Claims and Counterclaims Every Argument has 2 sides. The opposite side’s opinion is the “counterclaim,” sometimes called the “counter-argument.” When you state your side’s opinion, you make your “claim” sometimes called an “Assertion.”

Early in your argument, you state your claim in one thesis statement. The Claim “Using the Holocaust as a primary example, we can understand why people should speak out against oppression- no matter the cost.” Early in your argument, you state your claim in one thesis statement.

The Counter Claim The Dodgers Suck! Give me a counterclaim to the following claims: The Dodgers Suck! Smoking in restaurants should be allowed. You should shower every day.

The Counter Claim “Some, however, would argue that it is dangerous to speak against those in power and that it is safer to think of one’s own well being before considering the well being of others.” Later in your argument, you state the counterclaim, then you explain why it’s wrong.

In other words, you have to explain why your opponent is wrong! Rebuttals It is important to address the counter-claim in your argument, but you must also comment on it. In other words, you have to explain why your opponent is wrong!

Rebuttals 1. Blech writes, “If there is to be a moral we must exact from the Holocaust it is the "never again" that must henceforth be applied to our cowardice to intervene, our failure to react when evildoers rush in to fill the ethical vacuum.” The Rebuttal usually comes after the author has stated a possible counter-claim.