Success TutoringWorksheets

Counterclaims and Rebuttals in Argumentative Writing — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 8th Grade persuasive writing worksheet.

Download answers PDFPrint answersBack to worksheet
Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet8th Grade · English · Persuasive Writing

Counterclaims and Rebuttals in Argumentative Writing — Answers

Part A: Analyze a model paragraph

A counterclaim is an opposing view. A concession admits what is reasonable about it. A rebuttal explains why the writer's claim still holds. Read the paragraph, then answer.

From an argument: "Our district should require one semester of personal finance before high school graduation."

(1) Some people argue that the school day is already full and that adding another required course would push out electives such as art, band, or a world language. (2) This concern is understandable; students should not lose classes they love. (3) However, a personal finance course could replace part of an existing elective or social studies requirement instead of adding a new class period. (4) More importantly, every graduate will soon face decisions about bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and budgets. (5) Whether or not a student continues to study art or band, all of them will need to manage money. (6) Therefore, the long-term value of financial skills outweighs the cost of a small change to the schedule.

1.Which sentence states the counterclaim?
  1. ASentence 1
  2. BSentence 3
  3. CSentence 4
  4. DSentence 6

Answer: Sentence 1

Sentence 1 presents the opposing view in a fair, specific way.

2.What does sentence 2 do?
  1. AIt refutes the counterclaim.
  2. BIt concedes that part of the counterclaim is reasonable.
  3. CIt restates the writer's claim.
  4. DIt introduces new evidence.

Answer: It concedes that part of the counterclaim is reasonable.

A concession admits that the other side has a point, which builds the writer's credibility.

3.Which two rebuttal strategies does the writer use in sentences 3–6?

Answer: The writer refutes the problem by offering a solution (the course can replace part of an existing requirement), then concedes and outweighs it by arguing that financial skills matter to every graduate.

  1. Accept: offers an alternative or solution that removes the problem (sentence 3); argues that the benefit outweighs the cost (sentences 4–6).
4.Which transition signals the start of the rebuttal?
  1. ASome people argue
  2. BHowever
  3. CWhether or not
  4. DThis concern is understandable

Answer: However

However turns from the opposing view to the writer's response.

Part B: Fair or unfair?

A strong writer states the opposing view as its supporters would, not as a weak or exaggerated version (a straw man).

5.Claim: Schools should start later in the morning. Which is the fairest statement of the counterclaim?
  1. AOpponents just don't care about students' health.
  2. BSome people worry that a later start would push after-school sports and jobs later into the evening.
  3. CPeople who disagree are lazy.
  4. DNobody could possibly disagree.

Answer: Some people worry that a later start would push after-school sports and jobs later into the evening.

It describes a real concern accurately and respectfully. The others insult or dismiss the opposing side.

6.A writer says: People against a city bike lane want everyone to drive gas-guzzling trucks forever. What is wrong with this?
  1. ANothing; it is a strong rebuttal.
  2. BIt is a straw man: it exaggerates the opposing view so it is easy to knock down.
  3. CIt is too short.
  4. DIt uses a transition incorrectly.

Answer: It is a straw man: it exaggerates the opposing view so it is easy to knock down.

Opponents more likely worry about traffic or parking. Twisting their view weakens the writer's credibility.

Part C: Choose the strongest rebuttal

7.Claim: Cell phones should be stored in lockers during class. Counterclaim: Students need phones in case of an emergency. Which is the strongest rebuttal?
  1. AThat is a ridiculous excuse.
  2. BEmergencies almost never happen, so it doesn't matter.
  3. CSchools already have phones in every office and procedures for contacting families quickly, and students could still reach their phones between classes, so storing them during class does not leave anyone without help.
  4. DPhones are distracting.

Answer: Schools already have phones in every office and procedures for contacting families quickly, and students could still reach their phones between classes, so storing them during class does not leave anyone without help.

It takes the concern seriously and answers it with specific reasoning. Choice D restates the claim instead of answering the counterclaim.

8.Which strategy does this rebuttal use? Yes, a four-day school week would save some money on bus fuel; however, families would have to pay for childcare on the fifth day, which could cost them far more than the district saves.
  1. Arefute with evidence that the counterclaim is false
  2. Bconcede and outweigh
  3. Cattack the person
  4. Dignore the counterclaim

Answer: concede and outweigh

It admits the savings are real, then argues that a bigger cost outweighs them.

Part D: Draft a counterclaim and rebuttal

Transitions to introduce: Some may argue, Critics claim, Opponents point out. Transitions to answer: However, Nevertheless, Even so, While this is true.

9.Write a sentence that introduces a counterclaim to this claim: Our school should require community service hours for eighth graders.

Answer: Critics argue that requiring service could overload students who already have jobs, sports, or family responsibilities.

  1. Any respectful, accurate statement of an opposing view, introduced with a phrase such as Critics argue, Some may say, or Opponents point out, is correct.
10.Write a rebuttal to your counterclaim, using a transition such as however, nevertheless, or even so.

Answer: However, the requirement could be small, such as ten hours a year, and could include service done with family or at school, so even busy students could meet it.

  1. Any rebuttal that answers the specific counterclaim with reasoning is correct.

Part E: Your turn

11.Choose a claim you believe (for example: school uniforms should be required; students should have a say in the school calendar; homework should be limited on weekends). Write a full counterclaim-and-rebuttal paragraph: state the counterclaim fairly, concede what is reasonable, give a rebuttal with reasoning or evidence, and end by connecting back to your claim.

Model answer: Some people argue that weekend homework is necessary because it gives students extra practice and keeps them from forgetting what they learned during the week. It is true that practice helps students remember new skills. However, a short review on Monday can serve the same purpose without taking away the time students need to rest, spend time with family, and pursue interests such as sports or music. In addition, students who return to school rested are often better prepared to focus. Therefore, limiting weekend homework would support learning rather than weaken it.

Success criteria:

  • The counterclaim is stated fairly and accurately (no straw man)
  • A concession acknowledges what is reasonable about the opposing view
  • The rebuttal answers the specific counterclaim with reasoning or evidence
  • Transitions introduce the counterclaim and turn to the rebuttal
  • The paragraph ends by connecting back to the writer's claim
  • A formal, respectful tone
Free worksheets at worksheets.successtutoring.com · © Success Tutoring · Free for personal and classroom use

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.

Great work. Here's what to try next: