Read the claim and counterclaim. Claim: In order to provide students with the most well-rounded education and the greatest opportunity to succeed, school days should be extended. Counterclaim: If school days were extended, children would not have time to participate in other enriching activities, such as spending time with friends. Which is the most effective rebuttal to the counterclaim?
Answer
A
It is very important for teenagers’ social development to build bonds with friends and spend quality time with them.
B
There are many ways that longer school days help children, but both sides must be considered.
C
Many students would prefer shorter school days, so making them longer may not be the best option.
D
Longer school days lead to a decrease in crime committed by teenagers, since students have less free time.
Explanation
The counterclaim argues that longer school days leave students too little time for enriching activities. A strong rebuttal should answer that concern by showing a benefit of students having less unstructured free time. Choice D says longer school days can reduce teenage crime because students have less free time, so it directly counters the concern. Choice A supports the counterclaim instead.
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