Counterclaims & Fair Responses — Drills · Grade 7 English

Chapter: Argument, Counterclaims & Revision

What these drills covers

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

4 questions, written answer, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: counterclaim, rebuttal, evidence, qualification, revision.

Problem 1

Without opening a model: Explain counterclaim in the assigned reading, distinguishing it from a related idea.
Answer and explanation

A relevant competing position that a reasonable reader could hold. A counterclaim is a plausible alternative position or concern. Represent its strongest reasonable version before responding. A concern about supervision is different from a claim that everyone who disagrees dislikes the activity. Avoid inventing motives for opponents.

Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.

Problem 2

Without opening a model: Represent the single-time concern fairly, then respond without inventing a larger budget.
Answer and explanation

A single time could simplify supervision and fit the limited paid hours. A response can acknowledge that constraint while proposing a small trial that divides the existing hours, rather than adding unbudgeted sessions. The questionnaire’s differing preferences support testing the arrangement, but actual attendance and supervision needs remain to be checked.

Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.

Problem 3

Without opening a model: Evaluate this claim: “A counterclaim is an insult directed at an opponent.” Explain a correction in context.
Answer and explanation

This claim is misleading. Respond with available evidence and realistic conditions. Dividing the existing twelve paid hours differently might address scheduling, but you must explain the tradeoff. Do not invent additional funding or promise that every schedule will work for everyone. A single time could simplify supervision and fit the limited paid hours. A response can acknowledge that constraint while proposing a small trial that divides the existing hours, rather than adding unbudgeted sessions. The questionnaire’s differing preferences support testing the arrangement, but actual attendance and supervision needs remain to be checked.

Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.

Problem 4

Without opening a model: Is “Opponents do not care about visitors” a fair counterclaim?
Answer and explanation

No. It substitutes a personal accusation for the scheduling and resource concern. State the competing proposal and reason, then address it with evidence.

Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.

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