Virginia SOL 11.C.2.A.v
The Standard
Anticipating and addressing alternative or opposing perspectives and counterclaims using counter arguments and rebuttals, as appropriate.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Speaking and Presentation of Ideas
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students anticipate what an audience may question or oppose during an oral presentation. They state those views fairly, then answer them with clear reasoning and relevant evidence.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students present a clear position and accurately explain a likely opposing view. They answer it with relevant evidence and reasoning, without misrepresenting the other side.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may dismiss an opposing view without explaining it fairly. They may repeat their claim as a rebuttal, or answer a counterclaim with opinion instead of evidence.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to give a 60-second response on school start times. They must state a claim, present one strong counterclaim, and answer it with evidence.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal cards to arrange, then present the completed argument aloud.
Have students write and share a response to: Which opposing view would your audience find most convincing, and how would you answer it?
Run an objection hot seat where classmates offer counterclaims and the speaker has 30 seconds to give a supported rebuttal.
Play a short city council speech, then identify the counterclaim and judge whether the speaker’s rebuttal addresses it fairly.
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Related Standards
- 12.C.2.A.iv
Anticipating and addressing alternative or opposing perspectives and counterclaims and rebuttals, as appropriate.
- 9.C.1.A.v
Responding thoughtfully and tactfully with evidence to diverse perspectives, including challenging, clarifying, or verifying ideas and conclusions.
- 9.W.2.A.v
Identifying and addressing counterarguments and providing a rebuttal where appropriate.
- 11.C.1.A.iii
Responding thoughtfully and tactfully with evidence to diverse perspectives.
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