Writing a Rebuttal and a Strong Call to Action — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 8 persuasive writing worksheet.
Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheetYear 8 · English · Persuasive WritingWriting a Rebuttal and a Strong Call to Action — Answers
Part A: How the rebuttal works
A rebuttal has two steps: (1) state the opposing view fairly, and (2) answer it with reasons or evidence. Read the model text, then answer.
Every School Needs a Library — With a Librarian
[1] Some people believe that school libraries are no longer needed because everything can be found online. They argue that money spent on books and librarians would be better spent on new laptops.
[2] It is true that the internet holds a huge amount of information. However, finding information is not the same as understanding it. A trained librarian teaches students how to tell a reliable source from a misleading one, a skill that matters more than ever when false stories spread so quickly online.
[3] Others claim that students no longer read printed books. Yet borrowing records at many schools show that fiction remains popular, especially when a librarian recommends the right book to the right reader.
[4] A school without a library loses its quiet heart: a place to read, think and belong. Let's protect our libraries and the people who run them, before we discover how much we miss them.
(Model text written for this worksheet.)
Answer: It states the opposing view fairly: that libraries are no longer needed because everything is online and the money would be better spent on laptops.
Answer: However.
Answer: They agree that the internet holds a huge amount of information. Admitting a fair point makes the writer seem reasonable, so the reader is more willing to accept the counterargument that follows.
Answer: Borrowing records at many schools show fiction remains popular, especially when a librarian recommends books.
- AA school without a library loses its quiet heart
- Ba place to read, think and belong
- CLet's protect our libraries and the people who run them
- Dbefore we discover how much we miss them
Answer: Let's protect our libraries and the people who run them
A call to action tells the reader what to do. Let's protect urges the reader to act.
Part B: Rebuttal phrases
- Some people argue that...
- It is true that...
- However, this ignores...
- In fact, research shows...
- Therefore, it is clear that...
- introduces the opposing view
- draws a conclusion
- concedes a fair point
- brings in evidence
- turns to the counterargument
Answer: Some people argue that... → introduces the opposing view; It is true that... → concedes a fair point; However, this ignores... → turns to the counterargument; In fact, research shows... → brings in evidence; Therefore, it is clear that... → draws a conclusion
Part C: Write the rebuttal
State the opposing view fairly, then answer it.
Answer: Model: It is true that some homework can help students review what they have learned. However, hours of homework every night leave little time for sleep, exercise and family, which are just as important for learning.
Answer: Model: Some people complain that trees drop leaves that make a mess. Yet a few minutes of sweeping is a small price to pay for cool shade on hot days, cleaner air and a home for birds. Fallen leaves can even be composted for the school garden.
Answer: Model: Opposing view: Some teachers worry that students will sit with friends and chat instead of working. Rebuttal: However, students who feel comfortable are often more willing to take part, and teachers can always move anyone who is not focused.
Part D: Strong endings
A strong conclusion restates the contention in fresh words, sums up the main reasons and ends with a call to action.
- AFood waste is a problem.
- BMaybe people could think about wasting less food sometimes.
- CTonight, before you scrape your plate into the bin, ask yourself: could this be tomorrow's lunch? Start small, and start now.
- DThat is the end of my argument about food waste.
Answer: Tonight, before you scrape your plate into the bin, ask yourself: could this be tomorrow's lunch? Start small, and start now.
It tells the reader exactly what to do, speaks to them directly, and uses urgency (start now).
Answer: Model: Before you buy a puppy online, visit your local shelter. Somewhere in there is a loyal friend waiting for you to take them home.
Part E: Your turn
Model answer: Rebuttal: Some parents argue that video games are a waste of time and keep young people from more useful activities. It is true that playing for hours without a break is unhealthy. However, many games require players to solve problems, plan ahead and work as a team, skills that are valuable at school and at work. In fact, some games are now used in classrooms to teach history, science and coding. Banning games altogether would throw away these benefits instead of teaching young people to play wisely. Conclusion: Video games, played in moderation, can sharpen thinking, build friendships and spark interests that last a lifetime. Rather than seeing them as the enemy, families should talk about the games their children love and agree on sensible limits together. Tonight, sit down and play a level with them. You might be surprised by what you learn.
Success criteria:
- Opposing view stated fairly and accurately
- A fair point is conceded before countering
- Counterargument supported with a reason or evidence
- Conclusion restates the contention in fresh words
- Conclusion sums up the main reasons
- Ends with a clear, specific call to action
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.