Same Writing › Essays › Claims, counterclaims and rebuttals
What are counterclaims and rebuttals?
In middle school, opinion writing becomes argument writing. Kids make a claim and back it with evidence, then show they've thought about the other side: the counterclaim. The rebuttal explains why their claim still holds.
- Claim: your position.
- Counterclaim: what the other side would say.
- Rebuttal: why your claim still wins, with evidence.
Why schools teach it
Standards ask kids to face the other side
Sixth graders support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence (W.6.1). Seventh graders acknowledge opposing claims (W.7.1a), and eighth graders distinguish their claim from them (W.8.1a). A counterclaim paragraph is how most classes teach that.
Answering the other side makes an argument more convincing, and it teaches kids to think about an issue from more than one angle.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
What's your position in one sentence?
ClaimWhat would someone who disagrees say?
CounterclaimWhy is your side still stronger?
RebuttalWhat facts or numbers back that up?
Evidence
Skip this
- Pretending there's no other side.Teachers look for a counterclaim, usually its own paragraph.
- Making the other side sound silly.State the counterclaim fairly. It makes the rebuttal stronger.
- Feelings as evidence.Use facts, numbers, expert views or examples.
See it in action
Arguing for later school start times
Claim and evidence
Schools should start later. Doctors recommend 8 to 10 hours of sleep for teens.Counterclaim
Some people argue that later starts would make sports and bus schedules harder.Rebuttal
However, schedules can change, and students' health and learning matter more.
Starters: Some people believe... · Others may argue... · However... · While it's true that..., ...
Free practice sheet
Make an argument planner
Loading practice sheet…
Fridge cheat sheets
Writing Fridge Cheat Sheets
Every writing method in one printable book (78 pages): a cheat sheet page like this guide, plus a practice sheet and its answer key for each, in Classic and handwritten Notebook styles. $9 one time, or all 7 subjects for $29.99. See all prices.
Teacher? This method has a classroom pack on TeachersPayTeachers: an anchor chart, a parent letter and practice sheets with answer keys, $4. See the pack
Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
Where does the counterclaim go?
Often in its own paragraph before the conclusion. Some teachers want it right after the introduction.
Isn't including the other side weakening my argument?
No. Answering it shows you've thought it through, which makes your claim stronger.
What's the difference between persuasive and argument writing?
Persuasive writing can rely on emotion. Argument writing relies on evidence and reasoning.
How much evidence is enough?
At least one strong piece for each reason, plus support for the rebuttal.