Use the passage to answer the question.

Question

Halloween is not a federal holiday, but it is celebrated by over half of all Americans in some manner. It is observed on October 31 each year, and as a result it sometimes falls on a weeknight. One of the most time-honored Halloween traditions is "trick-or-treating," when children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door collecting candy. When students are in school during the day, they are unable to start trick-or-treating until later in the evening, often after dark. For this reason, it would be safer for all children if Halloween were permanently moved to the last Saturday in October.
A student is developing a counterclaim to this argument. Which counterclaim is the fairest and most effective?

(1 point)
Responses

Vandalism is a major problem on Halloween, and if the holiday were moved to Saturday, more of it would probably happen.
Vandalism is a major problem on Halloween, and if the holiday were moved to Saturday, more of it would probably happen.

Halloween is a holiday rooted in the rituals of ancient religions, some of which are practiced today, and their followers always observe it on October 31.
Halloween is a holiday rooted in the rituals of ancient religions, some of which are practiced today, and their followers always observe it on October 31.

Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week in terms of traffic accidents and other pedestrian hazards, so such a move would be less safe for children.
Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week in terms of traffic accidents and other pedestrian hazards, so such a move would be less safe for children.

Parents who are worried about their children's safety can always observe them during trick-or-treating or tape reflective material onto their costumes.

Answer 1

The fairest and most effective counterclaim is:

Halloween is a holiday rooted in the rituals of ancient religions, some of which are practiced today, and their followers always observe it on October 31.

This counterclaim directly addresses the cultural and historical significance of Halloween being on October 31, suggesting that moving the holiday could undermine its traditional values and practices. It provides a strong rationale for keeping the holiday on the date it has been celebrated for many years, making it a relevant and compelling argument against the proposed change.