Name: __________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________ Core: ___
Claim, Counterclaim, Rebuttal
Claim: This is your position or viewpoint on an issue.
Counterclaim: This is what the opposing side is arguing about the issue.
Rebuttal: This is your response to the counterclaim. It further supports your claim.
Example 1:
Claim: Some people say that cell phones should be
banned from schools, because they distract from
learning.
Counterclaim: Others say that students should be
allowed to carry cell phones for emergency purposes.
Rebuttal: There are plenty of other, less-disruptive
ways for parents and students to communicate.
Example 2:
Claim: Everyone should eat chocolate ice cream.
Counterclaim: Some people are allergic to chocolate.
Rebuttal: Today’s ice cream manufacturers can use
artificial ingredients to duplicate the flavor of
chocolate, so that people who are allergic are able to
eat “Chocolate” ice cream without risking an allergic
reaction.
Directions: Write a counterclaim and rebuttal for the following claims. (There are more on the back of the page.)
Claim: Students should NOT be forced to wear uniforms to school.
Counterclaim:
Rebuttal:
Claim: The driving age should be lowered to thirteen.
Counterclaim:
Rebuttal:
Claim: The school year should NOT be extended into the summer.
Counterclaim:
Rebuttal:
