Use the passage to answer the question.

Question

multiple answers
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 counterclaims to the argument that Halloween should be moved to the last Saturday in October are:

1. 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 highlights the cultural and historical significance of the date, suggesting that moving Halloween would disregard important traditions.

2. 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. This counterclaim effectively addresses safety concerns by arguing that changing the day of the celebration may actually increase risks for children rather than decrease them.

Both of these responses provide valid points against moving Halloween to a Saturday.