I can…
I can tell the difference between a claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal.
Teacher objective
Given correct and incorrect examples and a visual comparison guide, the student classifies claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal, correctly classifying at least 4 of 5 statements.
1What to do
- Look at the examples and non-examples.
- Sort the cards with your group.
- Explain your choice with the sentence frame.
- Take the check: classify 5 statements by yourself.
2Key words
Example
Something that IS the thing.
Non-example
Something that is NOT the thing.
Classify
Put into the right group.
Opinion vs. fact
A belief vs. something we can prove.
3Learn
Claim vs. evidence
A claim is a belief (“Recycling should be required.”). Evidence is proof (“The city recycled 2 tons last year.”). A fact alone is NOT a claim.
Counterclaim vs. rebuttal
A counterclaim gives the other side. A rebuttal answers it. Both talk about the other side, but the rebuttal pushes back.
Watch out
A topic is not a claim. “Homework” is a topic. “Homework should be limited to one hour” is a claim.
Argumentative elements visual guide
Each part has one color. Use these colors when you annotate.
1. Claim
What I believeAsk: What is the writer's position?
“Schools should start later in the morning.”
Frame: I believe that ___.
2. Evidence
Proof from a sourceAsk: What facts or data support it?
“A 2014 study found students who started at 8:30 slept one more hour.”
Frame: According to ___, ___.
3. Counterclaim
The other sideAsk: What might someone who disagrees say?
“Some parents say later times make it hard to get to work.”
Frame: Some people argue that ___.
4. Rebuttal
My answer backAsk: Why is the other side not strong enough?
“However, schools can open early for students who need a ride.”
Frame: However, ___ because ___.
Reasoning · Connect the proof
Ask: How does the evidence support the claim?
“More sleep helps students stay alert, so a later start can support learning.”
Frame: This evidence shows ___ because ___.
Annotated paragraph
Schools should start later in the morning. ClaimA 2014 study found students who started at 8:30 slept one more hour. EvidenceSome parents say later times make it hard to get to work. CounterclaimHowever, schools can open early for students who need a ride. Rebuttal
4Modeled example: Example / non-example comparison
- Example of a CLAIM: “Our school should have a longer lunch.” Non-example: “Lunch is 30 minutes.” (That is a fact — evidence.)
- Example of EVIDENCE: “Nutrition experts recommend 20 minutes of seated eating time.” Non-example: “Lunch is fun.” (That is an opinion.)
- Example of COUNTERCLAIM: “Some say a longer lunch means a later dismissal.” Non-example: “However, five minutes won't matter.” (That answers — rebuttal.)
5Guided practice (with feedback)
Collaborative sort: With your group, sort each card. Check your answer.
1.Public libraries should stay open until 9 p.m.
2.Others believe keeping libraries open late costs too much money.
3.The city budget report shows evening hours cost $40,000 per year.
4.Yet that cost is small compared to the value of a safe place to study.
5.In a student survey, 58% said they have no quiet place to study at home.
Partner talk: I think this is a ___ because ___.
6Independent assessment
Success criteria
- Correctly classify at least 4 of 5 items.
Independent check: Classify each statement. You need 4 of 5 correct.
Topic: A four-day school week
1.Our district should move to a four-day school week.
2.A study of Colorado schools found attendance rose 3% after the change.
3.Critics say working parents would struggle to find childcare on the fifth day.
4.However, schools could offer free programs on that day for families who need them.
5.Teachers in those schools reported 20% fewer sick days.
Next: Construct Complete Claims. Use what you practiced here to build the next skill.