Here is the point by point structure that I would use if I were a student taking McMahon's English 1C class and I was assigned the counterargument essay. This structure comfortably generates a 5-page essay, which is a good length for Essay #3.
Paragraph 1: I would summarize the major points of the essay I am writing about.
Paragraph 2: I would write my thesis. I would not worry about my mapping statements here since they will develop as I counter-argue the objections.
Paragraphs 3 and 4: Objection #1 to my thesis followed by my counterargument #1.
Paragraphs 5 and 6: Objection #2 followed by my counterargument #2.
Paragraphs 7 and 8: Objection #3 followed by my counterargument #3.
Paragraphs 9 and 10: Objection #4 followed by my counterargument #4.
Paragraph 11: A brief paragraph--a restatement of my thesis.
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