Claim
What is a claim?
A claim is a statement that communicates your position or point of view in an argument.
What is a topic sentence.
A topic sentence is the sentence that introduces each body paragraph and tells the reader the main idea of the paragraph.
What is a counterclaim?
A counterclaim is a statement that shows the opposite point of view.
What is a rebuttal?
A rebuttal is a statement that disproves the counterclaim.
What is evidence?
Evidence is facts, statistics, or quotes that support your argument.
Which of the following is a claim?
A. Students should wear uniforms because they are cool.
B. Students should not wear uniforms.
C. Students should not wear uniforms because they are ugly.
B
Once you have written a topic sentence and supported it with text evidence, what is your next step?
Your next step is to explain or elaborate on your evidence.
Write a counterclaim for the following claim: School lunch is convenient and free. Include a reason.
Despite the fact that school lunch is convenient and free, it isn't a very healthy way to start your day.
What is a good transition word/phrase to introduce a rebuttal?
Still, however, but
Which of the following is not evidence?
A. 90% of girls like the color green.
B. 1 out of 5 boys plays basketball.
C. A scientist explains that loud music can harm your hearing.
D. Listening to loud music is fun.
D
Write a claim for the following topic: Student uniforms
Students should wear uniforms.
OR
Students should not wear uniforms.
What is the purpose of a hook?
The purpose of a hook is to get the reader's attention.
Write a counterclaim for the following claim: NASA should send astronauts to live on Mars. Include a reason.
NASA should not send astronauts to live on Mars because it is extremely dangerous.
Write a rebuttal for the following counterclaim: NASA should not send astronauts to live on Mars because it would be dangerous.
Even though it would be dangerous for astronauts to live on Mars, it would be worth the risk because they would learn so much.
Make up evidence for the following argument: Cats make better pets than dogs because they are easier to take care of.
Examples: While dogs need to be fed twice a day, cats can feed themselves if you leave the food out for them. 75% of cat owners say that they never have to think about feeding their cat. 1 out of 4 dog owners dread feeding their dog.
Write a claim for the following argument: School start time
School should start earlier.
OR
School should start later.
After you write your hook and your claim, what should you write next in your introduction?
You should give a preview of the reasons (usually three) that you are going to go into in your body paragraphs.
What is the difference between a counterclaim and a rebuttal?
A counterclaim communicates the opposite point of view while a rebuttal tells why the opposite point of view is wrong or insufficient.
Write a rebuttal for the following counterclaim: Pizza is better than chips because pizza has a lot of cheese.
Despite the fact that pizza has a lot of cheese, chips are better because they are not as messy to eat.
Make up evidence for the following argument: Glasses are better than contacts because they take less time to put on.
Examples: Only 23% of contact wearers say they don't mind the time it takes. 3 out of 4 people who wear glasses say they switched to glasses because of the hassle of putting in contacts.
What is the difference between a claim and a reason?
A claim communicates your stance on an issue and a reason communicates why you have that stance.
Write a hook for the following claim: Students shouldn't have to wear uniforms?
(Various answers.)
What is a good word/phrase to introduce a counterclaim?
Even though some critics say... Despite the fact that... Although the opposing argument is...
What is the purpose of including a counterclaim and a rebuttal in your argument?
To show the reader that you understand the opposing point of view and convince them that your point of view is better.
What is a good phrase to introduce evidence?
For example... One study shows... A man who was interviewed explains... The text states...