Counterclaim/Rebuttal for Argumentative Essays

What is the primary goal of a counter-claim paragraph?

• To introduce new claims

• To acknowledge and refute opposing arguments

• To prove your argument is the only valid one

• To summarize the essay

What mistake is made when acknowledging the opposing side too strongly?

• You might end up supporting the opposing argument

• You forget to state your own argument

• You use too many examples

• You ignore important evidence

What is a straw man fallacy?

• Misrepresenting the opposing argument to easily refute it

• Focusing only on weak arguments

• Ignoring the opposing argument completely

• Using too much evidence

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

What should you avoid when acknowledging a counter-claim?

• Pretending it's not true

• Refuting it immediately

• Using strong evidence

• Mentioning it at all

What is the first step in writing a counter-claim paragraph?

• Writing the rebuttal

• Choosing the strongest evidence

• Brainstorming opposing arguments

• Ignoring weak arguments

Why is it important to focus on the strongest claims of the opposing side?

• To make your essay longer

• To easily refute weak arguments

• To strengthen your own argument by addressing strong counterclaims

• To confuse the reader

What is the purpose of citing evidence in your counter-claim paragraph?

• To support the opposing argument

• To make the essay longer

• To strengthen your rebuttal

• To introduce new claims

What should you do after writing your rebuttal?

• Start a new essay

• Have someone who disagrees with you review it

• Ignore any feedback

• Repeat the same arguments

How can rhetorical questions be used in your argument?

• To break down the arguments of the opposing side

• To summarize the essay

• To introduce new topics

• To confuse the opposing side

Why is it beneficial to have someone who disagrees with you edit your work?

• They can identify flaws and strengthen your argument

• They can add more opposing arguments

• They can change your mind

• They can make the argument weaker