This document provides guidance on how to effectively identify and rebut counterclaims. It defines key terms like counterclaims, which are claims that negate or disagree with the thesis, and rebuttals, which are evidence that negate or disagree with counterclaims. Examples of counterclaims are provided for debates on raising the minimum wage and allowing Syrian refugees. The document advises that addressing counterclaims establishes credibility, finds common ground with readers, and responds to possible criticism. It provides guidance on structuring rebuttals with evidence and adding one's own commentary and analysis to further explain why one's position is correct. Sentence frames are also offered for introducing counterclaims and rebuttals.

2. Objective
 I can use a variety of strategies to effectively identify
and rebut counterclaims.
 Key Terms
 Counterclaims: A claim that negates or disagrees
with the thesis.
 Rebuttals: Evidence that negates or disagrees with
the counterclaim.

3. Counterclaims
Counterclaim: A claim that
negates or disagrees with the
thesis.
 Every Argument has at least two sides.

4. Every Debate…
Two Sides
Minimum Wage
 Claim: The minimum wage
in Oregon should be
increased to $15 to ensure
that all Oregonians can
earn a living wage for their
work.
 Counterclaim: Raising the
minimum wage will increase
the prices and deter
business growth in our
community.
Refugee Crisis
 Claim: The United States
should open its borders to
allow 100,000 Syrian
refugees because it is the
moral and just option.
 Counterclaim: Allowing
Refugees presents
security concerns that our
nation is not prepared to
handle.

5. Why You Should Care about
Counterclaims
 Addressing Counterclaims allow you to…
 Show your audience that you have examined both
sides of the debate. This increases credibility and
establishes ethos.
 Find a common ground with your readers.
 Respond to possible criticism of your claim and
evidence.

6. Rebuttal
 Rebuttal: Evidence that negates or disagrees with
the counterclaim.
 All counterclaims should be followed by a rebuttal
that strengthens your position and explains why you
are correct.
 Use concrete details/evidence when to rebut the
claim.

7. Counterclaim & Rebuttal
 A common argument against a higher minimum
wage is that it may lead to a system of “...replacing
current workers with machines and hiring fewer,
more skilled workers to maintain them” (Shrek).
However, the evidence from economists show that
“...even when jobs are replaced by technology,
overall employment may not suffer” (Bartolone).

8. Counterclaim & Rebuttal
 While critics may argue that banning all Muslims from
entering the United States will make us safer, in reality,
this sends a dangerous message of intolerance that will
ultimately upset many people around the globe and
possibly motivate them to join the same radical
organizations that this measure would aim to protect us
from. In fact, during his 2016 State of the Union address,
President Obama directly addressed these measures
and ones like them by stating that they help further the
“...story ISIL wants to tell. That’s the kind of propaganda
they use to recruit” (Obama).

9. Adding Commentary
 In addition to your counterclaim and rebuttal, you
should add your own commentary/analysis that
further explains why your claim is correct.

10. Adding Commentary
 While critics may argue that banning all Muslims from entering
the United States will make us safer, in reality, this sends a
dangerous message of intolerance that will ultimately upset
many people around the globe and possibly motivate them to
join the same radical organizations that this measure would
aim to protect us from. In fact, during his 2016 State of the
Union address, President Obama directly spoke to these
measures and ones like them by arguing that they help further
the “...story ISIL wants to tell. That’s the kind of propaganda
they use to recruit” (Obama). These calls are rooted in an
outdated idea of war that believes that victory comes from
physically combatting and defeating our enemies. However, the
War on Terror is equally, if not more so, a war that must be
fought in the realm of psychology, not just with bullets, bombs,
and barriers.

11. Sentence Frames
Counterclaims
 While critics may argue….
 While there may be some
validity to the statement....
 It is easy to think....
 A common argument
against this position is… ,
 While some researchers
have found…
 Yes, some might say…
 It is important to understand
that some feel…
Rebuttals
 However…
 But…
 Yet…
 Nevertheless…
 The evidence shows…
 Still, overall…
 In reality...