claim and counterclaim essay examples

How to Write an Effective Counterclaim in 5 Steps

So, you’re laboring over a killer argumentative essay — and you want to make absolutely sure that you have all your bases covered? Your essay absolutely needs at least one counterclaim with a rebuttal if you are determined to make it the best it can be.

Unless you are already an experiences essayist, however, it can prove tough to write a solid counterclaim. Watch and learn — with this guide, you’ll get ready to write a powerful counterclaim in no time!

Essay Counterclaim: The Basics

The “too long; didn’t read” version is as follows — a counterclaim is a rhetorical tool used in essay writing. You present a viewpoint for which you are not arguing in a counterclaim, and then proceed to refute it; explaining why people should disagree with the opposing argument and agree with you, instead.

As you’re writing your essay, you will inevitably make various claims. Claims can be defined as debatable statements — the views for which you are arguing in your essay. Your thesis statement will be the main, overarching, claim you make in your essay, and this can be followed by multiple further claims in favor of your argument.

Let’s see this in action:

Thesis: “Unleashed dogs are a serious public health concern in Masonville. Policy must be amended to make it mandatory for all dogs to be leashed, at all times, and fines must be imposed on those who fail to comply.”
Claim: “Unleashed dogs have decimated the local deer population.”
Claim: “5 children and an elderly person have sustained serious dog bites that required medical attention in the last three years.”
Claim: “Data from other jurisdictions shows that imposing penalties for unleashed dogs reduces incidents with dogs immensely.”

If your essay looks something like this, you’re building a compelling case. You have defined your viewpoint, offered arguments that lead to a conclusion, and you have also shared data that your proposed solution could work.

What’s missing?

To truly make a convincing argument, you have to show that you understand the subject matter you are tackling deeply — something that inevitably includes listening to the opposing side in the argument.

That is where your counterclaim comes in. A counterclaim can be defined as a claim that directly opposes yours.

If your reaction is “Wait, what!? I have to argue against myself?” right now, hold on. There are multiple strong reasons to include a counterclaim in your essay. Here’s a look:

By including a counterclaim, or indeed multiple, you show that you don’t have tunnel vision. You have also considered the other side.
Readers who support the other side of the argument will likely react with a “Yes, that’s right!”. This has the effect of making them feel heard, which in turn makes them more open to listening to you.
After all that, you can — finally — respectfully and artfully refute the counterclaim. You understand the opposing viewpoint and you have deeply considered its merits, but you disagree. Lay out why, and why those who previously agreed with the opposing argument might want to consider coming over to your side, instead.

Let’s see that in action again:

Many dog owners claim that leashing dogs robs them of the ability to run around and have fun — something they consider integral to their dogs’ health and wellbeing. While it is certainly true that dogs need exercise, long leashes allow for plenty of freedom of movement. Dog parks, where dogs could run free, are another possible solution in this case.

Claim vs Counterclaim: What Is the Difference?

The difference between a claim and a counterclaim can best be summed up by saying that a claim is used to argue the position you are defending in your essay, while a counterclaim takes the opposing viewpoint. A counterclaim is an argument against your argument, in other words.

That is not the only difference between the two. To make an effective claim, a writer simply has to:

Make the claim.
Provide evidence or logical arguments supporting the claim.
Where desired, follow this with rhetorical tools such as appeals to emotion or logic to further convince the audience.

A counterclaim requires more elements:

The counterclaim itself — which states an opposing argument.
Evidence that people in fact hold this view is very much welcomed; to make a good counterclaim, you cannot simply lay out positions that are almost never taken.
An explanation as to why people may hold this view.
Finally, a rebuttal, in which you explain why the counterclaim is weak, and your original position is correct.

How to Write an Effective Counterclaim: Step-by-Step

Writing an effective counterclaim — or even several, as you may be called to do in longer essays — can be challenging. That is particularly true if you fervently believe in the argument you are making, and have a hard time understanding how anyone could disagree with it.

However, it is important to remain as objective as possible as you craft a counterclaim for your essay. Here is a look at the process you may use to decide on a good counterclaim.

Deciding Where to Place Your Counterclaim

It is typically very effective to open your essay with a compelling hook, which may consist of a powerful anecdote, statistics, or a dramatic introduction to a pressing problem. You will then want to introduce your thesis statement, and begin making claims — which you back up with evidence and further arguments.

Your counterclaim, or counter claims, should be placed after this portion of your essay. In short essays, that means it will be somewhere near the end. However, you will want to summarize your main argument succinctly and write a memorable conclusion in the paragraphs that follow your counterclaim paragraph.

Deciding How Long Your Counterclaim Should Be

The length of a counterclaim, and indeed the number of counterclaims you decide to include, depends on the target length of your essay. You will typically require at least a short paragraph to be able to do your counterclaim justice, because you are not simply stating that some people disagree with your argument. You also want to explain why.

In some cases, you will be able to write a short rebuttal in the same paragraph. In others, you may choose to refute the counterclaim in the next paragraph.

Researching Opposing Viewpoints

To write an effective counterclaim, it is important to understand the arguments that may be used to oppose your claims. Don’t simply turn your claim or thesis statement on its head, but research why people disagree with the argument you are making, and on what basis. Where possible, try to find out how common the view you are portraying in your counterclaim is.

Presenting the Opposing Viewpoint Fairly

Once you immerse yourself in the types of arguments people who disagree with your thesis make, and truly understand where they are coming from, you are ready to craft a good counterclaim. Try this exercise first. Imagine what you would write if you sincerely held the opposing view, and then go ahead and do it.

Writing Your Counterclaim Paragraph

Before presenting the counterclaim, you will need to introduce the fact that you will be doing this by making a smooth transition in your writing. Good ways to start your counterclaim paragraph include:

“Critics have argued that…”
“Some people may conclude that”
“On the other side of the argument, people are concerned that…”
“The opposing viewpoint states that…”

Once you have stated the alternative view, go ahead and describe why that view is held. Present evidence.

You can now either start a new paragraph to write a rebuttal, or — if you can keep it short — do so in the same paragraph.

A rebuttal can include:

Reasons why the opposing view you presented in your counterclaim is weak or false.
An acknowledgment that the views presented in the counterclaim have merit, but there is a solution that would render the concerns the opposing side has baseless.
An explanation that the views presented in the counterclaim are exceedingly rare, or the benefits of your argument outweigh the risks the counterclaim sets forth.

Additional Tips on Writing a Counterclaim

If you have followed along so far, you are almost ready to make a very effective counterclaim, complete with a refutation. You may even have penned a draft. So far, so good, but you do have some additional things to watch out for as you write your counterclaim:

Be objective in the language you use. Do not state that you disagree with the counterclaim, or argue that some people “erroneously believe that…”, for example. Simply present the counterclaim as an alternative opinion.
Be fair. Do not caricature the viewpoint you are presenting in your counterclaim. Do not use condescending language. When you share the opposing argument, do so using words that those who hold that view may, in fact, use.
Don’t forget to include evidence. Your evidence can demonstrate that a significant percentage of people hold the view you address in your counterclaim, and it should also, where possible, back up the counterclaim. In the example we used earlier, regarding the benefits of allowing dogs to run around without being leashed, you could look for studies that show that dogs need a certain amount of physical exercise.
Be fair in your rebuttal, too. The extent to which you do this depends on your aim. If you are writing a high school or college essay, you may simply prefer to throw some hard-hitting verbal punches. If, on the other hand, you are sincerely hoping to convince people who currently hold the alternative opinion you just described that you are right, you will have to be more careful. Validate their underlying concerns or values, and explain why your argument works within that context.

Does every essay need a counterclaim?

No. There are many kinds of essays. An expository essay, for instance, simply explores a topic, and will not need a counterclaim. A narrative essay shares the writer’s personal experience, and will not require a counterclaim. Counterclaims have an important place in argumentative essays, which require the writer to demonstrate that they understand the topic thoroughly and have considered all sides.

How many counterclaims should I include?

If you make multiple claims, you may choose to write a counterclaim for each of them. Depending on the length of your essay, you may even decide to include multiple counterclaims for each claim.

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How to Write a Counter Argument (Step-by-Step Guide)
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A Guide to Rebuttals in Argumentative Essays

4-minute read

27th May 2023

Rebuttals are an essential part of a strong argument. But what are they, exactly, and how can you use them effectively? Read on to find out.

What Is a Rebuttal?

When writing an argumentative essay , there’s always an opposing point of view. You can’t present an argument without the possibility of someone disagreeing.

Sure, you could just focus on your argument and ignore the other perspective, but that weakens your essay. Coming up with possible alternative points of view, or counterarguments, and being prepared to address them, gives you an edge. A rebuttal is your response to these opposing viewpoints.

How Do Rebuttals Work?

With a rebuttal, you can take the fighting power away from any opposition to your idea before they have a chance to attack. For a rebuttal to work, it needs to follow the same formula as the other key points in your essay: it should be researched, developed, and presented with evidence.

Rebuttals in Action

Suppose you’re writing an essay arguing that strawberries are the best fruit. A potential counterargument could be that strawberries don’t work as well in baked goods as other berries do, as they can get soggy and lose some of their flavor. Your rebuttal would state this point and then explain why it’s not valid:

Read on for a few simple steps to formulating an effective rebuttal.

Step 1. Come up with a Counterargument

A strong rebuttal is only possible when there’s a strong counterargument. You may be convinced of your idea but try to place yourself on the other side. Rather than addressing weak opposing views that are easy to fend off, try to come up with the strongest claims that could be made.

In your essay, explain the counterargument and agree with it. That’s right, agree with it – to an extent. State why there’s some truth to it and validate the concerns it presents.

Step 2. Point Out Its Flaws

Now that you’ve presented a counterargument, poke holes in it . To do so, analyze the argument carefully and notice if there are any biases or caveats that weaken it. Looking at the claim that strawberries don’t work well in baked goods, a weakness could be that this argument only applies when strawberries are baked in a pie.

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Step 3. Present New Points

Once you reveal the counterargument’s weakness, present a new perspective, and provide supporting evidence to show that your argument is still the correct one. This means providing new points that the opposer may not have considered when presenting their claim.

Offering new ideas that weaken a counterargument makes you come off as authoritative and informed, which will make your readers more likely to agree with you.

Summary: Rebuttals

Rebuttals are essential when presenting an argument. Even if a counterargument is stronger than your point, you can construct an effective rebuttal that stands a chance against it.

We hope this guide helps you to structure and format your argumentative essay . And once you’ve finished writing, send a copy to our expert editors. We’ll ensure perfect grammar, spelling, punctuation, referencing, and more. Try it out for free today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rebuttal in an essay.

A rebuttal is a response to a counterargument. It presents the potential counterclaim, discusses why it could be valid, and then explains why the original argument is still correct.

How do you form an effective rebuttal?

To use rebuttals effectively, come up with a strong counterclaim and respectfully point out its weaknesses. Then present new ideas that fill those gaps and strengthen your point.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Organizing Your Argument

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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How can I effectively present my argument?

In order for your argument to be persuasive, it must use an organizational structure that the audience perceives as both logical and easy to parse. Three argumentative methods —the Toulmin Method , Classical Method , and Rogerian Method — give guidance for how to organize the points in an argument.

Note that these are only three of the most popular models for organizing an argument. Alternatives exist. Be sure to consult your instructor and/or defer to your assignment’s directions if you’re unsure which to use (if any).

Toulmin Method

The Toulmin Method is a formula that allows writers to build a sturdy logical foundation for their arguments. First proposed by author Stephen Toulmin in The Uses of Argument (1958), the Toulmin Method emphasizes building a thorough support structure for each of an argument's key claims.

The basic format for the Toulmin Method is as follows:

Claim: In this section, you explain your overall thesis on the subject. In other words, you make your main argument.

Data (Grounds): You should use evidence to support the claim. In other words, provide the reader with facts that prove your argument is strong.

Warrant (Bridge): In this section, you explain why or how your data supports the claim. As a result, the underlying assumption that you build your argument on is grounded in reason.

Backing (Foundation): Here, you provide any additional logic or reasoning that may be necessary to support the warrant.

Counterclaim: You should anticipate a counterclaim that negates the main points in your argument. Don't avoid arguments that oppose your own. Instead, become familiar with the opposing perspective. If you respond to counterclaims, you appear unbiased (and, therefore, you earn the respect of your readers). You may even want to include several counterclaims to show that you have thoroughly researched the topic.

Rebuttal: In this section, you incorporate your own evidence that disagrees with the counterclaim. It is essential to include a thorough warrant or bridge to strengthen your essay’s argument. If you present data to your audience without explaining how it supports your thesis, your readers may not make a connection between the two, or they may draw different conclusions.

Example of the Toulmin Method:

Claim: Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution.

Data1: Driving a private car is a typical citizen's most air-polluting activity.

Warrant 1: Due to the fact that cars are the largest source of private (as opposed to industrial) air pollution, switching to hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting pollution.

Data 2: Each vehicle produced is going to stay on the road for roughly 12 to 15 years.

Warrant 2: Cars generally have a long lifespan, meaning that the decision to switch to a hybrid car will make a long-term impact on pollution levels.

Data 3: Hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor.

Warrant 3: The combination of these technologies produces less pollution.

Counterclaim: Instead of focusing on cars, which still encourages an inefficient culture of driving even as it cuts down on pollution, the nation should focus on building and encouraging the use of mass transit systems.

Rebuttal: While mass transit is an idea that should be encouraged, it is not feasible in many rural and suburban areas, or for people who must commute to work. Thus, hybrid cars are a better solution for much of the nation's population.

Rogerian Method

The Rogerian Method (named for, but not developed by, influential American psychotherapist Carl R. Rogers) is a popular method for controversial issues. This strategy seeks to find a common ground between parties by making the audience understand perspectives that stretch beyond (or even run counter to) the writer’s position. Moreso than other methods, it places an emphasis on reiterating an opponent's argument to his or her satisfaction. The persuasive power of the Rogerian Method lies in its ability to define the terms of the argument in such a way that:

your position seems like a reasonable compromise.
you seem compassionate and empathetic.

The basic format of the Rogerian Method is as follows:

Introduction: Introduce the issue to the audience, striving to remain as objective as possible.

Opposing View : Explain the other side’s position in an unbiased way. When you discuss the counterargument without judgement, the opposing side can see how you do not directly dismiss perspectives which conflict with your stance.

Statement of Validity (Understanding): This section discusses how you acknowledge how the other side’s points can be valid under certain circumstances. You identify how and why their perspective makes sense in a specific context, but still present your own argument.

Statement of Your Position: By this point, you have demonstrated that you understand the other side’s viewpoint. In this section, you explain your own stance.

Statement of Contexts : Explore scenarios in which your position has merit. When you explain how your argument is most appropriate for certain contexts, the reader can recognize that you acknowledge the multiple ways to view the complex issue.

Statement of Benefits: You should conclude by explaining to the opposing side why they would benefit from accepting your position. By explaining the advantages of your argument, you close on a positive note without completely dismissing the other side’s perspective.

Example of the Rogerian Method:

Introduction: The issue of whether children should wear school uniforms is subject to some debate.

Opposing View: Some parents think that requiring children to wear uniforms is best.

Statement of Validity (Understanding): Those parents who support uniforms argue that, when all students wear the same uniform, the students can develop a unified sense of school pride and inclusiveness.

Statement of Your Position : Students should not be required to wear school uniforms. Mandatory uniforms would forbid choices that allow students to be creative and express themselves through clothing.

Statement of Contexts: However, even if uniforms might hypothetically promote inclusivity, in most real-life contexts, administrators can use uniform policies to enforce conformity. Students should have the option to explore their identity through clothing without the fear of being ostracized.

Statement of Benefits: Though both sides seek to promote students' best interests, students should not be required to wear school uniforms. By giving students freedom over their choice, students can explore their self-identity by choosing how to present themselves to their peers.

Classical Method

The Classical Method of structuring an argument is another common way to organize your points. Originally devised by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (and then later developed by Roman thinkers like Cicero and Quintilian), classical arguments tend to focus on issues of definition and the careful application of evidence. Thus, the underlying assumption of classical argumentation is that, when all parties understand the issue perfectly, the correct course of action will be clear.

The basic format of the Classical Method is as follows:

Introduction (Exordium): Introduce the issue and explain its significance. You should also establish your credibility and the topic’s legitimacy.

Statement of Background (Narratio): Present vital contextual or historical information to the audience to further their understanding of the issue. By doing so, you provide the reader with a working knowledge about the topic independent of your own stance.

Proposition (Propositio): After you provide the reader with contextual knowledge, you are ready to state your claims which relate to the information you have provided previously. This section outlines your major points for the reader.

Proof (Confirmatio): You should explain your reasons and evidence to the reader. Be sure to thoroughly justify your reasons. In this section, if necessary, you can provide supplementary evidence and subpoints.

Refutation (Refuatio): In this section, you address anticipated counterarguments that disagree with your thesis. Though you acknowledge the other side’s perspective, it is important to prove why your stance is more logical.

Conclusion (Peroratio): You should summarize your main points. The conclusion also caters to the reader’s emotions and values. The use of pathos here makes the reader more inclined to consider your argument.

Example of the Classical Method:

Introduction (Exordium): Millions of workers are paid a set hourly wage nationwide. The federal minimum wage is standardized to protect workers from being paid too little. Research points to many viewpoints on how much to pay these workers. Some families cannot afford to support their households on the current wages provided for performing a minimum wage job .

Statement of Background (Narratio): Currently, millions of American workers struggle to make ends meet on a minimum wage. This puts a strain on workers’ personal and professional lives. Some work multiple jobs to provide for their families.

Proposition (Propositio): The current federal minimum wage should be increased to better accommodate millions of overworked Americans. By raising the minimum wage, workers can spend more time cultivating their livelihoods.

Proof (Confirmatio): According to the United States Department of Labor, 80.4 million Americans work for an hourly wage, but nearly 1.3 million receive wages less than the federal minimum. The pay raise will alleviate the stress of these workers. Their lives would benefit from this raise because it affects multiple areas of their lives.

Refutation (Refuatio): There is some evidence that raising the federal wage might increase the cost of living. However, other evidence contradicts this or suggests that the increase would not be great. Additionally, worries about a cost of living increase must be balanced with the benefits of providing necessary funds to millions of hardworking Americans.

Conclusion (Peroratio): If the federal minimum wage was raised, many workers could alleviate some of their financial burdens. As a result, their emotional wellbeing would improve overall. Though some argue that the cost of living could increase, the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Consider the following thesis for a short paper that analyzes different approaches to stopping climate change:

Climate activism that focuses on personal actions such as recycling obscures the need for systemic change that will be required to slow carbon emissions.

The author of this thesis is promising to make the case that personal actions not only will not solve the climate problem but may actually make the problem more difficult to solve. In order to make a convincing argument, the author will need to consider how thoughtful people might disagree with this claim. In this case, the author might anticipate the following counterarguments:

By encouraging personal actions, climate activists may raise awareness of the problem and encourage people to support larger systemic change.
Personal actions on a global level would actually make a difference.
Personal actions may not make a difference, but they will not obscure the need for systemic solutions.
Personal actions cannot be put into one category and must be differentiated.

In order to make a convincing argument, the author of this essay may need to address these potential counterarguments. But you don’t need to address every possible counterargument. Rather, you should engage counterarguments when doing so allows you to strengthen your own argument by explaining how it holds up in relation to other arguments.

How to address counterarguments

Once you have considered the potential counterarguments, you will need to figure out how to address them in your essay. In general, to address a counterargument, you’ll need to take the following steps.

State the counterargument and explain why a reasonable reader could raise that counterargument.
Counter the counterargument. How you grapple with a counterargument will depend on what you think it means for your argument. You may explain why your argument is still convincing, even in light of this other position. You may point to a flaw in the counterargument. You may concede that the counterargument gets something right but then explain why it does not undermine your argument. You may explain why the counterargument is not relevant. You may refine your own argument in response to the counterargument.
Consider the language you are using to address the counterargument. Words like but or however signal to the reader that you are refuting the counterargument. Words like nevertheless or still signal to the reader that your argument is not diminished by the counterargument.

Here’s an example of a paragraph in which a counterargument is raised and addressed.

Image version

The two steps are marked with counterargument and “counter” to the counterargument: COUNTERARGUMENT/ But some experts argue that it’s important for individuals to take action to mitigate climate change. In “All That Performative Environmentalism Adds Up,” Annie Lowery argues that personal actions to fight climate change, such as reducing household trash or installing solar panels, matter because change in social behavior can lead to changes in laws. [1]

COUNTER TO THE COUNTERARGUMENT/ While Lowery may be correct that individual actions can lead to collective action, this focus on individual action can allow corporations to receive positive publicity while continuing to burn fossil fuels at dangerous rates.

Where to address counterarguments

There is no one right place for a counterargument—where you raise a particular counterargument will depend on how it fits in with the rest of your argument. The most common spots are the following:

Before your conclusion This is a common and effective spot for a counterargument because it’s a chance to address anything that you think a reader might still be concerned about after you’ve made your main argument. Don’t put a counterargument in your conclusion, however. At that point, you won’t have the space to address it, and readers may come away confused—or less convinced by your argument.
Before your thesis Often, your thesis will actually be a counterargument to someone else’s argument. In other words, you will be making your argument because someone else has made an argument that you disagree with. In those cases, you may want to offer that counterargument before you state your thesis to show your readers what’s at stake—someone else has made an unconvincing argument, and you are now going to make a better one.
After your introduction In some cases, you may want to respond to a counterargument early in your essay, before you get too far into your argument. This is a good option when you think readers may need to understand why the counterargument is not as strong as your argument before you can even launch your own ideas. You might do this in the paragraph right after your thesis.
Anywhere that makes sense As you draft an essay, you should always keep your readers in mind and think about where a thoughtful reader might disagree with you or raise an objection to an assertion or interpretation of evidence that you are offering. In those spots, you can introduce that potential objection and explain why it does not change your argument. If you think it does affect your argument, you can acknowledge that and explain why your argument is still strong.

[1] Annie Lowery, “All that Performative Environmentalism Adds Up.” The Atlantic . August 31, 2020. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/08/your-tote-bag-can-mak…

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1.3: Claims, reasons, counterargument, and rebuttal map

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The top half is a chain of reasons. The first reason "We would feel it was right to cross the border without permission" is in a box with an arrow next to it pointing to the next reason, "We should recognize illegal crossing as ethical," which in turn has an arrow from it pointing to the reason "Border walls and detention centers are unjust," which points to the final claim, "We need a new policy that offers respect and help to migrants." Below, in red, with an arrow pointing up toward the final claim, is the counterargument "Completely open borders would put our security at risk." Below the counterargument is the response to the counterargument, in black: "Rebuttal: there are ways to regulate the border without criminalizing people." This response has an arrow from it pointing up toward the main claim to show that it supports the main claim.

What Is a Claim in Writing? Definition, Types, & Examples

February 20, 2024
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What is a claim in writing, claim of fact, claim of value, claim of policy, types of writing with claims, examples of claims in writing, what is the difference between claims, opinions and facts, why do we use claims in writing, what is a counterclaim in writing, faqs on claim in writing, we also recommend.

When it comes to writing, making a claim is a crucial aspect of building a strong argument. But what exactly is a claim? Essentially, a claim is a statement that asserts a particular point or position on a specific topic. Claims serve as the foundation for persuasive writing and are essential for effectively making your case to your audience.

Understanding the different types of claims and how to effectively use them can greatly enhance the persuasiveness of your writing. Whether you are writing an essay, a research paper, or a persuasive speech, knowing how to craft strong claims is key to convincing your audience of your point of view.

In this article, we will explore the definition of a claim in writing, the various types of claims you can make, and provide examples to help you better understand how claims function in different contexts. By mastering the art of making compelling claims, you can elevate the quality of your writing and make a more convincing argument every time.

A claim in writing is the core argument defining an essay’s goal and direction. It’s assertive, debatable, and supported by evidence. Also, it is complex, specific, and detailed.

Think of a claim as a specific, debatable statement you, the writer, intend to prove or support. It’s the central argument in your essay, the core message of your blog post , and the foundation of your persuasive pitch. Unlike opinions, which are subjective beliefs without the burden of proof, claims demand justification. They’re the battle cry, the call to action, inviting your reader to join you on a quest for understanding and agreement.

READ ALSO: What Is Speech Writing? Best Tips And Jobs In 2024

What Are The Types Of Claims In Writing?

There are three types of claims: claims of fact, claims of value, and claims of policy . Each type of claim focuses on a different aspect of a topic. To best participate in an argument, it is beneficial to understand the type of claim that is being argued.

A claim of fact declares the existence, current presence, or future occurrence of something measurable. The core issue within a factual claim revolves around the reasonableness of the stated fact. To put it differently, a claim of fact engages in a discussion about the accuracy or inaccuracy, validity or invalidity, truth or falsehood of the statement. When making such assertions, our reasoning typically progresses from the known to the unknown. Claims of fact also center on examining cause-and-effect relationships.

SEE ALSO: What Is Speech Writing? Best Tips And Jobs In 2024

A claim of value makes qualitative assessments of people, things, and events in one’s surroundings on a good-to-bad continuum. You have made a valuable claim if you formulate an opinion that says something is good, terrible, or superior to another. Claims of worth include things like “Indian food is the best food of all,” “The Wizard of Oz is the greatest movie of all time,” and “Snowboarding is the greatest way to spend a vacation.”

A claim of policy makes the assertion that someone should or shouldn’t do a certain action. It suggests that a certain course of action ought to be followed, however, it’s not a given that it will. The conditional verb “should,” which indicates that a certain action ought to be taken but not that it must or will be taken, is crucial when making a claim about policy. For example, “Students should read the assigned text material before the instructor lectures on it,” or “The United States should send a manned expedition to Mars.”

Here’s a list of the types of writing with claims:

Argumentative articles. Consider a controversial issue, proving it with evidence throughout your paper.
Literary analysis. Build a claim about a book, and use evidence from it to support your claim.
Research papers. Present a hypothesis and provide evidence to confirm or refute it.
Speeches. State a claim and persuade the audience that you’re right.
Persuasive essays and memos. State a thesis and use fact-based evidence to back it up..

What can you use as evidence in essays?

Facts and other data from relevant and respectful resources (no Wikipedia or other sources like this)
Primary research
Secondary research (science magazines’ articles, literature reviews, etc.)
Personal observation
Expert quotes (opinions)
Info from expert interviews

SEE ALSO: Tips On How To Hire Legal Writers In 2024

Here’s a rundown of examples of claims based on types:

Here’s how claims differentiate themselves from their close cousins:

Opinions: These are personal beliefs, unsupported by evidence. Saying “Pizza is the best food ever” is an opinion, not a claim.
Facts: These are verifiable truths, independent of interpretation. “The Earth revolves around the Sun” is a fact, not a claim.
Claims: These are debatable propositions that require evidence to be convincing. “Eating spicy food boosts metabolism” is a claim, as it needs proof to be accepted.

All forms of writing rely on claims to maintain the interest of the reader, give characters more nuance and depth, and convey the author’s own viewpoint on the issues covered.

The objective of a claim in writing is to persuade the reader of anything. Claims drive the reader towards a specific solution, even when they may not agree with the author’s statement at first or may need more information to come to their own opinion. If a reader already concurs with an author’s assertion, the material offered just strengthens and validates the reader’s position.

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When someone presents an alternative argument to your claim, that is a counterclaim. Another word for a counterclaim is a rebuttal. When someone presents a counterclaim, they are making a claim of their own. It will be up to them to state their counterclaim, and then seek to back it up with evidence (just as you did when making the initial claim).

A claim is a statement that asserts a particular stance or viewpoint, while an opinion is a subjective expression of personal beliefs or preferences.

Make your claims more persuasive by providing clear evidence, avoiding overgeneralization, and addressing potential counterarguments.

Writers should be cautious when making claims without sufficient evidence or in areas where the topic is highly subjective and lacks objectivity.

It depends on the nature of the evidence and the claims. In some cases, a well-supported piece of evidence may contribute to multiple related claims.

Claims in writing showcase the diverse ways in which writers express their perspectives and influence their audience. Whether rooted in facts, values, or policies, claims form the bedrock of effective communication. Crafting and evaluating claims require a thoughtful approach, ensuring that writers engage their readers with clarity, evidence, and nuance.

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Claim-counterclaim

A claim-counterclaim pattern of organisation refers to the structure of an argument where there is more than one side to a debate. It is very common in academic writing.

In a claim-counterclaim text, arguments are typically introduced using reporting verbs such as show, argue and claim. A writer may also use evidence to support their claim, using connectors such as for instance or for example .

The theoretical formulations on social capital of Bourdieu, Coleman and Putnam have greatly contributed to the currency of the concept. Yet, while the concept enjoys an expanding popularity in interdisciplinary research, conceptual ambiguity and misspecification persists. Lack of agreement in defining social capital is reflected in the operationalisation of the concept. While many refer to ‘social capital’ or ‘measures’ thereof, they are unlikely to refer to the same thing or that the measures employed are reliable, valid or comparable. This is all the more evident in Putnam’s formulation and the body of research it has generated. This review argues that such research is plagued by unresolved measurement issues which do not help to clarify the nature of the concept. This critical review addresses the similarities and differences among the theoretical formulations of the three prominent theorists focusing on empirical research that assigns a causal role to social capital. It is argued that as a concept, social capital offers great potential but it cannot be treated as an aggregate trait of large collectivities. Aggregate measures of social capital lack both reliability and validity and are inconsistent with theory.

(Adapted from: Tzanakis, M. (2013). Social Capital in Bourdieu's, Coleman's and Putnam's Theory: empirical evidence and emergent measurement issues. Educate 13(3), pp. 2-23.)

Additionally, a writer will also evaluate the claims that are presented. For example, the sentence below indicates a negative evaluation of the concept of social capital :

This review argues that such research is plagued by unresolved measurement issues which do not help to clarify the nature of the concept.
There is (a lack of) agreement (between/on) + noun
This (essay) argues that (+ clause)
There has been much debate (on/about/over) + noun
It is evident that (+ clause)
It is unclear if (+ clause)

Reporting verbs

Show that (+ clause)
Argue that (+ clause)
Claim that ( (+ clause)
Believe that (+ clause)
Observe (+ noun)
Suggest that (+ clause)
Subordinate conjunctions (while, although + clause)
Adverbs (In contrast, however)
Prepositions (Despite + noun/-ing)
Coordinating conjunctions (but, yet)

There has been much debate argue However JXUwMDNjJXUwMDAxJXUwMDA3JXUwMDAzJXUwMDE1JXUwMDEx around university league tables . Some debate argue However JXUwMDM5JXUwMDEzJXUwMDE1JXUwMDEyJXUwMDEw that university league tables provide students with valuable information about different universities, which helps individuals to make decisions about where to apply. Students rely on these league tables for information. debate argue However JXUwMDEwJXUwMDI3JXUwMDE4JXUwMDEyJXUwMDEzJXUwMDEzJXUwMDE3 , the value of these league tables has been called into question.

Is the claim positively or negatively evaluated?

Incorrect. It is negatively evaluated. The writer "calls into question" university league tables.

Correct. It is negatively evaluated. The writer "calls into question" university league tables.

These contrasting suggests views However JXUwMDJlJXUwMDFmJXUwMDBjJXUwMDEyJXUwMDA0 of higher education are drawn from two very different frameworks, which conflate either structure or agency. A rational actor model suggests views However JXUwMDJiJXUwMDA2JXUwMDEyJXUwMDAwJXUwMDAyJXUwMDE2JXUwMDA3JXUwMDA3 that students are strategic and knowledgeable actors, participating in university with a conscious pursuit of advantage. suggests views However JXUwMDEwJXUwMDI3JXUwMDE4JXUwMDEyJXUwMDEzJXUwMDEzJXUwMDE3 , a neo-Marxist perspective emphasises the structural constraints which deny agency to individuals. Both extremes deny causation.

Are the claims positively or negatively evaluated?

Incorrect. The two perspectives are negatively evaluated as "denying causation."

Correct. The two perspectives are negatively evaluated as "denying causation."

Milgram’s research asserts while JXUwMDJhJXUwMDE3JXUwMDE2JXUwMDE2JXUwMDA0JXUwMDEzJXUwMDExJXUwMDBi in the 1960s claimed that a letter could be sent through an average of 5.2 people from one person to another in the United States, via each person’s shared network of friends. research asserts while JXUwMDJmJXUwMDFmJXUwMDAxJXUwMDA1JXUwMDA5 , the experiment had it's flaws, Milgram research asserts while JXUwMDM5JXUwMDEyJXUwMDAwJXUwMDE2JXUwMDE3JXUwMDA2JXUwMDA3 that this concept of “six degrees of separation” proves we live in a shrinking world, existing just a few social paces away from anyone else on the planet.

Correct. It is positively evaluated as Milgram "asserts" it is true.

Inorrect. It is positively evaluated as Milgram "asserts" it is true.

What Is a Claim in an Essay? Read This Before Writing

What is a claim in an essay?

In this article, you’ll find the essay claim definition, characteristics, types, and examples. Let’s learn where to use claims and how to write them.

Get ready for up-to-date and practical information only!

What Is a Claim in Writing?

A claim is the core argument defining an essay’s goal and direction. (1) It’s assertive, debatable, and supported by evidence. Also, it is complex, specific, and detailed.

Also known as a thesis, a claim is a little different from statements and opinions. Keep reading to reveal the nuances.

Claims vs. statements vs. opinions

Where to use claims.

To answer the “What is claim in writing?”, it’s critical to understand that this definition isn’t only for high school or college essays. Below are the types of writing with claims:

Argumentative articles. Consider a controversial issue, proving it with evidence throughout your paper.
Literary analysis. Build a claim about a book , and use evidence from it to support your claim.
Research papers. Present a hypothesis and provide evidence to confirm or refute it.
Speeches. State a claim and persuade the audience that you’re right.
Persuasive essays and memos. State a thesis and use fact-based evidence to back it up..

What can you use as evidence in essays?

Facts and other data from relevant and respectful resources (no Wikipedia or other sources like this)
Primary research
Secondary research (science magazines’ articles, literature reviews, etc.)
Personal observation
Expert quotes (opinions)
Info from expert interviews

How to Write a Claim in Essays

Two points to consider when making a claim in a college paper:

First, remember that a claim may have counterarguments. You’ll need to respond to them to make your argument stronger. Use transition words like “despite,” “yet,” “although,” and others to show those counterclaims.

Second, good claims are more complex than simple “I’m right” statements. Be ready to explain your claim, answering the “So what?” question.

And now, to details:

Types of claims in an essay (2)

Writing a claim: details to consider.

What makes a good claim? Three characteristics (3):

It’s assertive. (You have a strong position about a topic.)
It’s specific. (Your assertion is as precise as possible.)
It’s provable. (You can prove your position with evidence.)

When writing a claim, avoid generalizations, questions, and cliches. Also, don’t state the obvious.

Poor claim: Pollution is bad for the environment.
Good claim: At least 25% of the federal budget should be spent upgrading businesses to clean technologies and researching renewable energy sources to control or cut pollution.

How to start a claim in an essay?

Answer the essay prompt. Use an active voice when writing a claim for readers to understand your point. Here is the basic formula:

When writing, avoid:

First-person statements
Emotional appeal
Cluttering your claim with several ideas; focus on one instead

How long should a claim be in an essay?

1-2 sentences. A claim is your essay’s thesis: Write it in the first paragraph (intro), presenting a topic and your position about it.

Examples of Claims

Below are a few claim examples depending on the type. I asked our expert writers to provide some for you to better understand how to write it.

Feel free to use them for inspiration, or don’t hesitate to “steal” if they appear relevant to your essay topic. Also, remember that you can always ask our writers to assist with a claim for your papers.

Final Words

Now that you know what is a claim in an essay, I hope you don’t find it super challenging to write anymore. It’s like writing a thesis statement; make it assertive, specific, and provable.

If you still have questions or doubts, ask Writing-Help writers for support. They’ll help you build an A-worthy claim for an essay.

References:

https://www.pvcc.edu/files/making_a_claim.pdf
https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/sweetland-assets/sweetland-documents/teachingresources/TeachingArgumentation/Supplement2_%20SixCommonTypesofClaim.pdf
https://students.tippie.uiowa.edu/sites/students.tippie.uiowa.edu/files/2022-05/effective_claims.pdf
Essay samples
Essay writing
Writing tips

Claim vs. Counterclaim

What's the difference.

Claim and counterclaim are two essential components of argumentative writing. A claim is a statement that asserts a position or viewpoint on a particular issue, while a counterclaim is a statement that presents an opposing viewpoint or challenges the validity of the original claim. Both claim and counterclaim are necessary in order to present a well-rounded argument and consider multiple perspectives on a topic. By acknowledging and addressing counterclaims, writers can strengthen their own arguments and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of the issue at hand.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When engaging in a debate or argument, it is essential to understand the concepts of claim and counterclaim. Both play crucial roles in presenting and defending a particular viewpoint. While a claim asserts a position or belief, a counterclaim challenges or opposes that assertion. In this article, we will explore the attributes of claim and counterclaim, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Definition and Purpose

A claim is a statement that asserts a particular position or viewpoint. It is the main argument that a person or party is trying to prove or support. Claims are typically supported by evidence, reasoning, or examples to persuade others of their validity. On the other hand, a counterclaim is a statement that challenges or opposes a claim. It presents an alternative viewpoint or argument that contradicts the original assertion. The purpose of a counterclaim is to provide a different perspective and challenge the validity of the claim.

Evidence and Support

Claims are typically supported by evidence, reasoning, or examples to strengthen their validity. Evidence can come in various forms, such as statistics, research studies, expert opinions, or personal experiences. The quality and relevance of the evidence play a crucial role in convincing others of the claim's validity. On the contrary, a counterclaim also requires evidence and support to challenge the original assertion effectively. Counterclaims may use similar types of evidence to refute the claim or present contrasting evidence to support the opposing viewpoint.

Strength and Weakness

The strength of a claim lies in its ability to persuade others of the validity of a particular viewpoint. A strong claim is supported by compelling evidence, sound reasoning, and logical arguments. It effectively addresses the issue at hand and convinces others of its truth. However, a weak claim lacks sufficient evidence, reasoning, or support to convince others of its validity. It may be easily refuted or challenged by counterclaims that present stronger arguments or evidence. On the other hand, the strength of a counterclaim lies in its ability to challenge the original assertion effectively. A strong counterclaim presents a compelling alternative viewpoint supported by evidence and reasoning. It raises doubts about the validity of the claim and forces others to consider different perspectives. Conversely, a weak counterclaim fails to provide sufficient evidence or reasoning to challenge the claim effectively. It may be easily dismissed or refuted by the original assertion.

Relevance and Impact

The relevance of a claim lies in its ability to address the issue at hand and persuade others of a particular viewpoint. A relevant claim is directly related to the topic of discussion and provides valuable insights or arguments. It contributes to the overall understanding of the issue and influences others' opinions. Conversely, an irrelevant claim fails to address the topic effectively or provide meaningful insights. It may distract from the main issue or confuse others with irrelevant information. On the other hand, the relevance of a counterclaim lies in its ability to challenge the original assertion effectively. A relevant counterclaim presents a valid alternative viewpoint that adds depth to the discussion and forces others to consider different perspectives. It highlights weaknesses in the original claim and encourages critical thinking. However, an irrelevant counterclaim fails to address the main issue or provide meaningful insights. It may detract from the discussion or confuse others with irrelevant arguments.

In conclusion, claims and counterclaims play essential roles in presenting and defending different viewpoints in debates or arguments. While claims assert a particular position or belief, counterclaims challenge or oppose that assertion. Both require evidence, reasoning, and support to strengthen their validity and persuade others. Understanding the attributes of claim and counterclaim is crucial for effectively engaging in debates and discussions, as it allows individuals to present and defend their viewpoints convincingly.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

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How to Write a Counterclaim [Explained Simply!]

Counterclaims are an essential part of a top-notch argumentative essay. After all, they show that you’ve thoroughly researched and considered both sides of the issue before deciding on your particular stance.

There’s just one problem: they can be a little tricky to write without weakening your main argument, as you may already be aware!

That’s why we put together this guide on writing a counterclaim that will only enhance your position in an argumentative essay and not take anything away from it.

By the end of this article, you’ll be writing counterclaims like a pro – and get that grade you deserve on your next paper. Let’s get started!

What Is a Counterclaim in Writing?

Before we get into how to write one, let’s clarify what we mean by “counterclaim.” In writing, a counterclaim is an opposing argument that goes against the thesis statement of a paper.

It shows your audience that you have researched the topic thoroughly by looking into both sides of the issue and that you’re not trying to hide any important information that refutes your thesis.

Not only that, a well-written counterclaim can even help you win over those who don’t agree with your main claim or argument – especially when you make some good points in your rebuttal paragraph (which we will get into as well).

For example, let’s say you’re writing an argumentative essay on the use of cellphones in schools. If your claim is that they should be allowed at all times because they can help support learning, then the counterclaim could be that they’re more distracting than anything else.

How to Write a Counterclaim

The key to excellent argumentative writing is to make your position convincing and clear while acknowledging – not to mention rebutting – the counterarguments. Fortunately, you can break down the process of crafting a great counterclaim into four simple steps:

1. Research, Research, Research

Of course, a thorough understanding of your position on the topic is essential, but you should also have a good grasp of the main arguments of your opponents.

It’s not enough to just know what the arguments are – you need to know why other people feel this way.

For example, going back to our cellphone paper. If one of the main counterclaims is that cellphones are distracting in schools, you need to find out what is driving these opinions. Are there facts to back it up, or is this purely based on anecdotal evidence?

Once you feel like you have a firm grasp on the opposing view, you can move on to the next step.

2. Determine Where to Put the Counterclaim

A well-written essay typically starts with a few introductory sentences to capture the reader’s attention. Next comes the thesis and the claims (backed with plenty of research and evidence, of course).

By this point, your stance on the issue should be clear, so it’s usually safe to start including your counterclaims in the body of the essay.

As to where exactly you should include your counterclaims, two of the best options include the following:

In the paragraphs. If your paper has several claims you want to counter, then you may address each one in the paragraphs. This is often most effective right after supporting your claims with evidence and arguments.
Before the conclusion. This is often the preferred place for counterclaims, especially in shorter essays. It’s a good option because your reader should have a firm grasp of your position at this point, so the counterclaims shouldn’t really weaken your main arguments.

Remember that your counterclaim paragraph(s) should be separate from your introduction and conclusion. As long as it’s outside these areas, your counterclaim should be in a perfectly acceptable position in the paper.

3. Figure Out How Long Your Counterclaim Should Be

It isn’t time to start writing yet! Now that you’ve identified your counterclaim or counterclaims, you need to figure out how much space to devote to it in your essay.

You’ll want to cover the opposing side as concisely as possible, as you don’t want to give them more space than your claims. This is especially important if you have a specific word count; dragging out a counterclaim argument for too long may not leave enough room for you to argue your position properly.

In most cases, one short paragraph per counterclaim should do the trick. Just remember that you need to explain the opposing argument and why others feel this way.

4. Consider How to Present the Counterclaim Fairly

Before you officially start typing things out, one of the most important things to consider is how you will present your counterclaim fairly. You don’t want to present the opposing view with an obvious bias, as it may take away from the credibility of your paper.

And besides, you shouldn’t have to put the other viewpoint down to clarify your stance!

You should have already put lots of strong evidence and arguments in favor of your position throughout your paper, so trying to understand and present the opposing viewpoint fairly shouldn’t weaken your claims too much.

5. Write Your Counterclaim

You’re finally ready to write your counterclaim! The first thing you need to do is include an appropriate transition to help with the flow of your paper.

Some good transitions include:

Critics have argued that…
On the other side of the argument, people are concerned that…
The contrasting viewpoint indicates that…

Once you have chosen an appropriate transition and stated the opposing viewpoint, you can describe why people feel this way. And don’t forget your evidence! As with your claims, you need to show that you’ve done the research to support this position.

From here, you can write your rebuttal explaining any issues or weaknesses with the counterclaim. This is essential to solidifying your original position.

Some suggestions for a good rebuttal include:

Detailing the particular weaknesses with the counterclaim
Acknowledging that while these viewpoints have some merit, there is a solution that renders it baseless
Showing that the benefits of your claims outweigh the risks of the counterclaims
Pointing out that the benefits of the counterclaim are exceedingly rare

Tips on Writing a Great Counterclaim

Want to make a good counterclaim even better? Remember these tips when writing:

Objectivity is key. As passionately as you may feel about your position, do your best to remain objective when presenting a counterclaim. For example, avoid saying things like “critics mistakenly believe that…”
Don’t leave out information on purpose. If you find evidence for your counterclaim supported by research, don’t leave it out of your paper to avoid weakening your argument. Instead, explain why it is weaker than your claims.
Read through other essays. If you’re still unsure what a good counterclaim looks like, read professional-level papers to see how others have done it.
A second set of eyes is always helpful! If you can, get someone to read through your paper to make sure your counterclaim is clear, objective, and concise. You may also want their opinion on whether your rebuttal is effective enough to dispute the main points of your counterclaim.

The Bottom Line

Though it may seem daunting, writing an effective counterclaim doesn’t have to be difficult.

Just remember to do your research, avoid putting it in the introduction and conclusion, keep it to a paragraph, present it fairly, and transition into it appropriately.

And most of all, do your best to put any biases aside and remain objective.

By following these tips, writing counterclaims will become second nature to you in no time. Good luck with your next paper!

Reader Interactions

TOK Essay: How to Write Claims and Counterclaims

From the TOK mark scheme : “The arguments are clear, coherent… the implications of arguments are considered. There is clear awareness and evaluation of different points of view.” When it comes to the TOK essay, the mark scheme can seem rather broad and general so I hope to share some practical advice regarding how you can write claims and counterclaims in your essay.

What are claims and counterclaims?

Claims or topic sentences as some may call it would refer to the ‘answers’ that you give to your chosen prompt. However, it is good to remember that it is not so black and white. Instead, we should be looking at topic sentences as perspectives on the given prompt. This is where the mark scheme talks about having ‘different points of view’. As such, in your essay, you want to have multiple claims rather than just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the given statement.

In your claim, you can use the keywords to help guide your response. For example, my prompt was to discuss if ‘reliable knowledge can lack certainty’ (N20 Q6). What I did for one of my claims was to start by saying ‘reliable knowledge can lack certainty as we…’ By using the keywords in the prompt, I was sure that my claim was answering the question but also not just completely agreeing with it. I continued the sentence by justifying the claim that I had made.

For each claim that you make, it would be good to find a counterclaim to it. What you are trying to show the marker is that you understand that although what you say may be true, there are still some limitations to it which you are able to highlight. This shows the marker that you do not just stick to one opinion but can see other perspectives.

One way I like to think about counterclaims is by looking at them as the ‘terms and conditions’ for the original claim. Counterclaims could show certain situations in which the original claim may be false. It could also be you explaining why the original claim is true, but in reality, it cannot be the case because of whatever reason.

Common issues

One mistake some people make is to either totally agree or disagree with the statement in the prompt. As mentioned earlier, this shows a lack of ‘open-minded’ thinking. It can appear to the marker that you are not able to think critically, being fixated on the same idea.

For any prompt that you get, always ask yourself why would someone say something like this. Most likely, there are reasons for you to agree and disagree with, depending on the situation. It would be best to come up with a claim for and against the respective AOKs (area of knowledge) that you have chosen.

Another mistake you want to avoid when writing counterclaims is to not completely contradict the point that you made in the first case. By doing this, you invalidate the argument you made earlier. It can be confusing to the marker as they would be unsure about the argument you actually agree with.

For example:

From this pair, the marker will see a complete contradiction. It would be difficult to appreciate the original claim you made, even if you elaborated on it very well.

Alternatively,

In this very simple example, just by adding a little bit more qualifications to the claim and counterclaim, I prevent myself from invalidating either argument. It also shows you the importance of language in your TOK essay. You should not be making sweeping statements in order to prevent the marker from doubting anything that you say.

Writing claims and counterclaims is perhaps the most important part of writing the TOK essay. They are anchoring points from which your essay will flow, so refine them before beginning to write the essay. You definitely do not want to finish writing everything only to realise you want to change a claim that you initially made. Wishing you all the best in your TOK journeys!

EL Education Curriculum

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ELA 2019 G8:M4:U2:L15

Write a Practice Literary Argument Essay: Analyze and Draft a Counterclaim

In this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.

Technology and Multimedia

Supporting English Language Learners

Materials from previous lessons, new materials, closing & assessments, you are here:.

ELA 2019 Grade 8
ELA 2019 G8:M4
ELA 2019 G8:M4:U2

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Focus Standards: These are the standards the instruction addresses.

W.8.1a, W.8.1c, W.8.4, W.8.5, W.8.10, L.8.5b

Supporting Standards: These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.

RL.8.1, RL.8.7, RI.8.1, RI.8.4, RI.8.10, W.8.6, W.8.9b, SL.8.1, L.8.2c, L.8.4, L.8.6
I can identify the purpose of each part of the counterclaim paragraph of a model argument essay. ( W.8.1a )
I can write the counterclaim of my practice essay. ( W.8.1a, W.8.4 )
Opening: Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 15 ( L.8.2c )
Work Time A: Annotated Model Argument Essay ( W.8.1a )
Work Time B: Language Dive: Counterclaim note-catcher ( W.8.1a, L.8.5b )
Work Time C: Practice Argument Essay Counterclaim ( W.8.1a, W.8.4 )
Prepare the Model Argument Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (one per student).
Ensure there is a copy of Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 15 at each student's workspace.
Strategically pair students for work in Opening A with at least one strong reader per pair.
Review the Argument Writing checklist to become familiar with what will be required of students over the remainder of the unit.
Post the learning targets and applicable anchor charts (see Materials list).

Tech and Multimedia

Work Time C: Prepare devices with word-processing capabilities for students to continue drafting.
Continue to use the technology tools recommended throughout previous modules to create anchor charts to share with families; to record students as they participate in discussions and protocols to review with students later and to share with families; and for students to listen to and annotate text, record ideas on note-catchers, and word-process writing.

Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 8.I.C.11, 8.I.C.12, 8.II.A.1, and 8.II.A.2.

Important Points in the Lesson Itself

To support ELLs, this lesson includes further practice with spelling, time to analyze the counterclaim paragraph of a model essay, and a Language Dive on a sentence that connects a counterclaim with a claim in the model essay. Students will have already seen this sentence in the previous lessons while reading and analyzing the model essay. In the Practice portion of this Language Dive, students begin drafting a sentence for the counterclaim paragraph of their own essays. After the Language Dive, students will directly transfer what they have learned and practiced while writing their individual argument essays.
Students may find it difficult to understand the structure of a counterclaim paragraph and struggle to form a coherent counterclaim in their essays. Prioritize the collaborative portions of the lesson to ensure that students are receiving appropriate support and that they are able to discuss and ask questions as they become more familiar with this element of an essay. Oral rehearsal before writing may be especially beneficial for ELLs.
refute, validity (A)

(A): Academic Vocabulary

(DS): Domain-Specific Vocabulary

Model Argument Essay: "How Farewell to Manzanar Conveys Jeanne's Youth" (example for teacher reference) (from Module 4, Unit 2, Lesson 10, Work Time A)
Model Argument Essay: "How Farewell to Manzanar Conveys Jeanne's Youth" (one for display; from Module 4, Unit 2, Lesson 10, Work Time A)
Characteristics of Argument Writing anchor chart (example for teacher reference) (from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Closing and Assessment A)
Characteristics of Argument Writing anchor chart (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Closing and Assessment A)
Questions We Can Ask during a Language Dive anchor chart (one for display; from Module 3, Unit 1, Lesson 5, Work Time B)
Argument Writing checklist (example for teacher reference) (from Module 4, Unit 2, Lesson 10, Work Time C)
Argument Writing checklist (one for display; from Module 4, Unit 2, Lesson 10, Work Time C)
Academic word wall (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 2, Opening A)
Significant Ideas anchor chart (one for display; from Module 4, Unit 1, Lesson 3, Opening A)
Model Argument Essay: “How Farewell to Manzanar Conveys Jeanne’s Youth” (one per student; from Module 4, Unit 2, Lesson 10, Work Time A)
Argument Writing checklist (one per student; from Module 4, Unit 2, Lesson 10, Work Time C)
Practice Argument Essay Writing Plan graphic organizer (one per student; from Module 4, Unit 2, Lesson 11, Work Time C)
Vocabulary logs (one per student; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 2, Opening A)
Painted Essay® template (one per student; from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
Farewell to Manzanar (text; one per student; from Module 4, Unit 1, Lesson 2, Work Time A)
Connections and Distinctions: Farewell to Manzanar note-catcher (one per student; from Module 4, Unit 1, Lesson 2, Work Time B)
Compare Text to Film: Farewell to Manzanar note-catcher (one per student; from Module 4, Unit 1, Lesson 4, Work Time A)
Close Read: Farewell to Manzanar , Chapter 7 note-catcher (one per student; from Module 4, Unit 1, Lesson 9, Work Time A)
Independent reading journal (one per student; begun in Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 15 (example for teacher reference)
Model Argument Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (example for teacher reference)
Language Dive Guide: Model Argument Essay: "How Farewell to Manzanar Conveys Jeanne's Youth," Paragraph 4 (for teacher reference)
Language Dive: Model Argument Essay: "How Farewell to Manzanar Convey's Jeanne's Youth" Paragraph 4 Sentence Chunk Chart (for teacher reference)
Language Dive: Model Argument Essay: "How Farewell to Manzanar Conveys Jeanne's Youth," Paragraph 4 note-catcher (example for teacher reference)
Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 15 (one per student)
Model Argument Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (one per student and one for display)
Model Argument Essay Counterclaim note-catcher ▲
Language Dive: Model Argument Essay: “How Farewell to Manzanar Conveys Jeanne’s Youth,” Paragraph 4 note-catcher (one per student)
Language Dive: Model Argument Essay: “How Farewell to Manzanar Conveys Jeanne’s Youth,” Paragraph 4 sentence chunk strips (one per group)
Devices (one per student; see Technology and Multimedia)

Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

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How To Write a Counterclaim For Your Thesis Or Dissertation

Are you writing an argumentative essay and want to score top grades? One of the things that you must do is to consider both sides of the central argument. It is true that the primary purpose of your argumentative paper is taking a side on the selected topic and supporting it as much as possible to persuade the reader to agree with your position. However, not bringing out a counterclaim/s is likely to make the reader, professor or class teacher consider you narrow-minded.

Despite its importance, how to write a counterclaim and rebuttal turns out to be a challenging undertaking for most students because it has to be done carefully to avoid weakening the main argument. So, how do you write a great counterclaim? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to write a counterclaim paragraph like an expert.

What is a counterclaim in writing, how to write a counter claim, how to start a counterclaim paragraph, good examples of a counterclaim paragraph, 8 expert tips for writing a great counterclaim.

Before making a counterclaim, it is prudent to ensure the thesis clearly demonstrates what your central argument is. Therefore, you should not include the counter claim in this section of the paper.

A counterclaim is included in argumentative writing to demonstrate to the reader that you have comprehensively researched both sides of the topic. It is very important to win over readers who might have a different point of view from that presented in the paper. Furthermore, a carefully presented counterargument can make your essay interesting and help you get more points compared to other students in class.

To write a great essay, you need to clearly bring out the main stand of your paper and bring it out vividly and then capture the counterarguments. The following four steps show how to write rebuttal for your essay like a pro.

Step One: Research the Main Counterarguments for Your Thesis The first step is comprehensively researching your main points and counterarguments. As you dig deeper into counterarguments, try to establish why people disagree with your stand. If you are writing about the importance of addressing global warming right to address, what is driving the dissenting views? Is the alternative opinion based on facts?
Write the counterclaim after highlighting the main thesis: Make sure that your stand on the essay is clear so that the reader can appreciate the difference with the dissenting views.
Place the counterclaim in the paragraphs: If your essay has several arguments that require counterclaims, you can place them in the paragraphs. The best position is after highlighting the argument in every paragraph.
Before the conclusion: This is the most preferred point for placing counterclaims. It works best because the university or college professor will have gone through the essay and a good counterclaim will demonstrate you did comprehensive research.

Next, put down the rebuttal. The rebuttal should be used to demonstrate why the counterargument is weak and, therefore, the thesis of the essay the best /option debate. When presenting the rebuttal, here are some suggestions:

The main reason why the counterclaim is false or weak.
Acknowledgment that the counter argument has some merit, but there is a reliable solution to the challenge. The solution can also demonstrate that the counterargument is baseless.
Demonstrate that the benefits presented in the essay far outweigh the dangers of the counter arguments.

For most students, how to start a counterclaim is a big challenge, but we have the best suggestions. Target ensuring the contrast with the main argument of the essay is demonstrated well and the flow of key points is strengthened. So, here are some great examples of how to start a counter argument paragraph:

“The contrasting viewpoint indicates that …” “On the other edge of the argument, some researchers are concerned about …” “Critiques of this viewpoint suggest that …” “The opposing debate indicates that …”

Now that we have highlighted the best way to write a great counter claim for your essay, here are some examples.

Example One: Points Out the Weakness of the Counterarguments

Topic: The Dangers of Dams

Those of the contrasting views indicate that dams come with many benefits for both individuals and cities. For example, the water reservoirs help provide water for land irrigation, generate hydro-electricity, and stabilize water supplies. They see these as important attributes that warrant having dams in their location.

The risks that come with installing dams are, however, far too risky. Indeed, there are alternative solutions that we can use to avoid the threats from dams. Good examples are using green technology, such as solar panels, for energy generation and afforestation to not only stabilize water supply but also protect wildlife habitats. New technologies for water harvesting and storage can also help to guarantee communities reliable water supplies.

Example Two: Agrees with Counter Claim and Offer New Evidence to Counter It

Topic: Dangers of E-Cigarettes

Proponents of e-cigarettes argue that they do not cause major secondary pollution to other people in the vicinity because only water vapor is released into the atmosphere. They also insist that there is no carbon monoxide released into the air. Although this is true, the proponents fail to outline that e-cigarettes come with other very harmful elements that are released into the atmosphere.

Example Three: Notes Inconsistencies in Counterargument

Topic: The Benefits of After-School Sports

Critiques of after-school sports posit that it raises the danger of sports-related injuries. Such injuries, as brought out by Liam and Mathews (2009), can increase absenteeism. Although true because most sports come with some risks, the opponents fail to appreciate the huge benefits that come from after-school sports. Top sports people, from Thomas to Jeremy of the national soccer team, discovered their talents during after-school sports at an early age.

Finally, here are some tips to keep in my when writing your counterclaim for your thesis or essay. Also if you’re writing a full thesis don’t hesitate to get abstract writing services online once you need them.

Always make your counter arguments as short as possible.
Remain objective, especially with the language used in presenting the counterclaim. For example, you should avoid arguing that some researchers “erroneously hold the view that …” Instead, simply outline the counterclaim and give an alternative opinion.
Avoid placing the counterargument on the conclusion because it requires a separate paragraph for rebuttal. This could easily distort the structure of the essay and the flow of ideas.
Consider honing your skills in writing counterarguments by reading through other essays to see how experts did it.
Make sure you are fair when presenting the counter claims. For a school essay, you might simply target throwing some verbal punches, but a college or university-level paper might require going into greater details. For example, you need to demonstrate why your argument is right and validate your arguments against those of the opposing school of thought.
If your lecturer has a specific guideline or preference for writing the counter claims, make sure to follow it.
Just like the main idea of your essay, the counterclaim should also be supported by proof gathered during research. However, ensure to demonstrate why it is weaker than the main argument presented in the essay.
Proofread the essay after writing the counterclaim to ensure it is error-free, and all the points are flowing smoothly from the start to the end. You might want to ask a friend or professional writers to help with proofreading so that even the hidden mistakes are noted.

Seek Assistance Of Expert Writers To Write Your Argumentative Thesis

This guide has demonstrated the best strategies to use when writing a counterclaim in an essay. Remember that to get more points and stand out in class, you must focus on all areas of the essay, from the introduction and thesis statement writing to preparing counterclaim argument and conclusion. So, does the entire process appear challenging? Many students often get stuck when writing their essays and the best way out is to seek help from a writing service.

Students often get stuck because they have poor research and writing skills or the time is limited. For others, the whole concept of counterarguments, especially how to introduce a counterclaim, is too complex. However, we have creative writers at our writing service, and you can count on them to prepare A-rated papers. They have excellent essay writing skills, and no matter the topic of your argumentative essay; they guarantee the best results.

Our custom thesis help online is also affordable and easy to reach for all students. In addition to essays, our coursework and thesis writing service are excellent. Talk to customer support or visit our order page to get all the assistance you want.

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Claim, Counterclaim, and Rebuttal

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Lesson Plan

LESSON DESCRIPTION

Claims and counterclaims.

Author of the Lesson: Eric Lougee

Lesson Summary/Overview: Students will be able to write counterclaims and rebuttals.

LESSON GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Alignment and objectives.

Content Standards: OR.ELA.9-10.W.1 and OR.ELA.11-12.W.1

ELP Standards: ELP.9-12.4

An ELL can construct grade-appropriate oral and written claims and support them with reasoning and evidence.

Language (ELP) Objectives: Students will be able to write counterclaims and rebuttals.

Supporting Academic Language

Language Functions: Argumentation

Language Modalities: Writing

Vocabulary: claim, counterclaim, rebuttal, argument, evidence

Syntax or Sentence Structure(s):

A common argument against the position is _______________.

The opposing view is __________________________.

Others may believe that __________________.

There is some support for the idea that _____________________.

Despite this information, evidence shows that ___________________________________.

Nevertheless, evidence proves that_____________________________.

However, there is information that suggests ___________________________.

Discourse: Sports/Health

LESSON PREPARATION

Considerations.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills: Sharing an opinion, making a claim, finding evidence

Instructional Materials

Resources, Materials, and Technology required or recommended for the lesson: Sentence stips with example claims, counterclaims, and rebuttals. These could be teacher or student written.

Article: The Pros and Cons of Youth Sports Aren't Only Physical ( English version; Spanish version )

Graphic Organizer

Learning Supports

Socio-emotional supports: Chunking of material to provide breaks for students. Assign students to specific “jobs” during the lesson or when working in pairs.

Cultural & Linguistic Responsiveness: Provide pros and cons articles in Spanish. Use universally common topics when discussing claims, counterclaims, and rebuttals.

Accessibility: Article can be provided digitally and print.

Instructional Supports

Differentiation: strategic partnering, choice of sentence frames

L1 Supports: Sentence frames, strategic partnering

L2 Development (by level): Spanish translation of pros and cons article

LESSON PROCEDURES

Anticipatory set/motivation/hook.

Time: 10 mins

Teacher Does/Students Do: Teacher will hand out slips of paper to each student with either a claim, counterclaim, or rebuttal. There will be one of each that corresponds together. Example- Claim: Cell Phones should be allowed in the classroom. Counterclaim: Cell Phones should not be allowed in the classroom. Rebuttal: By allowing cell phone use in the classroom, students learn how to use and manage their cell phones as a digital resource as they should outside of school. Students must find the other students in the class that have matching claims, counterclaims, or rebuttals. Groups will share out loud to class their set of arguments.

Focused Instruction (Teacher-as-Model)

Time: 20 mins

Teacher Does/Students Do: Teacher will create an anchor chart of possible counterclaim sentence starters and rebuttal sentence starters. Teacher will model creating counterclaim sentences and rebuttal sentences.

Photo of handwritten counterclaim sentence starters from Supporting Academic Language section.

Guided Instruction (Teacher-to-Student Joint Responsibility)

Time: 5-10 mins

Teacher Does/Students Do: Teacher will select a claim from the prepared sentence strips. Together the class and teacher will create model counterclaim sentences and model rebuttal sentences.

Group Application (Student-to-Student Joint Responsibility)

Teacher Does/Students Do: Teacher will divide students into pairs and continue to select sentence strips with claims. In pairs, the students will work together to create a counterclaim and rebuttal for each of the selected claims.

Individual Learning (Independent Practice and Application)

Teacher Does/Students Do: Teacher will hand out the article “The Pros and Cons of Youth Sports Aren't Only Physical” to students. You could use another article of teacher or students’ choice that presents pros and cons of a topic. Use text to speech with digital copy as needed. ( English version; Spanish version )

Students will read the article. As they will fill out the graphic organizer with pros and cons. After filling out the graphic organizer. Students will write a claim, counterclaim, and rebuttal for each side of the question: Are sports good for students’ mental/psychological health?

Time: 5 mins

Teacher Does/Students Do: Students will share a counterclaim and a rebuttal that they developed from the article with a partner in the class.

ASSESSMENTS

Formative assessment.

Content & Language: Group/partner practice with sentence strips.

Students will be able to effectively give a logical counterclaim and rebuttal using the provided sentence frames.

Plans for Summative Assessments

Content & Language: Graphic Organizer

Ideas for Key Assignments, Extensions, and Adaptations for Online Learning Environments: Research a controversial topic. Prepare claims, counterclaims, and rebuttals for a debate.

Bell Ringers

4 steps to writing counterclaims in middle school.

When I teach literary analysis, I always give the example of a lawyer in a courtroom. A good lawyer can present their facts and make an argument. A great lawyer presents their case and has already prepared a rebuttal for each argument the opposing side is thinking. These great lawyers are masters of counterclaims .

Being a great lawyer or literary analysis writer means being able to step into the shoes of those who might argue against you, and present your analysis in a way that not only strengthens your argument, but squashes the nay-sayers. When we can get our students to master the art of the counterclaim, we can help them push their analysis skills to the next level.

There are four steps I use in my classroom to help my students master the art of the counterclaim.

STEP ONE: INTRODUCE THE COUNTERCLAIM

Start teaching counterclaims to your middle schoolers by explaining the definition of a counterclaim. A counterclaim is an opposing viewpoint than you have in your thesis. A counterclaim goes against your argument.

Explain to students that good readers, speakers, and thinkers are able to consider that others may have a different interpretation or viewpoint. Students may think that by including opposing views, they may be weakening their argument, but the opposite is true. Help students to understand they already have a strong argument as long as their argument is supported by evidence. By considering other viewpoints, and explaining why you disagree with the opposing perspective, you can make your argument even stronger.

example of counterclaims in the gift of the magi

STEP TWO: MODEL AN EXAMPLE

Before students begin adding counterclaims to their arguments, first start with modeling and teaching counterclaims. Take out a literary analysis you have written or an example you have. Display your example in a way students can view what you are doing. This example can analyze the same text students are using, but I personally prefer if it is a different text. By using a different text, you are able to model and still leave full interpretation to students with their text.

Start by locating claims in the analysis and underlining them. Once you have found the claims, begin to weave in counterclaims. I like to do this by using sticky notes, but space in a margin works as well. Draw an arrow to where the counterclaim will do, and write down the counterclaim on the sticky note or margin. As you are writing these counterclaims, do some think-alouds. Let students see your thought process, and how you concluded that their counterclaims opposed your viewpoint.

STEP THREE: PRACTICE INDEPENDENTLY (WITH SUPPORTS)

Now, it’s time for students to begin writing their counterclaims. Just as you did in the example, students should start by underlining their claims and then returning to add counterclaims. You can support students by writing these instructions on the board or screen.

It’s likely that in the beginning, students will need lots of support. This can be a fairly complex skill to master. To guide students, you can provide them with guiding questions and sentence stems. This allows them to still have ownership over their analysis. Here are some guiding questions to help with counterclaim:

What theme did I determine here? What theme might another reader interpret from these scenes?
What did I determine as the purpose of the author’s craft? What purpose might another reader interpret from this craft?
What symbolism did I determine here? What symbol might another reader interpret from the text?

These sentence stems can also help your students with creating counterclaim:

While one might interpret this to mean ____, it’s clear that ____.
Some would argue _____, but the evidence points to _____.
Opponents would argue that ____, however it’s clear that ____.

STEP FOUR: WRITING CONFERENCE GROUPS

Especially when first teaching counterclaims, you want to set aside time to sit down with students and address any struggles on a more personal level. Create groups of students and try to meet with one to two groups during your designated writing time.

If a student in your group is struggling with a counterclaim, start by walking them through the questions and sentence stems. If they are still stuck, have them ask another student in their group what original interpretations they have. This allows them to see other perspectives and then use that in their own writing.

Want to help your students master literary analysis and counterclaims? I have all of the resources you need to help your students create strong literary analysis essays.

LITERARY ANALYSIS COMPLETE UNIT FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL ELA

In this literary analysis unit, we will explicitly be teaching counterclaims as well as explore topics such as theme, author’s craft, symbolism, and more. This unit comes with lessons plans, printables for students, and exemplars to model with students. It also contains in depth lesson plans for introducing counterclaims with students. Grab the resource here .

Love digging deeper into literary analysis? Here are some other blog posts you might like:

5 Literary Analysis Teaching Strategies
Teaching Effective Literary Analysis Essays
Literature Analysis Using Mentor Texts
Read more about: Middle School Reading , Middle School Writing

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Claim & Counterclaim Generator – Get a Perfect Statement in Two Clicks

Create an effective claim in several clicks:

Choose what you want to generate.
State your topic/claim.

If you're wondering what the claim in writing is, you're at the right place. Claims are a must in research papers and argumentative essays on different topics. A claim is a statement that presents the main idea of your writing and arguments that you will support with evidence. This powerful element defines the direction of the paper and encourages readers to learn more.

Creating a good claim takes time and effort, but with our free online claim generator , you can do it in a few clicks. Continue reading to know more about claims for essays and our tool.

📍 What Is a Claim?

🔄 What Is a Counterclaim?

💻 What Does the Tool Do?
✍️ Claim Generator Tips

⚔️ Claim Vs. Thesis

📝 Claim Generator Examples

🔗 References

📍 what is a claim in writing.

A claim is the central idea of the writing that defines the paper's scope, direction, and goals. Academic claims appear in the introductory part of the writing or the opening sentence . A good claim should be:

Complex. Ensure your claim is more than the "I'm right" statement; it must also acknowledge an opposing point of view.
Argumentative. A claim should be something people reasonably have differing opinions on. Otherwise, there will be no point in providing arguments to support your claim.
Specific. Avoid too general statements for your claim. It should be nuanced, precise, and narrow.
Provable. A claim should be verifiable so that you can support it with data and statistics.

Here’s an example of a good research claim:

"High school graduates should be required to take a gap year before college to gain new skills and increase their maturity and global awareness."

TOP 5 Mistakes of Formulating a Claim

Be aware of these common mistakes whether you use our claim statement generator or do the work manually.

When you work on your claim, it's essential to consider counterclaims . A counterclaim is an argument of the opposing side. Like claims, counterclaims should be supported by evidence, such as data, statistics, and case studies.

For example, in response to the abovementioned claim, someone might say:

"High schoolers shouldn’t take a gap year before college because it delays their careers by a year."

When you consider the possible counterclaims in an argumentative essay, you reflect on your claim, see its potential flaws, and make it more convincing. You might also want to include some counterclaims in your paper to address them before anybody else does or to illustrate how complex the topic is.

Counterclaim Format

If you want to add a counterclaim to your writing, you should put it in a separate paragraph. Here's a small checklist of what you should include there:

A well-formulated counterclaim.
The arguments supporting the counterclaim.
Counter-counterclaim that debunks the counterclaim and supports your claim.

💻 What Does the Claim Generator Do?

Claim statement generator is a free online tool to make a perfect introduction for your paper. Wonder what else our essay claim generator can do?

It can formulate a claim that will fit all the academic requirements , so you won't have to worry about it.
It can make various claims that support different points of view if you haven't decided which side you're on.
It can develop a counterclaim based on the claim you provide.
It can make a claim on any high school or college subject .

✍️ Claim Statement Generator Tips – How to Make a Claim

To help you make a reasonable claim, we made a list of steps you can follow:

Step 1 – Choose a topic you're genuinely interested in.

Step 2 – Narrow your subject to make it easier to develop arguments.

Step 3 – Research your topic to identify the existing opinions on the issue.

Step 4 – Define whether to write for or against a particular phenomenon.

Step 5 – Brainstorm possible claims that express your opinion and support it with arguments .

Step 6 – Consider the potential counterclaims and modify your claims if needed.

Step 7 – Choose the best claim. You might want to ask your professor or a friend for advice.

Step 8 – Start looking for evidence that can support your claim.

A thesis statement is another essential part of academic writing. For many papers, thesis and claim statements are interchangeable. However, if you're required to write both a thesis statement and a claim in your writing, you should know the difference.

A thesis statement is the central idea of your writing that presents the goal of your paper and takes place in the introduction. As an author, your goal is to convince readers that your thesis statement is correct, so it should be arguable. A thesis statement is more general than a claim and doesn't include any particular arguments to support itself.
A claim statement comes after the thesis and aims to prove it. It should paraphrase your opinion presented in the thesis and include supporting evidence. In other words, a claim statement is more specific and detailed.

Topic Sentence Vs. Claim

As for the difference between a topic sentence and a claim, it's pretty easy to understand.

Consider a claim a sentence that expresses the main idea of the writing, reflects on your opinion, and summarizes the supporting arguments. It appears in the introductory paragraph and provides the direction for the rest of the paper.
The topic sentence is the statement in which the paragraph's main idea (NOT the whole paper) is stated. It is usually the first sentence in the body paragraph and can be in the form of an argument that props your claim.

📝 Essay Claim Generator Examples

For your inspiration, we came up with a few thesis, claim, and counterclaim statement examples for an argumentative essay.

We tried our best to make it as simple as possible and hope you now understand a research claim's essential characteristics. Use our free claim generator to ease the writing process, and contact us for any additional questions!

Updated: Apr 5th, 2024

THE STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION OF PERSUASIVE PARAGRAPHS - Marjorie Celona et al.
What Is a Claim in Writing? Examples of Argumentative Statements | YourDictionary
Claims - Odegaard Writing and Research Center (OWRC)
Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences - Carnegie Mellon University
Identifying Thesis Statements, Claims, and Evidence; Supporting English Language Learners in First-Year College Composition

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NPR in Turmoil After It Is Accused of Liberal Bias

An essay from an editor at the broadcaster has generated a firestorm of criticism about the network on social media, especially among conservatives.

Uri Berliner, wearing a dark zipped sweater over a white T-shirt, sits in a darkened room, a big plant and a yellow sofa behind him.

By Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson

NPR is facing both internal tumult and a fusillade of attacks by prominent conservatives this week after a senior editor publicly claimed the broadcaster had allowed liberal bias to affect its coverage, risking its trust with audiences.

Uri Berliner, a senior business editor who has worked at NPR for 25 years, wrote in an essay published Tuesday by The Free Press, a popular Substack publication, that “people at every level of NPR have comfortably coalesced around the progressive worldview.”

Mr. Berliner, a Peabody Award-winning journalist, castigated NPR for what he said was a litany of journalistic missteps around coverage of several major news events, including the origins of Covid-19 and the war in Gaza. He also said the internal culture at NPR had placed race and identity as “paramount in nearly every aspect of the workplace.”

Mr. Berliner’s essay has ignited a firestorm of criticism of NPR on social media, especially among conservatives who have long accused the network of political bias in its reporting. Former President Donald J. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to argue that NPR’s government funding should be rescinded, an argument he has made in the past.

NPR has forcefully pushed back on Mr. Berliner’s accusations and the criticism.

“We’re proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories,” Edith Chapin, the organization’s editor in chief, said in an email to staff on Tuesday. “We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world.” Some other NPR journalists also criticized the essay publicly, including Eric Deggans, its TV critic, who faulted Mr. Berliner for not giving NPR an opportunity to comment on the piece.

In an interview on Thursday, Mr. Berliner expressed no regrets about publishing the essay, saying he loved NPR and hoped to make it better by airing criticisms that have gone unheeded by leaders for years. He called NPR a “national trust” that people rely on for fair reporting and superb storytelling.

“I decided to go out and publish it in hopes that something would change, and that we get a broader conversation going about how the news is covered,” Mr. Berliner said.

He said he had not been disciplined by managers, though he said he had received a note from his supervisor reminding him that NPR requires employees to clear speaking appearances and media requests with standards and media relations. He said he didn’t run his remarks to The New York Times by network spokespeople.

When the hosts of NPR’s biggest shows, including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” convened on Wednesday afternoon for a long-scheduled meet-and-greet with the network’s new chief executive, Katherine Maher , conversation soon turned to Mr. Berliner’s essay, according to two people with knowledge of the meeting. During the lunch, Ms. Chapin told the hosts that she didn’t want Mr. Berliner to become a “martyr,” the people said.

Mr. Berliner’s essay also sent critical Slack messages whizzing through some of the same employee affinity groups focused on racial and sexual identity that he cited in his essay. In one group, several staff members disputed Mr. Berliner’s points about a lack of ideological diversity and said efforts to recruit more people of color would make NPR’s journalism better.

On Wednesday, staff members from “Morning Edition” convened to discuss the fallout from Mr. Berliner’s essay. During the meeting, an NPR producer took issue with Mr. Berliner’s argument for why NPR’s listenership has fallen off, describing a variety of factors that have contributed to the change.

Mr. Berliner’s remarks prompted vehement pushback from several news executives. Tony Cavin, NPR’s managing editor of standards and practices, said in an interview that he rejected all of Mr. Berliner’s claims of unfairness, adding that his remarks would probably make it harder for NPR journalists to do their jobs.

“The next time one of our people calls up a Republican congressman or something and tries to get an answer from them, they may well say, ‘Oh, I read these stories, you guys aren’t fair, so I’m not going to talk to you,’” Mr. Cavin said.

Some journalists have defended Mr. Berliner’s essay. Jeffrey A. Dvorkin, NPR’s former ombudsman, said Mr. Berliner was “not wrong” on social media. Chuck Holmes, a former managing editor at NPR, called Mr. Berliner’s essay “brave” on Facebook.

Mr. Berliner’s criticism was the latest salvo within NPR, which is no stranger to internal division. In October, Mr. Berliner took part in a lengthy debate over whether NPR should defer to language proposed by the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association while covering the conflict in Gaza.

“We don’t need to rely on an advocacy group’s guidance,” Mr. Berliner wrote, according to a copy of the email exchange viewed by The Times. “Our job is to seek out the facts and report them.” The debate didn’t change NPR’s language guidance, which is made by editors who weren’t part of the discussion. And in a statement on Thursday, the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association said it is a professional association for journalists, not a political advocacy group.

Mr. Berliner’s public criticism has highlighted broader concerns within NPR about the public broadcaster’s mission amid continued financial struggles. Last year, NPR cut 10 percent of its staff and canceled four podcasts, including the popular “Invisibilia,” as it tried to make up for a $30 million budget shortfall. Listeners have drifted away from traditional radio to podcasts, and the advertising market has been unsteady.

In his essay, Mr. Berliner laid some of the blame at the feet of NPR’s former chief executive, John Lansing, who said he was retiring at the end of last year after four years in the role. He was replaced by Ms. Maher, who started on March 25.

During a meeting with employees in her first week, Ms. Maher was asked what she thought about decisions to give a platform to political figures like Ronna McDaniel, the former Republican Party chair whose position as a political analyst at NBC News became untenable after an on-air revolt from hosts who criticized her efforts to undermine the 2020 election.

“I think that this conversation has been one that does not have an easy answer,” Ms. Maher responded.

Benjamin Mullin reports on the major companies behind news and entertainment. Contact Ben securely on Signal at +1 530-961-3223 or email at [email protected] . More about Benjamin Mullin

Katie Robertson covers the media industry for The Times. Email: [email protected] More about Katie Robertson

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COMMENTS

How to Write an Effective Claim (with Examples)
In research essays, a claim of fact or definition is one that defines a fact, as you see it, and proceeds to lay out the evidence in favor of the claim. Here are some examples to show you how it works: Plant species are becoming extinct at a faster rate than animal species, yet the plight of plants has been overlooked.
How to Write an Effective Counterclaim in 5 Steps
Good ways to start your counterclaim paragraph include: "Critics have argued that…". "Some people may conclude that". "On the other side of the argument, people are concerned that…". "The opposing viewpoint states that…". Once you have stated the alternative view, go ahead and describe why that view is held. Present evidence.
What Is a Claim in Writing? Examples of Argumentative Statements
Just what is a claim in writing? It's not all that far off from a claim you might make out loud. Learn more about when you're making a claim right here.
A Guide to Rebuttals in Argumentative Essays
Step 1. Come up with a Counterargument. A strong rebuttal is only possible when there's a strong counterargument. You may be convinced of your idea but try to place yourself on the other side. Rather than addressing weak opposing views that are easy to fend off, try to come up with the strongest claims that could be made.
Organizing Your Argument
Counterclaim: You should anticipate a counterclaim that negates the main points in your argument. Don't avoid arguments that oppose your own. Instead, become familiar with the opposing perspective. If you respond to counterclaims, you appear unbiased (and, therefore, you earn the respect of your readers). You may even want to include several ...
Counterargument
Some counterarguments will directly address your thesis, while other counterarguments will challenge an individual point or set of points elsewhere in your argument. For example, a counterargument might identify. a problem with a conclusion you've drawn from evidence. a problem with an assumption you've made. a problem with how you are ...
1.3: Claims, reasons, counterargument, and rebuttal map
1.3: Claims, reasons, counterargument, and rebuttal map. The top half is a chain of reasons. The first reason "We would feel it was right to cross the border without permission" is in a box with an arrow next to it pointing to the next reason, "We should recognize illegal crossing as ethical," which in turn has an arrow from it pointing to the ...
What Is a Claim in Writing? Definition, Types, & Examples
A claim in writing is the core argument defining an essay's goal and direction. It's assertive, debatable, and supported by evidence. Also, it is complex, specific, and detailed. Think of a claim as a specific, debatable statement you, the writer, intend to prove or support. It's the central argument in your essay, the core message of ...
Claim-counterclaim
A claim-counterclaim pattern of organisation refers to the structure of an argument where there is more than one side to a debate.It is very common in academic writing. In a claim-counterclaim text, arguments are typically introduced using reporting verbs such as show, argue and claim.A writer may also use evidence to support their claim, using connectors such as for instance or for example.
Claim Statements in Arguments
Counterclaims. A counterclaim is a powerful type of claim that can be built into any argumentative paper. To strengthen an argument, a writer might try to foresee an opposing claim that could ...
What Is a Claim in an Essay? Definition and Examples
A claim is the core argument defining an essay's goal and direction. (1) It's assertive, debatable, and supported by evidence. Also, it is complex, specific, and detailed. Also known as a thesis, a claim is a little different from statements and opinions. Keep reading to reveal the nuances.
PDF 1) Introduction/Claim (One paragraph) Start with a hook or attention
IV. Counter-Claim Paragraph : Argument Essays must have a Counter-Claim!!! A.COUNTER-CLAIM • PICK AND USE A COUNTER-CLAIM SENTENCE STARTER. B. Explain • claim that "state the opposing side's Why the Counter-claim argument is weak. Counter-claim Sentence Starters • People who disagree may claim that "State the opposing side's ...
Claim vs. Counterclaim
A claim is a statement that asserts a particular position or viewpoint. It is the main argument that a person or party is trying to prove or support. Claims are typically supported by evidence, reasoning, or examples to persuade others of their validity. On the other hand, a counterclaim is a statement that challenges or opposes a claim.
How to Write a Counterclaim [Explained Simply!]
The key to excellent argumentative writing is to make your position convincing and clear while acknowledging - not to mention rebutting - the counterarguments. Fortunately, you can break down the process of crafting a great counterclaim into four simple steps: 1. Research, Research, Research. Of course, a thorough understanding of your ...
How to Make a Good Theory of Knowledge Essay Great
A strong conclusion. In your final conclusion, draw together the insights of your mini-conclusions and again try to say something really interesting here if you can. If your claims and counterclaims are solid and you make mini-conclusions as you go through, are solid, your final conclusion should be clear and well supported.
TOK Essay: How to Write Claims and Counterclaims
Claim: I think that A is B when C. Counterclaim: However, with respect to D, B may not be A. In this very simple example, just by adding a little bit more qualifications to the claim and counterclaim, I prevent myself from invalidating either argument. It also shows you the importance of language in your TOK essay.
PDF Claims, Counterclaims, and Rebuttals!
For example: Students should be allowed to chew gum at school. ... CLAIMS 1 There is one main claim for your whole essay, in the introductory paragraph (also called a thesis) EX: Students should be allowed to chew gum 2 Reasons for your main claim are woven into your body paragraphs (3 prongs/points). ... Claims, Counterclaims, and Rebuttals!
Write a Practice Literary Argument Essay: Analyze and Draft a Counterclaim
A. Revise Counterclaims: Students revise the counterclaim of their practice argument essay based on criteria and feedback. B. Independent Research Reading: Students read for at least 20 minutes in their independent research reading text. Then they select a prompt and write a response in their independent reading journal.
Counterclaim
An effective argumentative essay addresses what the other side might say and explains why that point of view is wrong. This is called the counterclaim. Key Items Necessary: 1 - Transition. 2 - Evidence. 3 - Reasons. . A counterclaim is the argument (or one of the arguments) opposing your thesis statement. In your thesis paragraph, you make it ...
How To Write A Counterclaim: Guideline For Success
How To Write A Counter Claim. To write a great essay, you need to clearly bring out the main stand of your paper and bring it out vividly and then capture the counterarguments. The following four steps show how to write rebuttal for your essay like a pro. Step One: Research the Main Counterarguments for Your Thesis.
Claim, Counterclaim, and Rebuttal
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills: Sharing an opinion, making a claim, finding evidence. Instructional Materials. Resources, Materials, and Technology required or recommended for the lesson: Sentence stips with example claims, counterclaims, and rebuttals. These could be teacher or student written.
4 Steps to Writing Counterclaims in Middle School
STEP TWO: MODEL AN EXAMPLE. Before students begin adding counterclaims to their arguments, first start with modeling and teaching counterclaims. Take out a literary analysis you have written or an example you have. Display your example in a way students can view what you are doing. This example can analyze the same text students are using, but ...
Claim & Counterclaim Generator [Best for Argumentative Essays]
Like claims, counterclaims should be supported by evidence, such as data, statistics, and case studies. ... It is usually the first sentence in the body paragraph and can be in the form of an argument that props your claim. 📝 Essay Claim Generator Examples. For your inspiration, we came up with a few thesis, claim, and counterclaim statement ...
The Israeli Censorship Regime Is Growing. That Needs to Stop
The refusal to allow international media to cover Gaza from the inside is just one element of a growing censorship regime that leaves a vacuum for propaganda, mis- and disinformation, and claims ...
NPR in Turmoil After It Is Accused of Liberal Bias
In his essay, Mr. Berliner laid some of the blame at the feet of NPR's former chief executive, John Lansing, who said he was retiring at the end of last year after four years in the role. He was ...