Writing a Rebuttal: Answering the Other Side — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 5 persuasive writing worksheet.
Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheetYear 5 · English · Persuasive WritingWriting a Rebuttal: Answering the Other Side — Answers
Part A: Take apart a rebuttal
A rebuttal states an argument the other side might make, then explains why it is wrong or weak. Read the model paragraph and answer the questions.
Position: Students should have a longer lunch break.
(1) Some people argue that a longer lunch break would waste valuable learning time. (2) However, this view overlooks how the brain works. (3) After a proper rest, students return to class calmer and more focused, so they learn more in the time that is left. (4) In fact, many teachers notice that the lesson straight after a short, rushed lunch is the hardest one to teach. (5) A longer break would not take away from learning; it would make learning better.
(Model paragraph written for this worksheet.)
Answer: That a longer lunch break would waste learning time.
Answer: However
- Arepeats the opposing argument
- Bgives a reason and an example to show the opposing argument is weak
- Cchanges their mind
- Dtells a story about lunch
Answer: gives a reason and an example to show the opposing argument is weak
Sentence (3) gives a reason and sentence (4) gives supporting evidence.
Answer: It turns the opposing argument around: a longer break would improve learning, which supports a longer lunch break.
- AIt makes the text longer.
- BIt shows the writer has thought about the other side and can answer it.
- CIt helps the other side win.
- DIt means you do not need any other arguments.
Answer: It shows the writer has thought about the other side and can answer it.
Answering the other side before the reader thinks of it makes your argument harder to disagree with.
Part B: Signal phrases
Complete each sentence with a signal phrase. Choose from: Some people argue, However, overlooks, In fact.
Answer: Some people argue
Also correct: Critics claim, Some people believe, Opponents say.
Answer: However
Also correct: On the other hand, Yet.
Answer: overlooks
Also correct: ignores, forgets.
Answer: In fact
Also correct: Actually, Indeed.
Part C: Choose the strongest rebuttal
A strong rebuttal answers the opposing argument directly with a reason or evidence. It never just says the other side is wrong.
- AThat is just wrong.
- BMany schools lend instruments to students, and some instruments, such as recorders, cost very little.
- CI love music.
- DSome instruments are very loud.
Answer: Many schools lend instruments to students, and some instruments, such as recorders, cost very little.
It answers the cost problem directly with a reason and examples.
- AWalking in groups, using crossings and wearing helmets make the trip much safer.
- BCars are bad.
- CEveryone should just be braver.
- DSome people live too far away.
Answer: Walking in groups, using crossings and wearing helmets make the trip much safer.
It accepts the worry but shows how the risk can be reduced.
- ALibraries are old-fashioned.
- BNobody cares about reading.
- CLibraries offer free internet, quiet study spaces and help for people who cannot afford books or devices.
- DOnline reading is fun.
Answer: Libraries offer free internet, quiet study spaces and help for people who cannot afford books or devices.
It shows that a library offers much more than printed books, including access to online reading.
Part D: Write a short rebuttal
Sentence 1: state the opposing argument with a signal phrase. Sentence 2: answer it with a reason or example.
Answer: For example: Some people argue that a garden takes too much time to look after. However, if each class cares for one garden bed for a few minutes a week, the work is shared and students learn responsibility at the same time.
Answer: For example: Critics claim that pets would distract students. In fact, a single, well-planned pet day can be used for learning, with students writing about, measuring and drawing the animals.
Part E: Your turn
Model answer: Position (c): Schools should start an hour later. Some people argue that starting school later would make the school day finish too late. However, this argument overlooks how much better students learn when they are well rested. Many students are still tired at eight o'clock, so they find it hard to concentrate in the first lessons. In fact, studies of teenagers have found that a later start can improve attention and mood. A slightly later finish is a small price to pay for students who are awake and ready to learn.
Success criteria:
- Opposing argument stated fairly with a signal phrase
- Clear signal of disagreement (However, On the other hand)
- A reason that answers the opposing argument directly
- Evidence or an example to support the reason
- Final sentence links back to the writer's position
- Four to six well-punctuated sentences
Marking tips
- Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
- For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
- Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.