Definitions
Something said to offset someone else's claim.
What is counterclaim.
What is claim.
List three words/phrases you can use to start off a counter claim.
What is:
Although...
It is often thought that...
Some may say that...
Even though...
Some people say that dogs make better pets than cats because they're friendlier, however, I think that cats are better.
What is: first person, opinion.
An opposing argument.
What is counterargument.
Although some people say everyone should eat chocolate ice cream, some people are allergic to chocolate.
What is counterclaim.
List three words you can use to refute/dismiss a counterargument.
What is:
However...
But...
Regardless...
Yet...
Although some people disagree, online classes are better than in person classes for college students with full time jobs.
What is: didn't explain the counterargument.
Providing reasoning for why something is right or reasonable.
What is justification.
Some say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it is important to start the day off right, but snacking allows people to keep their energy up.
What is counterclaim.
What's the first step of writing a counterclaim?
What is identify the opposing argument(s).
Some people believe that the voting age should be lowered to 16 because teenagers should have a right to be politically involved. Teenagers are responsible enough to vote, however the age limit should not be lowered.
What is: completely agrees with counterclaim and contradicts claim.
An acknowledgement that there could be some truth to the counterargument.
What is concession.
Since playing team sports allows kids to develop strong communication skills, parents should encourage their kids to get involved in at least one sport.
What is claim.
Why are counterclaims important for argumentative writing?
What is: they help strengthen an argument by showing that multiple perspectives have been considered. They also fill in gaps in reasoning.
Although it's been proven that driving is more dangerous than flying, flying feels scarier to most people.
What is: generalization, arguing against a fact, opinion, lack of reasoning.
An explanation of why the counterargument is not as strong as the original argument.
What is a rebuttal
Some researchers say that drinking more than 4 cups of coffee a day can be detrimental for your health, but coffee is great and the research is wrong.
What is neither - opinion!
Practice: Come up with a counterclaim for the following claim.
Students should be in school year round and have more frequent, shorter breaks instead of summer break.
What is: student response.
Some people argue that it is justifiable to use animals as test subjects for health products. However, these tests do not cause long-term health issues.
What is: No rebuttal.