Reading and Writing

Skills
Quarter 4 – Module 6:
Claim, Counterclaim,
arguments, reason and
evidence
Reading and Writing Skills
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 6: Claim, Counterclaim, arguments,
reason and evidence

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Fernando N. Oribiana,
Editors: Fernando N. Oribiana,
Reviewers:
Illustrators: Fernando N. Oribiana,
Layout Artists: Fernando N. Oribiana,
Management Team: Fernando N. Oribiana,

Office Address: Kilometer5, North National Highway, San Jose Puerto Princesa City.
Telefax:
E-mail Address:
Reading and Writing
Skills
Quarter 4 – Module 6:
Claim, Counterclaim,
arguments, reason and
evidence
 Lesson
Claims and Counterclaims
1
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each

SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you
need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of
the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-
check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust
that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And
read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.

In this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Identify claim and counterclaim in a text;
2. Differentiate claim and counterclaim.

What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. What is a claim?
A) A fact
B) An opinion
C) A statement that asserts a position
D) A question
2. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a counterclaim?
A) To weaken the argument
B) To provide additional evidence
C) To strengthen the argument by addressing opposing viewpoints
D) To introduce a new topic
3. a claim should be:
A) Neutral
B) Supported by evidence
C) Based on personal beliefs only
D) Unrelated to the topic
4. What role does a counterclaim play in an argument?
A) It supports the claim
B) It weakens the claim
C) It addresses opposing viewpoints
D) It is irrelevant to the argument
5. Which of the following is an example of a counterclaim?
A) Stating the main argument
B) Providing evidence to support a claim
C) Presenting a viewpoint that opposes the main argument
D) Summarizing the conclusion
6. When crafting a counterclaim, it is essential to:
A) Ignore opposing viewpoints
B) Acknowledge and address opposing perspectives
C) Avoid providing evidence
D) Repeat the main claim
7. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an effective claim?
A) Specific and clear
B) Supported by evidence
C) Vague and ambiguous
D) Relevant to the topic
8. How does a counterclaim contribute to the overall strength of an argument?
A) By ignoring opposing viewpoints
B) By dismissing counterarguments
C) By acknowledging and refuting opposing perspectives
D) By avoiding addressing counterarguments
9. What should be the relationship between a claim and its supporting evidence?
A) They should contradict each other
B) They should be unrelated
C) The evidence should directly support the claim
D) The evidence should weaken the claim
10. Why is it important to address counterclaims in persuasive writing?
A) To confuse the reader
B) To strengthen the argument by acknowledging opposing viewpoints
C) To avoid addressing different perspectives
D) To make the writing longer

What’s New

Here is a set of jumbled letters that I

want you to arrange to come up with
a sensible word.
What is It

1. Clue: it was main arguments.

2. Clue: It is the opposite of an opposing argument.
What have you found out?
1. ________________________
2. ________________________

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.

1.C A I M L
2. O U N C M A T E C R L I

Claim are what we called a main argument which it was contradict by counterclaim.
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.