Mini lesson on rebuttal Mrs. Redmond

Turn and talk What does it mean to rebut an argument?

Rebut To rebut a statement you would have to provide a well reasoned argument that suggests the other speaker may be wrong.

Language note: rebut vs. refute When you rebut someone’s argument you argue against it. To refute someone’s argument is to prove it incorrect. Unless you are certain you have achieved success, use “rebut.”

Strong or weak? Why? Speaker 1: Bananas are better than oranges because they contain more potassium. Speaker 1 says that bananas are better than oranges, but I disagree.

Strong or weak? Why? Speaker 1: Bananas are better than oranges because they contain more potassium. Speaker 1 says that bananas are better than oranges, but I disagree. Oranges are better than bananas because they contain more vitamin C.

Strong or weak? Why? Speaker 1: Bananas are better than oranges because they contain more potassium. Speaker 1 says that bananas are better than oranges, but I disagree. Oranges are better than bananas because they contain more vitamin C. Therefore, you should prefer oranges because while many foods in an ordinary diet contain potassium, few contain an appreciable amount of vitamin C. It is more important to eat oranges whenever possible than it is to eat bananas.

Bananas are better than oranges because they contain more potassium. Speaker 1 says that bananas are better than oranges, but I disagree. Speaker 1 says that bananas are better than oranges, but I disagree. Oranges are better than bananas because they contain more vitamin C. Speaker 1 says that bananas are better than oranges, but I disagree. Oranges are better than bananas because they contain more vitamin C. Therefore, you should prefer oranges because while many foods in an ordinary diet contain potassium, few contain an appreciable amount of vitamin C. It is more important to eat oranges whenever possible than it is to eat bananas.

Best rebuttal statements in debates Best rebuttal statements are those which include: the reasoning for your counterassertion. Use language like: They say…. They say…. But I disagree… But I disagree… Because… Because… Therefore Therefore

Today in class 1.Small group: I will call out names. (5 minutes) 2.Big group. Caesar/Antony on left, conspirators on the right. 3.Gather as much information for each point. 4.Then use your debate structure worksheet assign the roles. Note that I will be evaluating you on your group work today. Debate on Monday. This is your only class time.