Strong Claims in Argument

Why is it important to include the counterclaim and rebuttal in argumentative writing?

• It helps make an argument stronger by proving that the opposing viewpoint is weak.

• It makes an argument less strong because it tells what other people believe.

• It makes the argument longer.

• It shows why the opposing viewpoint is correct.

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

Does the evidence support the claim? Claim: Fenty Beauty has better products than Kylie Cosmetics. Evidence: Fenty Beauty foundation is rated four stars at Sephora, but Kylie Cosmetics foundation isn’t even sold at Sephora.

• Yes

• No

An author's main position about a topic which the author tries to get readers to agree with.

• argument

• evidence

• claim

Statements that an author presents as true in order to support his or her argument.

• claims

• argument

• evidence

Which statement is true about arguments?

• Good arguments are made up of claims supported by reasons and evidence.

• Good evidence is made up of arguments supported by claims.

• Good claims are made up of opinions supported by emotions.

This part of the argumentative essay makes up the central argument-the claim(s) that the rest of the essay will work to back up with evidence and analysis.

The final sentence usually tries to capture the importance or originality of the argument in a strong, memorable statement.

• True

• False

• Partly true

• Somehow false

What is a strong claim in an argument?

• A statement that is vague and lacks evidence

• A statement that is clear, specific, and supported by evidence

• A statement that is based on personal opinion

• A statement that contradicts the main argument

Which of the following is an example of a strong claim?

• Dogs are better than cats because they are more loyal.

• I think dogs are better than cats.

• Dogs are better than cats because they are cute.

• Dogs are better than cats because I have a dog.