Claim/ Counter Claim

The writer's position on an issue

• claim

• counterclaim

• rebuttel

• background

Any information that helps prove a claim.

• evidence

• argument

• counterclaim

• thesis

Facts, quotations, examples, and statistics can all be used as _______________.

• evidence

• claims

• arguments

• counterclaims

Statements that address or recognize opposing viewpoints.

• counterclaims

• rebuttals

• claims

• arguments

There can only be one claim in a single piece of writing.

• True

• False

Parents should be fined when their
children bully because it will send a
message. Some say It is very difficult for
parents to manage their children
when they leave the house and go to
school. Despite this, thirteen million
kids are bullied each year and
something needs to be done. The fines
will encourage parents to focus on anti-bullying in the home.
Which sentence is the counterclaim?

• Despite this, thirteen million
  kids are bullied each year and
  something needs to be done.
• The fines
  will encourage parents to
  focus on anti-bullying in the home.
• Some say it is very difficult for
  parents to manage their children
  when they leave the house and go to
  school.
• Parents should be fined when their
  children bully because it will send a
  message.

What is the purpose of an argument?

• TO EXPLAIN
• TO PERSUADE
• TO ENTERTAIN
• TO INFORM

Identify the claim and reason.

• Winter is better than summer.

• Students should wear school uniforms because it makes it harder to tease kids who have less money.

• I like tacos better than burritos.

• Humans are mammals.

Which is the weakest claim and reasoning?

• Students should be able to use cell phones in class because it will help them develop 21st century skills.

• Teachers should get paid for every hour they work because they will be more likely to work harder.

• Small dogs are safer pets for families than big dogs because they won't be able to knock old people down and kill them.

• I think people should not eat meat products because they make me happy.

Which of the following is NOT a claim?

• California is the best state in the USA because it houses important parts of American culture.

• Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance.

• The school year began in September and will end in June.

• July 4th is the best holiday of the year because the celebrations include the whole country.