Counter-Arguments

Prompt:Should we eliminate summer vacation?

Thesis:No, the school calendar should remain the way that it is.

Counter-Arguments:Students will forget much of the material that they have learned throughout the year, causing a need for wasteful reviewing.

Counter-Arguments

Proponents of eliminating summer vacation argue that students will forget much of the material that they have learned throughout the year, causing a need for wasteful reviewing. But this is assuming that students will do nothing over the summer other than play video games and go to the beach. With teacher guided review sheets and a little support from parents, the summer can be a time to allow all of the information learned during the school year to sink in and keep all of that information fresh.

It will be hard to convince anyone that time away from work or school does not provide a valuable release from stress, and students need this release in order to effectively learn throughout the regular school year.

Many parents and administrators are concerned with student performance in

school. While some think it is the teacher’s responsibility to educate and motivate their students, others believe it is the students who should be motivating themselves to

succeed.

Who do you think should own the responsibility of student success?

Tasks:Write a thesis.

Think of 2 counterclaims.

Write a paragraph in which you refute both claims.

Many people are worried that the increase in violent video games and movies will have

an adverse effect on young people. They argue more media violence will lead to more

aggressive behavior in real life.

Should rules governing media violence be more strict, or are those who are worried

simply overreacting?

Tasks:Write a thesis.

Think of 2 counterclaims.

Write a paragraph in which you refute both claims.

Some people say that the school day should be shortened to allow ample time for

extracurricular activities and for students to complete their homework. Others say that to shorten the day would rob teachers of

already precious minutes they need to cover the important materials.

Should the school day be shortened by one class period to allow more after-school time?Tasks:Write a thesis.

Think of 2 counterclaims.

Write a paragraph in which you refute both claims.