Claim and counterclaim worksheets
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Every sentence in an argument has a job. Evidence backs up the claim. A counterclaim argues against it. A rebuttal brings up the other side and answers it. An irrelevant sentence does neither.
Two grades, each its own sheet. Print one here, or open a grade for examples and teaching notes.
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7th grade Core grade
Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.
A claim is the point an argument sets out to prove. The sentences around it each do one job: evidence supports the claim, a counterclaim argues against it, a rebuttal answers that counterclaim, and an irrelevant sentence does none of these. On this sheet, seventh graders read a claim and one sentence and write which job the sentence does.
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8th grade
Eighth graders sort the same four jobs in longer, less obvious sentences. Counterclaims show up as plain facts with no "some people say" in front, rebuttals open by granting the other side's point, and irrelevant sentences use the claim's own words while saying nothing that bears on it. Students write the job each sentence does.
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