Counterclaims and Rebuttals: How are
the two different?
Created by HemetUSD- Incorporating Step Up to Writing
Counterclaims
• What is it?
• A counterclaim is what your opponent
believes about your issue or evidence.
• Example: Technology belongs in schools. It
helps students learn.
• Example of counterclaim: Technology distracts
students from doing their work well.
Rebuttal Statement
• What is a rebuttal?
• It is your answer, or how you prove your
opponent’s ideas are wrong or flawed.
• Example= This idea is incorrect. Technology
allows students access to information that
local libraries do not have. This information
allows the students to write a better report.
Breaking Down an Argument
1. Some may say that technology leads to lower
grades. (State what the other side believes.)
2. This is not true. (Say that the information is
wrong.)
3. Technology allows students access to
information that local libraries do not have. This
information allows the students to write a better
report. (Give your reason why.)
Quick Check
• Look back over the preceding slide.
• Label the part that is the counterclaim with a
letter C.
• Label the parts that are the rebuttal with a
letter R.
Basics of Writing an Argument
1. State your idea.
2. Give your evidence.
3. State the counterclaim.
4. Offer the rebuttal
statement.
5.Move on to your next
point.
Review
• Answer the following items with complete
sentences.
• 1. How is a counterclaim different from a
rebuttal statement?
• 2. List the steps of a basic written argument.
Options
Step One
Some may believe…
Certain people think…
While a portion of
individuals today
feel…
Although a few state…
Step Two
• This is not true.
• The notion is flawed.
• That is incorrect.
• The idea is untrue.
• Anyone who believes
the preceding idea is
misinformed.
Write a Reflection
Use SUTW format:
Topic sentence: I can write a strong
argument.
One reason you can write a good argument.
Explain your ideas (two sentences).
• One reason you can write a strong
counterclaim.
Explain your ideas (two sentences).
• A reason you can write a rebuttal statement.
Explain your ideas (two sentences).
•
Write the concluding sentence (restate
main ideas).