Grade 8 ELA Practice Test: Claims and Counterclaims in Argument Writing
- Claims and Counterclaims
- 10 questions
- 12 minutes
These 10 questions practice how a strong argument handles opposing views. Tip: a good rebuttal answers the opposing reason with facts or logic, never by insulting the people who hold it.
Tap an option to mark your answer. You can change your mind, or tap the same option again to leave the question blank. The correct answers and explanations appear when you finish the test.Tap an option to answer; tap it again to leave the question blank.
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Question 1
In an argument, what is a counterclaim?
Correct answer: C
A counterclaim is the other side of the argument. Writers name it so they can respond to it, which is called a rebuttal.
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Question 2
Claim: Our city should turn some downtown parking lots into small parks.
Which sentence states a counterclaim to this claim?
Correct answer: A
Only this sentence gives a reason against the plan. The other three sentences support the claim or describe what the park could look like.
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Question 3
A student argues that schools should limit homework to one hour a night.
Which sentence best introduces a counterclaim in the essay?
Correct answer: B
"Some readers may object" signals an opposing view. "In addition," "For example" and "As a result" introduce more support for the writer's own claim.
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Question 4
Claim: Schools should not ban phones completely.
Counterclaim: Phones distract students during class.Which is the strongest rebuttal to the counterclaim?
Correct answer: D
This rebuttal accepts the concern about distraction and offers a reasonable solution. Attacking supporters of a ban or stating unrelated facts does not answer the counterclaim.
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Question 5
Which sentence is a claim rather than evidence?
Correct answer: B
A claim is a position someone can argue for or against, often using "should." The other sentences are facts that could be used as evidence.
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Question 6
Why do skilled writers include a counterclaim in an argument?
Correct answer: D
Addressing the other side shows fairness and lets the writer explain why the claim still holds. A counterclaim alone does not prove anything; the rebuttal must do that work.
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Question 7
Read the paragraph. Which sentence is the rebuttal?
(1) The town library should stay open until 9 p.m. on weekdays. (2) Many parents work until 6 p.m., so the current 6 p.m. closing time means their children cannot visit the library with their families. (3) Some council members say longer hours would cost too much in staff pay. (4) However, the library could cover the extra hours with trained volunteers, as the senior center already does on weekends. (5) A library that closes when families are free serves fewer people.
Correct answer: C
Sentence 4 begins with "However" and answers the cost concern raised in sentence 3. Sentence 3 is the counterclaim itself, not the response to it.
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Question 8
In the same paragraph about the library, which sentence states the counterclaim?
(1) The town library should stay open until 9 p.m. on weekdays. (2) Many parents work until 6 p.m., so the current 6 p.m. closing time means their children cannot visit the library with their families. (3) Some council members say longer hours would cost too much in staff pay. (4) However, the library could cover the extra hours with trained volunteers, as the senior center already does on weekends. (5) A library that closes when families are free serves fewer people.
Correct answer: A
Sentence 3 presents the opposing view: longer hours would cost too much. Sentence 1 is the writer's claim, and sentence 2 is a reason supporting it.
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Question 9
In the library paragraph, why does the writer mention the senior center in sentence 4?
Correct answer: D
Pointing to a similar program that already works makes the volunteer idea more believable. The writer says nothing about closing the senior center.
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Question 10
A writer argues that the town should add bike lanes. An opponent says the lanes would slow down car traffic.
Which response to the opponent is weakest?
Correct answer: A
This response attacks the person instead of answering his reason, so it gives readers no evidence at all. The other responses address the traffic concern directly.
Questions you leave blank are not counted as wrong.
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