ReadReading and Writing Formulating Meaningful counterclaim

Reading and Writing Formulating Meaningful counterclaim

1. Directions: Read the sentence and identify if it is passive voice or active voice.   1. The students completed the project. 2. The project was completed by the students. 3. The teacher gave instructions. 4. The instructions were given by the teacher. 5. The test was taken by the class.

2. Read each sentence carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer.   1. Unlike believers, a __________ always questions whether something is true or not. A. skeptic B. follower C. optimist D. believer

3. 2. The scientist presented a __________, which was an argument that opposed the original claim. A. hypothesis B. counterclaim C. theory D. fact

4. 3. The lawyer needed strong __________, such as documents or witnesses, to prove his case. A. opinion B. evidence C. assumption D. statement

5. 4. The data must be __________, meaning it should be correct and free from errors, before publishing the report. A. vague B. accurate C. questionable D. estimated

6. 5. In the debate, Maria will __________ her class by speaking on their behalf. A. represent B. challenge C. silence D. oppose

7. Many thinks that people are the main cause of global warming, though there are others, including scientists, who are skeptic about that statement. One of their counterclaims is that there is no scientific evidence to prove that human activities are causing the planet to heat up. According to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a United Nations organization, there is no accurate means to represent changes in climate.

8. A counterclaim is simply an opposing claim.   Uses phrases like “ An opposing point of view is . . .,” “One counterclaim to this is . . .,” “An alternative viewpoint to consider is . . .” to introduce the counterclaims.

9. Formulating Counterclaims that Disprove Claims of Fac t   Things to consider in formulating counterclaims: Understand the main claim of the author and examine the supporting information.

10. 2. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s claim. 3. Think of opposing arguments that can disprove or weaken the author’s main claim and cite some textual evidence. 4. Formulate your counterclaims and provide the necessary support. Be clear, concise, and precise.

11. Homework gives children additional burden and does not significantly help in their education. Doing homework often feels like a chore for children. It consumes much of children’s free time, which they could use for doing other activities that will make them well-rounded individuals. Excessive homework, on top of school projects and exams, may cause children too much stress, and eventually, they may experience burnout.

12. Homework, the author asserts, gives children additional burden and does not significantly help in their education. By saying so, the author overlooks the numerous benefits of doing homework. Homework is an effective learning tool. Glenda Faye Pryor-Johnson, a writer of Memphis Parent magazine, identifies responsibility and time management as two qualities that children develop when they accomplish their homework. Children take responsibility of their own learning; they review their lessons in class and solve problems on their own. Also, they learn to manage their time and set their priorities. It is true that doing homework could be time consuming, but the hard work is all worth it. As a result, the children grow up to be not only well-rounded individuals but also critical thinkers.

13. Facts and statistics do not show the whole picture. To gain a different perspective on a claim of fact, you can do any of the following:   Verify the cited source of the claim not only to see if it is true but also to see its limitation. Check other sources that support the claim. Some or a few of the sources may contain inconsistencies that you can use to disprove the claim.

14. Explain what a counterclaim is and why it is important to learn how to formulate counterclaims?

15. How can you make your counterclaim strong while still acknowledging the validity of the opposing claim?

16. ROUND TABLE DEBATE Topic: Social media does more harm than good.

17. a. Affirmative speaks (1 min) – Presents their main arguments. Negative speaks (1 min) – Responds with counterarguments. b. Rebuttals (2 min total) – Each side gets 1 min to challenge the opposing points. c. Final Statements (1 min total) – Each side summarizes their argument in 30 seconds.

18. Directions: Get ¼ sheet of paper. Read the sentences carefully and write the letter of the correct answer.   1. What is the purpose of a counterclaim? a) To agree with the claim b) To ignore other views c) To show all sides of an issue d) To repeat the argument

19. 2. Which phrase introduces a counterclaim? a) "An opposing point of view is…" b) "This argument is perfect…" c) "I completely agree…" d) "There is no other side…"   3. What is the first step in making a counterclaim? a) Ignore the main claim b) Understand the main claim c) Choose a random counterclaim d) Focus only on your opinion

20. 4. Why check the claim’s strengths and weaknesses? a) To fully understand it b) To agree with it c) To avoid analysis d) To copy it   5. What should follow a counterclaim? a) Clear supporting evidence b) No explanation c) A confusing argument d) Ignoring the counterclaim

21. Assignment Write a short essay on a topic of your choice that includes a clear claim, supporting evidence, and at least one counterclaim.

22. GOODBYE CLASS!