*Remember the claim of an argument is the point of the argument— when an author makes an argument, it is the claim that the author is trying to persuade the reader to accept as true). The counterclaim is the opposite side of the argument the author proves is wrong. Directions: Write a counterclaim for the claims below. Remember to come up with WHY the claim is the better argument.

Claim

Counterclaim

Football should be banned because it causes serious injuries like concussions.

Schools should do more testing to determine whether students are learning.

Students should be given homework to make them responsible.

The driving age should be raised to 21 to prevent teen accidents.

All students must play a sport before they graduate

School days should be longer to learn more.

Directions: Answer each question in complete sentences in your own words.

What is a claim?

What is a counterclaim?

Why should we include a counterclaim in our argumentative essays? How does it make our argument stronger?