Counterclaim — English definition
Defined in 5 courses:
- A relevant competing position that a reasonable reader could hold. (English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression)
- An opposing viewpoint that the writer acknowledges and responds to. (English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility)
- An opposing position that a strong argument acknowledges and addresses. (English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry)
- The strongest honest version of the opposing position, which a fair argument names and answers. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
- The strongest opposing position, which a mature argument names fairly and then answers. (English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory)
Where it is taught
- Counterclaims & Fair Responses — Argument, Counterclaims & Revision, English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression, Grade 7
- The Argumentative Essay — Argument & Rhetoric, English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility, Grade 8
- Analyzing an Argument: Claims, Reasoning & Evidence — Argument & Rhetoric, English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry, Grade 9
- Claims & Counterclaims — Argument, Rhetoric & Tragic Choices, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
- Constructing Arguments — Public Argument, Rhetoric & Competing Accounts, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
A counterclaim is a reasonable competing position relevant to the actual question.
Counterclaims & Fair Responses
Now the part writers are most tempted to skip: the counterclaim, the strongest opposing view, stated honestly.
The Argumentative Essay
A genuinely strong argument does something that feels risky but actually builds trust: it raises a counterclaim, the best version of the opposing view, and then answers it.
Analyzing an Argument: Claims, Reasoning & Evidence
Questions using counterclaim
Problem 1
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
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 3
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.
Problem 4
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.
Taught alongside
- rebuttal
- evidence
- qualification
- revision
- claim
- reasoning
- fallacious reasoning
- arguable
- concession
- precise claim
- warrant
- qualifier
- cohesion