English 9 / Unit 7: Argument and Rhetoric
7.1 Claims, Counterclaims and Rebuttals
Notes
An argument tries to convince readers to accept a position using reasons and evidence.
- Claim: the writer's main position, which can be argued ("Schools should start at 9 a.m.").
- Reasons: why the claim is true. Evidence: support for each reason.
- Counterclaim: an opposing view.
- Rebuttal: the writer's response showing why the counterclaim is weaker.
- A claim must be debatable; a plain fact is not a claim.
- Example: "Some say later starts hurt sports schedules (counterclaim). However, most practices could shift by an hour with little cost (rebuttal)."
Practice
Which is an arguable claim?
Reasonable people could disagree, so it can be argued.
"Critics argue that homework helps students practice skills." In an essay against homework, this sentence is a:
It presents the opposing view.
What is the purpose of a rebuttal?
A rebuttal responds to the opposing side.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 7 test.