Read the sample student claim and counterclaim.

Question

Claim: Although many argue that homework plays a vital role in the educational process, the negative aspects of homework far surpass the potential benefits.

Counterclaim: Homework helps students develop valuable skills, such as independent learning, needed for college and the workplace.

What evidence would most weaken the counterclaim presented here?

One generally accepted rule of thumb is that students should do ten minutes of homework per night for each grade level.
Countless studies have shown that many students find homework to be boring, tiring, stressful, and frustrating.
The time required to grade homework is yet another task that diverts a teacher’s attention from actually teaching.
It is nearly impossible to know if the completed homework actually belongs to the student or has been copied from another.

Answer 1

The evidence that would most weaken the counterclaim presented here is the statement that "countless studies have shown that many students find homework to be boring, tiring, stressful, and frustrating." This evidence suggests that homework may not be helping students develop valuable skills if it is causing negative experiences and emotions for them.