Counterarguments
Clap Debate
- Partner A begins arguing their side.
- After 20 seconds, Partner B claps.
- Partner A must IMMEDIATELY switch to the other side using a transition phrase.
- Continue for a minute, then SWAP roles.
Clap Debate
Phones in school: yes or no?
Clap Debate
Transitions: However; On the other hand; Then again; That being said Frames:
- One advantage is... For example,...
- Another positive of ... is ... because...
- A reason against... is... For example, ...
- Evidence that does (or does not) support ... is... because...
- In spite of all the positives of...,
Phones in school:yes or no?
Clap Debate
"AI helps students learn" vs. "AI hurts students' learning"
Clap Debate
Transitions: However; On the other hand; Then again; That being said Frames:
- One advantage is... For example,...
- Another positive of ... is ... because...
- A reason against... is... For example, ...
- Evidence that does (or does not) support ... is... because...
- In spite of all the positives of...,
"AI helps students learn" vs. "AI hurts students' learning"
Essential Question
How do skilled writers strengthen their own arguments by engaging with the other side?
Three Ways to Engage
Writer agrees with part of the opposing view.
Concession
Writter pushes back, showing what the other side might be missing.
Rebuttal
Writer dismantles the opposing view by exposing flawed evidence or logic.
Refutation
Analysis
“Palmore strengthens his argument by acknowledging safety concerns before pivoting to specific, observed evidence of phone misuse. This move addresses parents and students while assuring them there are systems in place to keep the community safe and focused on academics.”
Op-ed Practice
1. Find moments where the author engages with the opposing side. 2. Try and figure out what kind of move this was (concession, rebuttal, refutation) 3. Identify what arguments are missing.
Concession
Writer agrees with part of the opposing view.
Writter pushes back, showing what the other side might be missing.
Rebuttal
Writer dismantles the opposing view by exposing flawed evidence or logic.
Refutation
Counterarguments
Katelin Chao Tharp
Created on February 19, 2026
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Transcript
Counterarguments
Clap Debate
Clap Debate
Phones in school: yes or no?
Clap Debate
Transitions: However; On the other hand; Then again; That being said Frames:
Phones in school:yes or no?
Clap Debate
"AI helps students learn" vs. "AI hurts students' learning"
Clap Debate
Transitions: However; On the other hand; Then again; That being said Frames:
"AI helps students learn" vs. "AI hurts students' learning"
Essential Question
How do skilled writers strengthen their own arguments by engaging with the other side?
Three Ways to Engage
Writer agrees with part of the opposing view.
Concession
Writter pushes back, showing what the other side might be missing.
Rebuttal
Writer dismantles the opposing view by exposing flawed evidence or logic.
Refutation
Analysis
“Palmore strengthens his argument by acknowledging safety concerns before pivoting to specific, observed evidence of phone misuse. This move addresses parents and students while assuring them there are systems in place to keep the community safe and focused on academics.”
Op-ed Practice
1. Find moments where the author engages with the opposing side. 2. Try and figure out what kind of move this was (concession, rebuttal, refutation) 3. Identify what arguments are missing.
Concession
Writer agrees with part of the opposing view.
Writter pushes back, showing what the other side might be missing.
Rebuttal
Writer dismantles the opposing view by exposing flawed evidence or logic.
Refutation