Turn and Talk:

Habit #5: Seek first to understand,

then to be understood.

How does this adage relate to

argumentative writing?
Opposing Claim
AKA: counter claim, alternate claim, counter
argument
An argument offered in opposition your position.
Strengthens your claim by acknowledging the other side
of the argument.
It adds credibility to your writing when you consider the
other side.
Write an opposing claim in three steps:
STEP #1: Acknowledge the other side’s position.
STEP #2: Return to your claim.
STEP #3: Offer an alternative/solution
Counter Claim Example – Cell Phones in
School
AUDIENCE: colleagues
MS. BEYER’S CLAIM: I support cell phone use
during class time in GVMS.
STEP #1: Acknowledge
COUNTER CLAIM: My colleagues may say that the other side’s
cell phones would be a distraction; however, I position.
argue that students can learn how to use cell
phones appropriately in a school setting. For STEP #2: Return to
example, teachers can designate time in each
lesson for cell phone use and the remainder of your claim.
the time, cell phones must be turned on silent.
STEP #3: Offer an
alternative/solution
Counter Claim Example #2 – School
Uniforms
CLAIM: I believe GVMS students should wear a
uniform.

COUNTER CLAIM: Some parents believe that STEP #1:

school uniforms take away freedom of Acknowledge the
expression, but I believe school uniforms other side’s position.
encourage equal treatment of students. STEP #2: Return to
Students can still show their individual style
through accessories, jewelry, hair, shoes, and your claim.
backpacks. STEP #3: Offer an
alternative/solution
Now you try…
Counter Claim Example – Saturday School
YOUR CLAIM: Detentions should not be
served on Saturdays.
STEP #1: Acknowledge
the other side’s
COUNTER CLAIM: position.
STEP #2: Return to
your claim.
STEP #3: Offer an
alternative/solution
Now you try…
Counter Claim Example – Homework
AUDIENCE: Teachers
YOUR CLAIM: Middle school students should
not have homework. STEP #1: Acknowledge
the other side’s
position.
COUNTER CLAIM: STEP #2: Return to
your claim.
STEP #3: Offer an
alternative/solution
WRITING WORKSHOP:
Meeting the Expectations:
Include one counter claim
Exceeding the Expectations:
Include three counter claims (1 in each body paragraph)
Brainstorm…
CLAIM COUNTERS SOLUTIONS
What is your What would your audience bring up if she wanted How could you solve the issues
position/argument/claim? to prove you wrong? What would someone on the presented from the opposing side?
other side of this issue say?
Write an opposing claim:
STEP #1: Acknowledge the other side’s position.
◦ Others may say…
◦ It’s easy to think…
◦ While it might be true…
◦ It is often thought…

STEP #2: Return to your claim.

◦ …, but I argue…
◦ ...; nevertheless, I believe…

STEP #3: Offer an alternative/solution

◦ I propose…
◦ Suppose…
◦ What if…