Teaching claims, counterclaims and rebuttals in writing can improve a students opinion or argumentative essay.
This post will explain how I teach claims, counterclaims and rebuttals in writing.
To begin, let’s clarify the meaning of the following terms when giving instruction:
- Counterclaim
- Rebuttal
- Reason
- Evidence
What is a Counterclaim?
A counterclaim is a claim used to rebut a previous claim.
A claim is the main argument. A counterclaim is the opposite of the claim, or argument.
What is a Rebuttal?
A rebuttal is when you address and challenge a claim by disapproving it.
After you have stated your counterclaim in an argument, you add your rebuttal to why you disapprove it. The goal is to weaken the main argument with your reasons and evidence.
What is a Reason?
A reason tells why a claim is made. Followed by supporting evidence.
What is Evidence?
Evidence is the facts or research to support the claim and reason.
Mini Lesson:
What to Prepare in advance:
- Download, print, cut, laminate and attach to sticks the FREE resource below.
- Write or type examples of a claim, counterclaim and rebuttal then cut up. This is for the acting out part. (see image below as an example)
- Find additional examples via student work pieces, articles or in texts to share and color code. You can share on another anchor chart, display on your SmartBoard or simply read aloud.
- Introduce the lesson by creating an anchor chart. (See below example or search online.)
- Using the colors in my example below, or your own colors, share examples from student pieces, articles or in texts you have found. You can share these examples on another anchor chart, display on your SmartBoard or simply read aloud.
- Using the stick bubbles in the FREE resource below, have 3 volunteers come up to demonstrate. Line students up in order and have them read their part holding up the stick bubble when speaking.
Anchor Chart Examples:
***Click on the Anchor Chart images to find more anchor charts you can use in your classroom!
Where to insert a Counterclaim?
When modeling, show students examples of inserting a counterclaim inside a body paragraph following reasons and evidence.
Where to insert a Rebuttal?
When modeling, show students examples of inserting a rebuttal following a counterclaim inside a body paragraph. Always use reasons and evidence.
Free Resource to Download:
More Helpful Essay Writing Resources:
- FREE Essay Planning Pages
- FREE Paragraph Writing Rubric
- FREE Paragraph Writing for an Essay Graphic Organizers (Color Coded)
- FREE Essay Writing Timing Slides
- Essay Writing Test Prep PowerPoint
- Essay Writing Sources and Prompts
***Click HERE or on the photo below to Download your FREE Resource! Simply print on colored paper (or cardstock) and then laminate!
