Refuting Arguments

7th Grade ELA

W.7.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
b. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence
logically.
What is a Rebuttal or Refuting Argument?
- An attempt to disapprove or contradict an opposing argument
- Uses other evidence or reasoning to destroy the validity of opposing claims
What Makes a Rebuttal Effective?
- States or acknowledges the opposing claim without skewing it
- Credible and logical
- Uses a rational tone without ridiculing
- Usually includes constructive criticism
Example
Claim: School uniforms should be worn because they keep students focused on their
education, rather than their clothes and appearance.
Refuting Argument: School uniforms do not keep students focused on their education,
but they distract many students because they do not want to wear them and worry
about how they look while wearing them.
Example
Claim: The US should immediately transition away from all fossil fuels, including
natural gas because they are harmful to the environment.
Refuting Argument: Transitioning away from fossil fuels would cause more harm than
good because we need fossil fuels like gas to continue producing goods in the US.
Your Turn!
- Open the template link in the chat
- Breakout Rooms
- Make a copy
- Create a refuting claim based on the arguments that are presented in the template
- Language in Argument Writing Examples