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Module 6.3 Counterclaims

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62 views19 pages

Module 6.3 Counterclaims

Uploaded by

shoppe1518
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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READING AND WRITING SKILLS

WRITING AN EVALUATIVE
STATEMENT: COUNTERCLAIMS

MODULE 6.3
What is rebuttal?
Formulating Counterclaims
• To be an effective critical thinker, it
is not enough just to be able to
identify claims and assertions. The
ability to analyze an argument is
essential to understanding the text
more deeply, but understanding the
claim is not the only facet of the
argument.
• You must also learn how to
analyze the counterclaims and
evidence provided by the text.
Being able to recognize and
formulate counterclaims in
reaction to an argument is a
characteristic of a good critical
reader.
Counterclaims are claims
made to rebut a previous
claim. To rebut means to
contradict someone’s
statement through a formal
argument. They provide a
contrasting perspective to the
main argument.
To be able to locate counterclaims to
an argument, remember the following:
1. Show competence and familiarity with the
writer’s topic.
2. Examine different perspectives and not just
passively accepting the writer’s claim.
3. Consider the topic, and make sure you are
willing to engage different viewpoints from
your own.
4. Clarify your personal position on the topic.
Example:
Martha is an incoming Grade 11 student. She has been
using a basic cellphone ever since she was in junior high
school. She is very eager to go back to school and be
productive, but when she learned about the integration
with technology and digital tools to extend in the
classrooms beyond the constraints of traditional walls
particularly in the public school due to the global
pandemic, her excitement turned into frustration.
Martha desperately wants to have a smartphone, so
she can have access to online learning. Having this in
mind, she tells her father, Mang Tonyo, that she needs
a smartphone. Mang Tonyo, thinking only of the
additional expense, simply says, “No.”
Martha has made her claim
– asking for a smartphone.
Mang Tonyo has made his counterclaim
– opposing Martha’s claim
Martha must offer valid reasons to convince Mang
Tonyo that she needs the smartphone because it has
access to internet and so he needs to provide her with
one. Martha might provide evidence of the necessity
of using smart phone nowadays as part of the new
normal life in the time of coronavirus. Martha’s
reasoning may include a description of how important
a smartphone is as far as convenience and flexibility
in online distance learning are concerned.
In this example of counterclaim, Mang Tonyo
now needs to support his refusal to provide
Martha with a smartphone. He should be
ready to give solid, substantiated reasons for
his refusal to provide something that the
family has been spending for all those years.
This may include evidence of the family’s
inability to send her and her siblings to a
private school, and that his budget is not
sufficient enough to afford a brand new
smartphone since the family income has
suffered due to COVID-19.
Four Elements of Argument
CLAIM - is a statement that asserts facts
based on one’s understanding about a
particular topic or issue.

In the given example, Martha asking his father to


buy her a smart phone is an example of a claim.
Four Elements of Argument
COUNTERCLAIM - is just the opposite of
claim. It is a statement that contradicts
one’s claim and is usually proven and
supported by both reasons and
evidences.

Mang Tonyo’s negative response to Martha’s


claim is an example of
counterclaim.
Four Elements of Argument
REASON - is the part of an argument
where a statement offers an
explanation behind a party’s claim.

Martha’s offering of valid reasons to convince


Mang Tonyo that she needs
the smart phone is an example of reason.
Four Elements of Argument
EVIDENCE - is the statement that proves
the truth of a claim and generally leads
to the conclusion of an argument.

Martha provides evidence of the necessity of


using smartphone as part of the new normal life
in the time of corona virus is an example of
evidence
Example (Siding with the Claim)

Claim:
Many people say that cellphone should be
banned from schools, because they
distract students from learning

Counterclaim:
On the other hand, many argue that
cellphones can be used as means of
communication of students to their
parents.
Reason:
In reality, students seldom communicate with their
parents through their cellphones. They commonly
used their cellphones to play and be active in social
media.

Evidence:
In an interview of ABC News with Dr. Kevin Riutzel , he
said that their study shows that cellphones in
classrooms contribute to failing grades. When it
comes to communication, schools should provide a
website for announcement and public phones for
students to use.
Example (Siding with the Counterclaim):

Claim:
Many people say that cellphone should be
banned from schools, because they
distract students from learning

Counterclaim:
Nevertheless, bringing cellphone is very
helpful to students and could actually be
helpful for their studies.
Reason:
Cellphones can be used as source of information
when students need to research for their
lessons.

Evidence:
According to an article in Philippine Star Ngayon,
there is a big shortage of libraries and librarian
in the country. The schools who have facility for
libraries also lack quality and updated books.
With this reality, cellphones can be really helpful
for information seeking and research purposes.
Assignment:
Study in advance about
textual evidence.
THANK YOU!
Do you have any questions?

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