Types of Rebuttals
What does it mean to “reject the premise” in a rebuttal?
You challenge the underlying assumption of the argument; you argue that the basis of their claim is incorrect.
What is a “motion”?
The statement being debated, the topic.
Three parts of a strong argument?
Claim, Reason, Impact (or Point, Evidence, Explanation).
What is a logical fallacy?
A flaw or error in reasoning that weakens an argument.
What rebuttal type argues that A does not lead to B?
Rejecting the logic/mechanism.
What is the role of the opposition?
To disagree with the motion and provide arguments explaining why it should not stand.
Purpose of evidence?
To support your reason with facts, examples, or data.
Fallacy: “one event leads to huge consequences”?
Slippery slope fallacy.
How do you reject the impact of an argument?
Argue that the effect is smaller, less important, unlikely, or irrelevant compared to what the speaker claims.
What’s wrong with attacking the speaker instead of the argument?
It’s an ad hominem fallacy.
What is a weighing comparison in rebuttal?
A method for showing why your impact matters more
Identify flaw: “You’re wrong because you’ve never been a teacher.”
Appeal to authority / ad hominem / lack of relevance.
Example of a logic/mechanism rejection.
“Phones cause lower grades because students are always distracted.”
Propose a rebuttal
Example answer:
Just having a phone does not cause lower grades—distraction depends on school policy, teacher control, and student self-management.
Example of a false cause fallacy.
“Crime dropped after we changed the school uniform policy; therefore uniforms caused the drop.”