Writing a Counterclaim

What is a counterclaim?

• Your position in an argument

• The opposing view of your claim

• The closing statement

• The counter where you claim something

What is a rebuttal?

• A response to the counterclaim that weakens the opposing view

• Support for the counterclaim

• Words used to make paragraphs flow smoothly

• Evidence

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

Identify the rebuttal to the previous counterclaim that food causes distractions

• Students get Hot Cheeto fingers on the Chromebooks

• The real distraction is hungry students who can't focus

• It's impossible to open a bag of chips quietly

• Students leave crumbs everywhere, which attracts bugs

Identify the counterclaim to this argument: Students should wear uniforms to school.

• Having uniforms prepares students for professional careers

• Uniforms make everyone's lives easiers

• Students need to be able to express themselves

• Uniforms allow students to focus on their work not fashion

Which rebuttal is the strongest response to the counterclaim that students need to express themselves?

• Students do not have time to wash their uniforms each night.

• Uniforms are more affordable for most families.

• Students can still express themselves in many other ways.

• Some believe uniforms are unfair; however, they're idiots.

Identify the counterclaim to this argument: Students should be able to listen to music in class.

• Some may argue that music distracts students

• Some may argue that music is calming

• Teachers can choose the music for the students

Which rebuttal best weakens the counterclaim that music is distracting?

• Music motivates students

• Music reduces stress

• Lyrics in music can cause students to lose focus

• Not all music is distracting, in fact, some genres are proven to enhance learning

What's the rebuttal in the following statement: Some argue that Coke has better products; however, Pepsi sells more.

• Some argue that Coke has better products

• however, Pepsi sells more

What's the counterclaim in the following statement: Some argue that cakes are versatile, but pies are even more versatile because they can be savory.

• Some argue that cakes are versatile

• but pies are even more versatile because they can be savory