Counterclaim Body Paragraph

Counterclaim and Rebuttal

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Claim

• Your claim is your argument or your position on a topic.

• Example- School lunches should be healthier.

Counterclaim

• The counterclaim is an argument that the opposing side might have against your claim.

• Example- Your claim is that school lunches should be healthier.

• Counterclaim- Some people believe that schools should not change school lunches because students will refuse to eat, which would have an even more negative effect than eating less healthy foods.

• The counterclaim needs to be a specific argument not just a restatement of what the opposing side is.

Doesn't that hurt my argument?

• Not at all, because you are also going to give a rebuttal for their argument.

• This actually strengthens your argument because it shows that you are thinking logically and have acknowledged that there are two sides, but that yours is just stronger.

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Rebuttal

• A rebuttal is when you say why their counterclaim is weak or wrong.

• Counterclaim- Some people believe that schools should not change school lunches because students will refuse to eat, which would have an even more negative effect than eating less healthy foods.

• Rebuttal- However, this statement is false and exaggerating. Nowadays, many children and teenagers are aware of the impact of eating bad foods and choose to eat healthier options, especially if they don't get them at home.

Multiple Choice

What is a claim?

• An argument from the opposing side.

• Your position on the topic.

• Your argument against the other side's claim.

Multiple Choice

What is a counterclaim?

• An argument from the opposing side.

• Your position on the topic.

• Your argument against the other side's claim.

Multiple Choice

What is a rebuttal?

• An argument from the opposing side.

• Your position on the topic.

• Your argument against the other side's claim.

Multiple Choice

What is the correct rebuttal?

Claim: All students should have daily chores to teach them good habits.

Counterclaim: Daily chores may make students tired during the day.

• Some may say that daily chores may make students tired during the day, but daily chores will teach students good habits.

• Some may say that all students should have daily chores to teach them good habits, but daily chores after school may make students tired.

• Daily chores are good! We should have them!

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to include the counterclaim and rebuttal in your essay?

• The reader will convince you.

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

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

• It helps your essay be longer.

Multiple Choice

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

Poll

Did this lesson help prepare you for writing counterclaim paragraph?

• Yes I got it!

• No, I am still confused

• I'm never going to be ready no matter what I learn

• I am ready to rock argumentative essay writing!

Multiple Choice

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

Multiple Choice

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

Multiple Choice

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.

Multiple Choice

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

Multiple Choice

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

Multiple Choice

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

Multiple Choice

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

Open Ended

Type in your favorite transition word for the rebuttal/turnback: Start the sentence with one of these words:

However, Whereas, On the other hand, In spite of, Despite, Nevertheless, Even though, In contast, One could also say.... or pick your own word!