1. 8th Grade Key Terms
Kroesch

2. Essential Question
An essential question frames a unit of study as a problem to be explored by the writer
It gives direction to research AND writing
Beginning with one will help YOU be efficient
A good essential question has many areas of exploration
Example: What makes a good school?
The author first has to define “good”
They can use several different criteria for defining this

3. Essential Question Continued
Essential questions do more than present a fact
Good questions invite the reader to look over the information and make a statement about it
Example: Can comic books be used for more than entertainment?
Research: Student Engagement
Research: Comic book lexicon
Research: Pop Culture Roles
Research: Heroes journey in literature
Research: Existing classes that use comics

4. Claim
Your point is an opinion generated about the topic using your essential question
Your opinion should be one that can be defended with research
A strong essential question will not have an obvious “right” point
Example: While nutritiously beneficial, the quality of school lunches are a negative to students’ experience

5. Counterclaim
Your essential question should have room for a counterpoint
A counterpoint is a differing opinion about your subject that can also be argued with research
By presenting the counterpoint and refuting it, you make your own stance stronger
Example: School lunches do not need to be enjoyable, they are made with the limited resources of the school, and so, are acceptable as they are

6. Rebuttal
A Rebuttal is a debate technique that strengthens the claim of the speaker
By creating a rebuttal, your claim becomes stronger by countering your opposition’s claim.
When creating a rebuttal, pick a counterclaim that can be countered by your logic.
Arguing subjective (Opinion-based) claims is difficult (since audiences may have different values)
Pick something based in facts or statistics to build a rebuttal

7. EXAMPLES EQ: What can we do to slow down or prevent climate change?
Claim: It should be the responsibility of the biggest producers of carbon emissions to take steps to reduce their contributions.
Counterclaim: It is impossible for some industries to reduce their carbon emissions without losing profits.
Rebuttal: The government could create incentives to help encourage companies to help reduce emissions.