Counterclaims & Rebuttals

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 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

Why do we include counterclaims?

• To anticipate the argument from the opposing side

• To show what you know and strengthen your argument

• To prevent bias

• All of the above

Rebuttals come before the counterclaim.

• True

• False

What is the underlined section? Schools shouldn't give homework. Some might argue it's important for practice, but students can end up practicing incorrectly.

• Claim

• Counterclaim

• Rebuttal

What is the underlined section? Detention teaches students that there are consequences to their actions. Some could claim that it just makes them more angry, but the anger is part of the consequence.

• Claim

• Counterclaim

• Rebuttal