Counterarguments 23-24

What is a counterargument?

• An argument that disproves its' claim

• An argument that refutes or disproves the opposing side (other side)

• An argument that allows the reader to understand the claim

If someone said they were for free college tuition? What would be the opposing side?

• Free high school tuition

• Against free high school tuition

• Against free college tuition

• Having lower taxes

Why is it important to include the counterargument in your essay?

• the reader will convince you

• it helps prove your claim by proving the opposite side of the argument is weak

• it helps your essay be longer

• You can show the reader that the other side is also right

the writer's position on an issue or problem is called

• claim

• evidence

• counterargument

• reasons

What COUNTERARGUMENT do you think best directly opposes the following ARGUMENT:

"Legally owned guns are frequently stolen and used by criminals."

• "Gun control laws will not prevent criminals from obtaining guns or breaking laws."

• "Gun control laws give too much power to the government."

What COUNTERARGUMENT do you think best directly opposes the following ARGUMENT:

Teens spend too much time on their phones.

• Teens need time alone to decompress. Playing on their phones allows them time to wind down after a long day at school. Although most teens already are spending the school day on their phone or other devices.

• Overuse of cell phones has been linked to damage to eyesight in teens. This has increased even more during virtual learning due to the pandemic.

What is a counterargument to the following claim: E-cigarettes are just as harmful to bystanders' health as regular cigarettes.

• E-cigarettes release a vapor that is high in carcinogens and other cancer-causing chemicals.

• Some people believe that regardless of the consequences, people should have the freedom to smoke where they want, whether bystanders are close or not.

You think that 6th graders should be able to play basketball for the school, but the intramural directors disagree. The directors believe that 6th graders are too young to deal with the stress of the game and keep up with their grades. What would be a good counterargument for this scenario?

• Although 6th graders are younger than 7th or 8th graders, some of us are just as responsible as other kids.

• It is true that most 6th graders are less mature than 8th graders.

The claim: Video games are helpful.

An example of a counterargument would be:

• Video games improve coordination.

• Video games might also help improve visual skills.

• Although video games can be used to simulate trainings for soldiers, they are bad according to most teachers and parents.

• Some doctors believe violent video games increase your heart rate in a negative way.

Identify the counterclaim to this claim: Students should be able to eat snacks in class.

• Chewing gum raises test scores

• Studies show eating during class keeps students focused

• Teachers argue food distracts students

• Eating is during school hours is important