1. Counterclaims and Rebuttals: How are the two different?
Created by HemetUSD- Incorporating Step Up to Writing

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.)

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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).

10. One reason you can write a strong counterclaim.
Explain your ideas (two sentences).
A reason you can write a rebuttal statement.

11. Write the concluding sentence (restate main ideas).