Argument Structure 7

Read the claim.

CLAIM: Wind power is a clean, harmless form of energy.

Which statement is a counterclaim to this claim?

• Wind turbines create less pollution than fossil fuels.

• Wind turbines do not work when the wind is not blowing.

• Wind turbines can harm or kill birds and bats.

• Wind turbines are a more efficient form of energy than solar panels.

In an argumentative essay, what is the difference between a claim and an opinion?

En un ensayo argumentativo, ¿cuál es la diferencia entre una afirmación y una opinión?

• A claim is supported by evidence, while an opinion is not.

• An opinion is supported by evidence, while a claim is not.

• A claim can be supported by an opinion, but not the other way around.

• An opinion can serve as either a claim or a counterclaim, while a claim can only be a claim.

In an argumentative essay, a counterclaim is

En un ensayo argumentativo, una reconvención es

• a statement that disputes a criticism.

• a statement that disputes a claim.

• a statement that summarizes both sides of an argument.

• a statement of evidence for a claim.

In an argumentative essay, a claim is something that is

En un ensayo argumentativo, una afirmación es algo que es

• asserted to be false.

• proved false only.

• asserted to be true.

• proved either true or false.

Which statement is argumentative, as opposed to informational?

¿Qué declaración es argumentativa, en lugar de informativa?

• Many schools use their bands to entertain crowds during sports events.

• Funding for theater programs has steadily lessened over the past decade.

• Communities should support artistic expression in their public schools.

• Many kindergarten students enjoy art class very much.

True or False?

The statement below could be a counterclaim for the claim “Junk food should be banned from schools”.

Food researchers have found that junk food sold in vending machines at most schools contains excessive amounts of sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

• True

• False

Student D made the claim, “It should be mandatory for every student to learn to play a musical instrument”. Which of the following is an example of an appropriate counterclaim the student might make?

• No after-school activities should be mandatory for students.

• Since learning and playing an instrument takes time outside of school, students should have the opportunity to choose how they use that time, rather than be forced to play an instrument.

• Learning to play an instrument is very difficult.

• It should be mandatory for every student to play a sport.

Student C made the claim, “Novels and textbooks should be completely replaced by iPads and online resources.” Which of the following is an example of an appropriate counterclaim the student might make?

• iPads do not have fun games pre-installed on them.

• Excessive reading on a computer screen can possibly damage eyesight.

• Some student do not need to use textbooks for studying.

• Some students would rather play video games than read a novel.

Student A had to write a persuasive essay about the use of computers for school/homework. Which of the following is an example of a claim the student might make?

• Some students use computers to do their homework.

• Microsoft computers are used by some students to do their homework.

• Computers are the most effective way for students to do homework.

• Computers are a technological tool.

Which of the following is an appropriate claim for the essay topic “Is video gaming good or bad?”

¿Cuál de las siguientes es una afirmación adecuada para el tema del ensayo "¿Son buenos o malos los videojuegos?"

• Violent video games have negative effects on young children.

• Many video games are available online.

• Skyrim is the best adventure game.