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Persuasive Writing Rebuttals

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Persuasive Writing Rebuttals

Read each question carefully. A rebuttal responds to an opposing viewpoint with clear reasoning or evidence, then connects back to the writer’s position.

Recognising rebuttals

Choose the best answer for each question. For questions that ask for two features, select two answers.

1.What is the main job of a rebuttal in a persuasive text?

To describe the topic without taking a position
To respond to an opposing claim and explain why your position still makes sense
To repeat the writer’s position several times
To introduce an unrelated example

2.Which opening most clearly signals that the writer is about to address another viewpoint?

First, let us consider the weather.
Some people argue that the walk should stay closed; however, it can be made safe with supervision.
I have always enjoyed visiting the coast.
To finish, the sea is fascinating.

3.A class is arguing that students should help remove litter from the path beside the rock pools. Which TWO features would make their rebuttal stronger? Select two answers.

Fairly state the concern, then give a reason or evidence that answers it
Mock people who disagree, then repeat the claim
Explain how the response supports the class’s position
Change the subject to an unrelated school activity

4.Complete the idea: Including a rebuttal can strengthen a persuasive text because it shows that the writer has considered other views and .

Build and improve arguments

Use the rock-pool clean-up scene when it helps. Give reasons that answer the opposing view rather than dismissing it.

5.Position: Year 6 students should help collect litter from the path beside the rock pools. Counterargument: “The area is slippery, so students could get hurt.” Write a rebuttal that acknowledges the safety concern, gives a practical response, and links back to the position.

6.Position: Students should be allowed to borrow books during lunchtime. Write one reasonable counterargument someone might raise.

7.Respond to this counterargument about lunchtime book borrowing: “Students might not return the books to the right place.” Write a rebuttal with a practical solution and a link to the position.

8.Here is a weak response to the claim that classes should visit rock pools: “People who disagree are silly. Rock pools are fun.” Rewrite it as a respectful rebuttal to this counterargument: “Visitors might disturb the animals.” Include a way to reduce the risk.

9.Ivy supports organising a supervised litter clean-up near the rock pools. Dylan says, “There is not enough time to clean the whole area.” Write one sentence that acknowledges Dylan’s point and offers a rebuttal.

Rebuttal structure and purpose

Match each part of a rebuttal to its role, then apply the structure.

10.Match each rebuttal move with its purpose.

Name the opposing view
Give a reason, example or piece of evidence
Link back to your position
Use respectful wording

Address disagreement fairly rather than attacking people
Remind the reader why your main claim remains convincing
Show which concern or claim you are responding to
Explain why the opposing view does not fully outweigh your position

11.Number these moves from 1 to 3 to show a clear rebuttal order: link the response back to your position; state the opposing view; give a reason or evidence that answers it.

12.Give TWO reasons a writer should consider opposing viewpoints in a persuasive text.