Bell Ringer Look over your rough draft Have

Bell Ringer: Look over your rough draft. Have you used transitional words and phrases to connect ideas? If not, put in some now.

SENTENCE STARTERS Use the following phrases to help you get started writing counterclaims and rebuttals. Counterclaim Sentence Starters Rebuttal Sentence Starters Some people might say… That is not the case. Some will agree… As we see (bring up Those on the other new evidence)… side of the issue may While this may be the say that… case, (my claim) is still While it’s true because… that…but That point is true, but it There is some truth to is unimportant the argument because… that…however Nevertheless, my point It is true that…however still stands because… It may be true that…but • Don’t use “because” in your topic sentence. Even if… They claim but “I think” or “I believe. ” • Don’tthat… start with in fact

Sample Introduction Imagine eating fast food every day for lunch. Mc. Donalds? Wendy’s? Burger King? The options are endless. To some students, this sounds like the perfect meal plan – whatever you want, the cafeteria will fix it your way. More and more schools are serving fast food in middle and high schools. Some people believe offering fast food is the only way to get students to eat. Others have their doubts. Fast food shouldn’t be allowed in school cafeterias because it leads to weight gain, high blood pressure, and overall sluggishness.

Sample Conclusion Increase in weight, elevated blood pressure, and sluggishness are caused by the consumption of fast food. Students’ health should be a top priority in our schools, and young people who are healthy are better able to succeed and enjoy life to the fullest. Students shouldn’t have to deal with weight gain, health issues, and lack of energy. In order to reach their full potential, they need to eat better. Contact your local school board and let them know that you aren’t in favor of fast food in cafeterias. If we don’t do something today, tomorrow may be full of problems that could have been avoided. As good as it sounds, having it your way isn’t always the best.

Student Example Arming teachers in school is a bad idea because it is a misuse of money, it is not their job, and it may cause more shootings. The whole point of teachers being armed is so that they can prevent shootings, but this seems unlikely. Arming them may cause more deaths of innocent people, which is something no one wants to happen. Besides that, people do not want their donations spent on guns. Teachers are not security guards, so they shouldn’t have weapons. Lastly, these guns would likely just cause more shootings. Clearly, guns are not a good idea, so stand up for your beliefs. If you think that it is wrong for teachers to have guns, write the school board! Maybe you could help save someone’s life one day.