Writing counter arguments worksheets | Worsheets library - Free Printable

Let’s solve this step by step.

We are given two arguments, and for each one, we need to fill in three boxes:
1. Counterargument – What someone who disagrees might say.
2. Evidence – Why they think that (what proof or reason they give).
3. Discredit their argument – How we can show their point is wrong or not strong.

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First Argument: “Dogs are friendly animals.”

The example already filled in the first row:

- Counterargument: Some people say... dogs are unfriendly animals.
- Evidence: They say this because... they hear dogs barking.
- Discredit: However, this isn’t true because... dogs bark as a way to communicate.

That makes sense — just because dogs bark doesn’t mean they’re unfriendly. Barking is how they talk!

Now let’s do the second argument.

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Second Argument: “Pets should be allowed in the classroom.”

We need to think of what someone who disagrees would say.

#### Step 1: Think of a counterargument
Some people might say:
→ “Pets shouldn’t be allowed in the classroom.”

Why? Let’s think of reasons.

#### Step 2: Give evidence for their side
They might say:
→ “Because pets can distract students from learning.”
Or: “Some kids are allergic to animals.”
Or: “Pets might make noise or mess up the room.”

Let’s pick one clear reason:
→ “They say this because pets can cause distractions during lessons.”

#### Step 3: Discredit their argument
Now we need to explain why that’s not a good enough reason to ban all pets.

We could say:
→ “However, this isn’t true because teachers can choose calm, quiet pets like fish or hamsters that don’t distract anyone.”
Or: “However, this isn’t true because having pets can actually help students learn responsibility and reduce stress.”

Let’s go with the first one — it directly answers the distraction concern.

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So here’s our completed table for the second argument:

| Counterargument | Evidence | Discredit their argument |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Some people say... | They say this because... | However, this isn’t true because... |
| Pets shouldn’t be allowed in the classroom. | Pets can distract students during lessons. | Teachers can choose quiet, low-maintenance pets that won’t distract anyone. |

This shows we understand both sides — and we’ve explained why the opposing view isn’t strong enough to stop us from allowing pets.

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Final Answer:

For the argument “Pets should be allowed in the classroom,” the completed counterargument section is:

- Counterargument: Some people say pets shouldn’t be allowed in the classroom.
- Evidence: They say this because pets can distract students during lessons.
- Discredit their argument: However, this isn’t true because teachers can choose quiet, low-maintenance pets that won’t distract anyone.