Claims & Counterclaims — Practice · Grade 10 English

Chapter: Argument, Rhetoric & Tragic Choices

What this practice covers

By the end of Claims & Counterclaims you should be able to:

11 questions, multiple choice and written answer, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: claim, arguable, counterclaim, concession, rebuttal.

Problem 1

Which of the following is the strongest CLAIM for an argumentative essay?
  1. Our district should cap homework at thirty minutes per class each night, because beyond that point it harms sleep more than it helps learning.
  2. Some students like homework and some do not.
  3. Homework is a part of school life.
  4. This essay will explore the topic of homework.
Answer and explanation

Our district should cap homework at thirty minutes per class each night, because beyond that point it harms sleep more than it helps learning.

Only this option takes a precise, arguable position and previews its reasoning; the others state a fact, announce an intention, or report a matter of taste.

Problem 2

Explain why representing the counterclaim at its STRONGEST, rather than at its weakest, actually makes your own argument more convincing.
Answer and explanation

Answering the strongest version of the opposing view shows the reader you have considered the hard objection honestly and can still defend your position, which builds trust. Knocking down a weak, distorted version (a strawman) proves nothing and makes a careful reader suspect you are dodging the real disagreement.

Problem 3

Read this sentence: 'It is true that uniforms limit students' self-expression, but the drop in daily social pressure is worth that trade-off.' Which part is the CONCESSION?
  1. 'the drop in daily social pressure'
  2. 'It is true that uniforms limit students' self-expression'
  3. 'is worth that trade-off'
  4. There is no concession in this sentence.
Answer and explanation

'It is true that uniforms limit students' self-expression'

The concession is the honest admission that the opposing view has a real point ('uniforms limit self-expression'); the clause after 'but' is the rebuttal explaining why the claim still holds.

Problem 4

Write one fair, honestly-stated counterclaim that a writer arguing FOR a four-day school week would need to address.
Answer and explanation

Answers vary; look for an honest, reasonable opposing point rather than a strawman — for example, 'A four-day week would leave many working parents scrambling to arrange childcare on the fifth day, which is a real burden the plan has to answer for.'

Problem 5

A writer has a precise claim, three reasons with evidence, and a strong counterclaim-and-rebuttal. Which ORGANIZATION most clearly establishes the relationships among these parts for the reader?
  1. Present all the evidence first with no reasons attached, then state the claim once at the end.
  2. Scatter the counterclaim's points randomly through the body so they are hard to notice.
  3. Open with the precise claim, give each reason its own paragraph, place the counterclaim-and-rebuttal just before the conclusion, and end by pointing outward.
  4. Save the claim for the very last sentence of the essay so it lands as a surprise.
Answer and explanation

Open with the precise claim, give each reason its own paragraph, place the counterclaim-and-rebuttal just before the conclusion, and end by pointing outward.

Leading with the claim, giving each reason a clear paragraph, and positioning the counterclaim-and-rebuttal near the end (so the reader last sees you handling the toughest objection) makes every relationship visible — the hallmark of strong argumentative organization.

Problem 6

Construct an argument that addresses the concern. Give a detail and explain its relevance.
Answer and explanation

Add a labeled memory layer while preserving the original map. Contributor dates, permissions, and visible conflicts would make memories useful without silently turning them into the original record.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 7

A learner writes: “Anyone opposing our plan does not care about students.” Explain the problem and produce a better response.
Answer and explanation

Represent the staffing objection accurately. Respond with a feasible condition or evidence, not an attack on motives.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 8

Compare what you must inspect in these two cases. What can transfer, and what must be checked again?
Answer and explanation

An argumentative thesis answers a debatable question with a reasoned position. Qualify its scope so the evidence can support it. The method transfers, but the particular detail, scope, and context must be read again. Add a labeled memory layer while preserving the original map. Contributor dates, permissions, and visible conflicts would make memories useful without silently turning them into the original record.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 9

Using an assigned reading or one exercise source, write a developed response applying claims & counterclaims. Aim for 220–320 words; name the reading or reproduce the sentence you revise.
Answer and explanation

A six-week, twice-weekly trial is worth testing if staffing is funded and attendance is recorded. The survey suggests interest but does not establish schoolwide demand; a trial can answer that limited question. A complete response supplies context, a focused claim, a brief supporting detail, explanation, and a relevant qualification. Do not simply repeat this model.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 10

Write two specific feedback comments on a response to this unit: one on accuracy or meaning and one on evidence or language. Then state a revision priority.
Answer and explanation

Check whether the response explains an argumentative thesis answers a debatable question with a reasoned position. qualify its scope so the evidence can support it. Ask for a relevant detail and the reason it supports the conclusion. Prioritize the mistaken assumption shown here: “Anyone opposing our plan does not care about students.”

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 11

Choose a fresh sentence or detail from the assigned selection. Explain how this unit’s method applies, and identify one uncertainty or limitation.
Answer and explanation

The report documents litter removal, the resident distinguishes water contamination, and the memo separates funding purposes. The event can be successful within its stated scope while water quality remains unresolved. The response must supply its own precise detail and explain it; copying the model without fresh evidence is insufficient.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

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