LESSON

13 Counterclaims
QUARTER IV

Name: _______________________________ Date: _______________

Subject: ___________ Grade Level- Section: ___________

Formulating Counterclaims To be an effective critical thinker, it is not enough just to be able to identify
claims and assertions. The ability to analyze an argument is essential to understanding the text more deeply, but
understanding the claim is not the only facet of the argument. You must also learn how to analyze the counterclaims
and evidence provided by the text. Being able to recognize and formulate counterclaims in reaction to an argument
is a characteristic of a good critical reader.
Counterclaims are claims made to rebut a previous claim. To rebut means to contradict someone’s
statement through a formal argument. They provide a contrasting perspective to the main argument. To be able to
locate counterclaims to an argument, remember the following:
1. Show competence and familiarity with the writer’s topic.
2. Examine different perspectives and not just passively accepting the writer’s claim.
3. Consider the topic, and make sure you are willing to engage different viewpoints from your own.
4. Clarify your personal position on the topic.
Example:
Martha is an incoming grade 11 student. She has been using a basic cellphone ever since she was in junior
high school. She is very eager to go back to school and be productive but when she learned about the integration
with technology and digital tools to extend in the classrooms beyond the constraints of traditional walls,
particularly in the public school due to the global pandemic, her excitement turned into frustration.
Martha desperately wants to have a smartphone so she can have access to the internet.
Having this in mind, she tells her father, Mang Tonyo, that she needs a smartphone. Mang Tonyo, thinking
only of the additional expense, simply says, “No.”
Martha has made her claim – asking for a smartphone. Mang Tonyo has made his counterclaim – opposing
Martha’s claim Martha must offer valid reasons to convince Mang Tonyo that she needs the smartphone because
it has access to internet and so he needs to provide her with one. Martha might provide evidence of the necessity
of using smartphone nowadays as part of the new normal life in the time of CoronaVirus. Martha’s reasoning may
include a description of how important smartphone is as far as convenience and flexibility in on-line distance
learning are concerned.

In this example of counterclaim, Mang Tonyo now needs to support his refusal to provide Martha with a
smartphone. He should be ready to give solid, substantiated reasons for his refusal to provide something that the
family has been spending for all those years. This may include evidence of the family’s inability to send her and her
siblings to a private school, and that his budget is not sufficient enough to afford a brand new smartphone since the
family income has suffered due to COVID-19.

Four Elements of Argument

1. CLAIM- is a statement that asserts facts based on one’s understanding about a particular topic or issue.
In the given example, Martha asking his father to buy her a smartphone is an example of a claim.
2. COUNTERCLAIM- is just the opposite of claim. It is a statement that contradicts one’s claim and is usually
proven and supported by both reasons and evidences.
Mang Tonyo’s negative response to Martha’s claim is an example of counterclaim.
3. REASON- is the part of an argument where a statement offers an explanation behind a party’s claim.
Martha’s offering of valid reasons to convince Mang Tonyo that she needs the smartphone is an example of
reason.
4. EVIDENCE - is the statement that proves the truth of a claim and generally leads to the conclusion of an
argument.
Martha provides evidence of the necessity of using smartphone as part of the new normal life in the time of
CoronaVirus is an example of evidence.

Learning Task 1: Write T if the statement is true and F the statement is false. Write your answer on the space
provided.
1. Evaluative statement is a statement that explains the strengths and
2. weaknesses of something through writing.
3. Evaluative statements need proof or valid reasons to express a sound
 4. judgement.
5. Evaluative statements maximize on the presentation of the strengths of the text read.
6. Opinions make the statement more credible instead of facts.
7. Evaluative statements can be made through assertions and counterclaims.
8. Counterclaims are statements of agreement to the claim of the writer.
9. Analyzing an argument is important in formulating counterclaims.
10. Critical thinking concerns in determining the quality of our beliefs.

Learning Task 2: Put a checkmark (V) on the space before each number if the statement is a counterclaim
1. There are many reasons why smoking is unhealthy.
2. Many people say that making school uniforms mandatory take away one's personal freedom.
3. Some might think that allowing kids to make their own choices will make them responsible citizens in the
future.
4. Schools should block access to certain internet sites particularly offensive and objectionable sites.
5. Others believe that technology has damaged intimate relations.

Learning Task 3: Based on the text below, the following evaluative statements may come up in your mind as a
reader. Identify whether the statement expresses an assertion or a counterclaim.
1. This organization has presumably overlooked the economic progress that coal-based power could bring to the
province.
2. It is important to notice the strong statements of urgency of the author which is an implication that these
coal-based projects in the province bring destruction to the environment.
3. I feel that there is a need for the offices called upon to take an action because the environmental problems
we experience now may be worsened if these coal-projects will be pushed through.
4. Generally, this type of appeal hampers the potential development that the No to Coal in Bohol coal-based
projects could give to the community.
5. This article is insightful especially that it mentioned the Eco-cultural Tourism Zone under Republic Act No.
9446 which protected the natural resources and cultural heritage of the Boholanos that is why I support this
article.

Learning Task 4: Identify whether the following statements are CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, REASON or EVIDENCE.
____________ 1. If you want to keep people around you, continue to open the door of friendship and always
accentuate the positive.
____________ 2. I am a child of a loving God who created me after His own image. I am happy for who I am, and
I don’t have to be someone I am not.
____________ 3. I don’t think so. Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution explains that humans evolved to from
monkeys.
____________ 4. I did not come from the apes because I don’t look like one of them!
____________ 5. Since we are blessed with the freedom to act for ourselves, it is up to us to choose good from
evil.

Learning Task 5: Write your counterclaim based on the given claim.

1. Claim: Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution.
Counterclaim:
2. Claim: Tracking devices on phones is a good idea because if you go somewhere your parents will now your
whereabouts.
Counterclaim:
3. Claim: Being grounded is a good idea depending on what they did.
Counterclaim: