1. How to Write a Counterclaim Paragraph

2. Part 1 Read the Paragraph
In an argumentative paper, after the body paragraphs is a paragraph called the counterclaim paragraph. The purpose of the counterclaim is to address the opposite side of the argument and explain why that point of view is wrong.
The first sentence in a counterclaim paragraph is the counterclaim sentence. This sentence states one opposing reason to the author’s claim. The second sentence of the counterclaim paragraph is called the rebuttal sentence. This sentence states one reason why the opposing point of view is wrong or not strong. The third part of the counterclaim paragraph is the rebuttal evidence.The rebuttal evidence supports the rebuttal sentence by providing a quote or passage from the text. The fourth part of the counterclaim paragraph is the rebuttal elaboration. The rebuttal elaboration explains why the rebuttal evidence is important.

3. Part 1 Questions
Where does the counterclaim go in an argumentative paper?
After the body paragraphs
What is the purpose of a counterclaim paragraph?
Address the opposite side of the argument and explain why that point of view is wrong
What is the first sentence in a counterclaim paragraph and what does it do?
Counterclaim sentence. This sentence states one reason why people oppose the author’s claim.
What is the second sentence in a counterclaim paragraph and what does it do?
Rebuttal sentence. This sentence states one reason the opposite side is wrong or not strong.

4. Part 1 Questions
What is the third part of a counterclaim paragraph and what does it do?
Rebuttal evidence. The rebuttal evidence supports the rebuttal sentence by providing a quote or passage from the text.
What is the fourth part of a counterclaim paragraph and what does it do?
Rebuttal elaboration. The rebuttal elaboration explains why the rebuttal evidence is important

5. Counterclaim Paragraph with all the parts
While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom. What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day. For example, Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day. Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.

6. (Counterclaim Sentence) (Rebuttal Elaboration)
What is a problem with your opinion that would cause someone to argue against you based off one of the articles you read?
(Counterclaim Sentence)
What is a solution to this problem based on one of the articles you read?
(Rebuttal Sentence)
What is evidence for your solution based on one of the articles you read?
(Rebuttal Evidence)
Why would your solution solve the problem?
(Rebuttal Elaboration)
Water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom.
Many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day.
Quote: “Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day.”
What is the title of the article where you read this solution?
“Sunset Ridge Middle School: A School to Watch”
by Ima Falcon
Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.

7. Example Counterclaim MY CLAIM
Water bottles should be allowed in schools because they could increase grades, help students stay healthy, and reduce drowsiness.
COUNTERCLAIM
If students start bringing water bottles to class, they might have to go leave to the bathroom more often.

8. Best Counterclaims (Opposite Opinions)
Your Opinion
Counterclaims
YES Cell Phones
Kids will cheat
Kids don’t know how to keep themselves safe with technology
NO Cell Phones
Phones prepare students for the adult world
YES Uniforms
Uniforms are too expensive
NO Uniforms
Uniforms help students learn
Uniforms prevent bullying
YES Lockers
Students can hide banned items in lockers
NO Lockers
Students would have to carry too much in their backpacks

9. Water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom.
Many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day.
Quote: “Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day.”
What is the title of the article where you read this solution?
“Sunset Ridge Middle School: A School to Watch”
by Ima Falcon
Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go. 1✔ 2 3 4
Rebuttal Evidence: Find a quote from your side that argues against your counterclaim sentence.
Rebuttal Sentence: State what your quote means in one sentence (like a topic sentence).
Rebuttal Elaboration: How does the point you made with your quote solve or disprove your counterclaim sentence?
NOTE: You will have to change one of your body paragraphs if it uses the same evidence or reason as your counterclaim.

10. Counterclaim Paragraph
Water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom.
Many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day.
Quote: “Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day.”
What is the title of the article where you read this solution?
“Sunset Ridge Middle School: A School to Watch”
by Ima Falcon
Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.
Counterclaim Paragraph
While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom. What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day. For example, according to Ima Falcon, “Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day.” Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.

11. Counterclaim sentence: states the opposing claim and a supporting reason
While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom. What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day. For example, Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day. Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.

12. Counterclaim sentence - states one reason from the opposite side
While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom.
Rebuttal sentence - states a reason why the counterclaim sentence is weak
What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day.

13. Rebuttal sentence: reason stating why the counterclaim is weak
While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom. What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day. For example, Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day. Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.

14. Rebuttal sentence
What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day.
Rebuttal evidence - supports the rebuttal sentence
For example at Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day.

15. Rebuttal Evidence: evidence supporting the reason for why the counterclaim is weak
While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom. What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day. For example, Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day. Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.

16. Rebuttal Elaboration: Give further explanation for how the evidence makes the counterclaim weak
While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom. What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day. For example, Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day. Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.

17. While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom.
What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day.
For example at Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day.
Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go

18. Finally
The last sentence of your counterclaim paragraph should restate your claim.

19. While there are many positive effects of including water bottles in the classroom, some people may argue that water bottles will lead to more students leaving class for the bathroom.
What these people do not take into account, however, is the fact that many schools have scheduled breaks during the school day.
For example at Sunset Ridge Middle School, a middle school in West Jordan, Utah, has at least seven five-minute breaks during the seven-hour school day.
Students could use the bathroom during those times if necessary. If a student does not go during those times, they must wait until the next break; it was their fault they didn’t go.
Therefore, students should be able to have water bottles in class.