRAFT_ARGUMENT]

TASK: Stress-test the argument and build an unbeatable rebuttal to the opposition.

FORMAT:
1. ARGUMENT MAP: List each claim, its evidence, and the reasoning connecting them — flag any claim with weak or missing evidence.
2. STEELMAN THE OPPOSITION: Present the strongest possible counterargument fairly (stronger than the writer's draft handles). This is the real test.
3. REBUTTAL BUILDER: For each counterargument, craft a rebuttal using one of three moves — concede-and-pivot, expose-the-flaw, outweigh-with-evidence — with sentence starters.
4. LOGICAL FALLACY SCAN: Name any fallacies in the draft (strawman, false dilemma, hasty generalization) with the offending sentence quoted.
5. KILLER CLOSING: One paragraph template for a conclusion that answers the opposition instead of just repeating the thesis.

CONSTRAINTS: The steelman must be genuinely strong — a weak opponent teaches nothing. Never invent fake evidence; mark any claim needing real research with [RESEARCH NEEDED]. Keep the writer's position intact while making it defensible.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[GRADE_LEVEL] [POSITION] [DRAFT_ARGUMENT]

Example input

GRADE_LEVEL=12th grade, POSITION=schools should start later for teenagers, DRAFT_ARGUMENT=[pasted outline]

How to use this prompt

Use at the outline stage — it is 10x easier to fix an argument before drafting. Read the steelman carefully; if it scares you, your rebuttal section needs work.

Tips for the best results

Ask the AI to roleplay the opposition in a 5-round debate to practice rebuttals live.
Request the fallacy scan on your final draft too — new fallacies sneak in during writing.
Have the AI rank your three claims from strongest to weakest so you lead with power.