Acknowledge
the Other
Side
• Objective: To identify the “other
side’s” counterclaim and reasons
and develop a persuasive rebuttal.
• Focusing Question: How can you
counter one of the “other side’s”
reasons in your editorial?
• Strategy: To plan a rebuttal by
determining the other side’s
counterclaim and deciding how to
rebut it.
Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson Summary
Mini Lesson
• Editorial writers acknowledge the
claims of those who disagree with
them (counterclaims).
• Think about two sides of an issue
that you know about.
Hint: Consider classmates’
opposing views on your issue.
• Respond to the other side’s
counterclaim to strengthen the
editorial.
• This “rebuttal” explains why the
other side is wrong.
Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson Summary
Writer’s
Work Time
1. Go to Step 3 of the Online Classroom and
watch DD’s Think Aloud: Counter the Other
Side.
2. Decide on the “other side” for your editorial
by writing down:
• Your claim
• Why you think you are right (your
reasons)
• The other side’s counterclaim
• Why they think they are right (their
reasons)?
• Why are they wrong? (rebuttal)
3. Write the Other Side in Section C of the
Editorial Organizer. Include:
• A summary of the opposing position
(counterclaim and reasons)
• Why the “other side” is wrong (rebuttal)
• Evidence to support your
counterargument (Intermediate and
Experienced).
Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson Summary
Lesson
Summary
• Share your rebuttal in the Online
Classroom.
– Open the Step 3 activity Share
Your Other Side.
– Click Add a new discussion
topic.
• Write your claim in the
subject line
• Write the “other side’s”
counterclaim and your
rebuttal in the body.
– Click Post to forum.
• Comment on how your classmates’
rebuttals could be even more
persuasive.
Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson Summary