Answer:
Here are simple descriptions of these components to share with your students:
Claim: the position taken by the writer; what the writer is trying to prove or argue
Reason: provided to support a claim; reasons are supported by evidence
Evidence: use to support or prove a reason; statistics, facts, quotations, surveys, etc.
Counterclaim: opposing position, counterargument
Rebuttal: refutes or disproves the counterclaim; addresses the criticism of the claim
And here’s an even simpler set of questions students can ask themselves to help remember each component:
Claim: What do I think?
Reason: Why do I think it?
Evidence: How do I know (proof)?
Counterclaim: What is the other side?
Rebuttal: My response to the other side?
Explanation:
Keys to Argument Writing professional development module and the associated training book Keys to Content Writing
