Rebuttal The Knock Out Punch (K.O.P.)

What is a rebuttal? Rebuttal- explains why the counterclaim is wrong Explains why the counter- evidence is wrong or flawed Point out logical fallacies

Types of Rebuttals 1) Factual Rebuttal: uses facts to either build up the other side (the CLAIM) or tear down the counter-claim. Some say that homework should be given every night. However, research shows that too much homework causes less information to be retained.

Types of Rebuttals 2) Statistical Rebuttal: Using statistics to support their claim and/or prove why the counter-claim is wrong Some say that homework should be given every night. According to sources, students retain 28% more information when given additional practice outside of school. However, studies also conclude that teachers are the number one influence on student learning.

Types of Rebuttals 3) Expert Opinion Rebuttal: Using opinions of experts to support their claim/prove why the counter – claim is wrong. Some say that homework should be given every night. According to Jim Jones, PhD of School Psychology, homework should be given at least 3 times a week. However, Dr. Jones also reports that homework given more than 3 times a week loses its effectiveness.

Types of Rebuttals 4) Personal Experience/Opinion Rebuttal: Using experiences and opinions of the author to support their claim and/or prove why the counter-claim is wrong should be given every night. When I have had homework each night, I can say that my learning has increased in some of my classes. However, it has also been my experience that homework I don’t understand causes me frustration and anxiety.

Types of Rebuttals 5) Quote Rebuttal: Using quotes from others to support their claim and/or prove why the counter – claim is wrong Some say that homework should be given every night. According to Miley Cyrus, “homework is essential for everyone to learn.” However, Justin Bieber writes, “homework is the bane of my existence.”

Types of rebuttals 6) Example Rebuttal: Using examples to support their claim and/or prove why the counter – claim is wrong Some say that homework should be given every night. At ABCD School, every teacher gives at least 30 minutes of homework each night. This is detrimental; however- for example, their test scores are going down.

What is Rebuttal? 7) Paraphrasing Rebuttal: Counter- Evidence is restated in a way that makes more sense, in order to make it clear why the counter-claim is wrong Some say that homework should be given every night. At ABCD School, every teacher gives at least 30 minutes of homework each night. However, 30 minutes of homework each night does not clearly prove that learning has increased.

Types of Rebuttals 8) Summarizing Rebuttal: counter- evidence is summarized in order to make it clear why the counter-claim is wrong Some say that homework should be given every night. At ABCD School, every teacher gives at least 30 minutes of homework each night. Although students would be practicing more, 240 minutes of homework each night does not necessarily mean that learning will increase.

Types of Rebuttals 9) Cause and Effect Rebuttal: counter- evidence is presented as a cause for the disproof of the counter-claim Some say that homework should be given every night. At ABCD School, every teacher gives at least 30 minutes of homework each night. 30 minutes of homework each night will actually cause students to be able to dedicate less time to the subjects for which they need to study even more.

Types of Rebuttals 10) Prediction Rebuttal: counter- evidence is explained to be a future possibility related to the negative impacts of the counter-claim. Some say that homework should be given every night. At ABCD School, every teacher gives at least 30 minutes of homework each night. If all teachers start assigning 30 minutes of homework, 8 th graders could end up with over 240 minutes of homework a night!

Tips for Finding the Rebuttal Find the counter-claim (or figure out the implied counter-claim) first. (It should contain information/ideas that support the opposing side) The counter-claim will be…. The opposite of the claim Use signal words such as “others say, some think,” etc. Find the counter-evidence (It could support either the opposing side or be used to explain why the opposing side is wrong) The counter-evidence will be…. fact, statistic, case, or other research-related piece of information personal experience – a story, case, or example from the author’s life or a source’s life expert/professional opinion – often appears as a direct quote

Rebuttal Indicator Words However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Conversely, Yet, Still,

Sports are an important part of growing up. Parents often wonder what is the best sport for children to play. Although there are many sports, I believe soccer is an ideal sport for children. One reason is that soccer teaches teamwork. Each position has a specific job. Forwards have the responsibility of scoring goals. The fullbacks ’ job is defense, and the halfbacks assist both forwards and fullbacks. Defense of the goal is the duty of the goalie. In order to win all must do their jobs well and rely on each other for help. Certainly, team sports can intimidate children. Some children may be physically smaller than others. Age group teams are meant to solve this problem, but it is not unusual to see large differences of height and weight in children of the same age. Others may not be as athletic as other team members. Children are particularly sensitive about how they compare to their peers. When they cannot run as fast as other team members or are not as agile, they fear ridicule. However, learning to work as part of a team is essential to success in many other areas. Children have to learn to cooperate both at school and home. In school students are expected to work together without conflict. Many teachers use cooperative groups to teach. At home children are expected to be part of the family team and help with chores that need to be done. When they are older, these children may have a job that requires teamwork. Only rarely does a person work in job that does not require working with others. Office workers have to work together to accomplish the tasks given to them. Construction workers have to be part of a team effort to finish buildings on time and on budget. Therefore, I believe parents should encourage their children to play soccer. While some children may feel intimidated at the beginning, by learning to be part of a team, they will be preparing themselves for future success.

Evaluating Rebuttal Ask yourself these questions: Is it worded clearly? Is it easy to understand? (Or is it jumbled and confusing?) Is it located right before or right after the counter-claim? (Or did you have to look in other paragraphs to find it?) Is it there at all? (Or did the author leave it out?) Does it start with a signal word or phrase to help readers easily see that a connection/contradiction will be made? (Or is it tough to find?) Does it help make a clear, logical connection or contradiction about how the counter-claim is wrong? (Or does it not help to explain why the opposing side it wrong?)