9. Outline Counterargument
Students outline the counterargument paragraph of their multi-source research essay, making sure to acknowledge and provide evidence for the opposing opinion, and to conclude with evidence that supports their opinion, as well as a rebuttal of the opposing opinion
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Writing to Persuade or Argue - Research Essay
Outline Counterargument
Directions: Outline the counterargument paragraph of your multi-source research essay. Make sure to acknowledge and provide evidence for the opposing opinion, and to conclude with evidence that supports your opinion, as well as a rebuttal of the opposing opinion.
Model Research Essay Prompt: Should students be required to wear uniforms in schools?
Thesis Statement: Schools should require students to wear uniforms because uniforms support students physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Counterargument Paragraph Outline
Acknowledgement of opposing opinion:
Evidence that supports opposing opinion:
Evidence that supports author’s opinion:
Rebuttal of opposing opinion:
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Answer Key and Teacher Resources
Answer Key
Counterargument Paragraph Outline
Acknowledgement of opposing opinion: Uniforms can make some kids feel uncomfortable
Evidence that supports opposing opinion: “Children need to feel comfortable in order to maximize learning, and that uniforms can, in this way, deter academic success for some children” (Asaff, 2013).
Evidence that supports author’s opinion: “67 percent of principals of schools with a uniform policy in place saw student concentration improve” (Zeiger, 2013).
Rebuttal of opposing opinion: Uniforms may make some students uncomfortable but overall, they dramatically improve student concentration + performance
Recommendations for Instruction:
Teacher thinks aloud while outlining the counterargument paragraph of their model research essay, making sure to acknowledge and provide evidence for the opposing opinion, and to conclude with evidence that supports their opinion, as well as a rebuttal of the opposing opinion.
Then, each student outlines the counterargument paragraph of their research essay.
As students work, teacher circulates to give students feedback on the quality of their outline.