the writer's position on a topic that is backed up by reasons and evidence.
the argument against the writer's position, the opposite ("counter") viewpoint
A good argument acknowledges or even argues against the opposite side, the counter-claim. This is called including a counterargument-- you argue against the other side.
Can be a persuasive technique
- makes you look like you're well thought-out because you've thought about both sides of the argument
- your audience might have doubts about what you have to say, and it helps get rid of those by tearing down the other side
What a Counter-Claim is NOT
Re-watch and identify
Claim and Counter-Claim
Take a side in the War on Drugs debate. Write a Claim about the side you choose.
Discuss with a partner about the reasons you could use to back up your position.
Write three reasons to support your position.
Pretend you're a person on the opposite side of the argument.
Write an argument statement for the Counter-Claim, the opposite side of the argument from yours.
Discuss with a partner the possible reasons you could come up with to back up the Counter-Claim.
Write three reasons to support the Counter-Claim.
Great Writers' Ultimate Goal: Incorporating the Counter-Argument into your own argument
Watch again and identify the Claim and Counter-Argument
What Counter-Claim IS
In an argument, there are
three ways you can include a
counter-argument:
Let's Practice Writing a Counter-Claim
- SAY: here are some points the other side has to make and here's why I'm right (counterclaim --> your argument --> your counter-argument)
- SAY: here are some points the other side has to make and here's why they're wrong (counterclaim --> your counter-argument)
- SAY: here are all the points I have to make and here are a few points the other side could make, but they're wrong (your argument --> the counterclaim --> the counter-argument)
Let's Practice Writing a Claim
Key-word
Note-taking
Strategy
Rather than a
fill-in-the-blank
set up, today
you will take notes using the bold words
They won't give you fill in the blank guided notes anymore!
This is a technique you will need in high school and college.
Argumentation
Objective: Today, I will be able to...
- identify counterclaims
- identify counter-arguments
- explain how writers anticipate and address counterclaims
- take effective notes using a key-word note-taking strategy
Counter-
Claim
Claim