Counterclaims

Being able to recognize and formulate counterclaims in reaction to an argument is a characteristic of a good _____________________.

A counterclaim is a(n)...

• reasonable challenge to a claim

• contradiction to a claim

• flaw in reasoning

Consider the claim:

It is possible for a person to have more than one best friend.

Now consider how someone might argue against this.

Which sentence presents the stronger and more reasonable counterclaim to the above claim?

• The word best means "above all others," so by definition, it's only possible to have one best friend.

• The perfect number of friends is three because that way you never have to be alone, but you're never in a crowd.

What is the underlined section? The legal driving age should be raised to 18 years old to ensure that drivers have the maturity, cognitive development, and experience necessary to operate a vehicle safely. While it is understandable that some teenagers may feel frustrated by a higher legal driving age, the primary concern should be public safety. Studies have consistently shown that younger drivers, particularly those under 18, are involved in a disproportionately high number of accidents. This is largely due to their lack of experience, impulsive behavior, and susceptibility to peer pressure. By raising the driving age to 18, we can ensure that drivers have had more time to mature, gain life experience, and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to handle the responsibilities of operating a vehicle.

• Claim

• Counterclaim

• Rebuttal

• Evidence

When using a counterclaim for persuasion, you must offer a rebuttal.

• True

• False

Write a counterclaim and rebuttal based on the following claim:

1. Social media platforms should be held legally responsible for the content posted by their users.

Write a counterclaim and rebuttal based on the following claim:

1. The voting age should be lowered to 16 years old to encourage civic engagement among younger generations.

What is a rebuttal?

• An argument from the opposing side.

• Your position on the topic.

• Your argument against the other side's claim.

Some may argue that homeschool is better than public school because of the variety of classes that are offered; however, unlike many homeschools, public schools allow children to socialize with their peers.

• Good Counterclaim

• Bad Counterclaim

It may be true that students focus better in class when they are allowed to chew gum; however, chewing gum is a distraction in class because students chew it loudly and pop bubbles.

• Good Counterclaim

• Bad Counterclaim