Think Deeper, Argue Smarter: Class 5 Writing Counterarguments 

This Grade 5 counterargument worksheet helps students strengthen opinion writing by learning how to understand, identify, and respond to opposing viewpoints. Through carefully sequenced activities, learners practice spotting counterarguments, choosing the strongest opposing ideas, building balanced “counterargument sandwiches,” rewriting opinions logically, and writing complete counterargument paragraphs. The worksheet builds critical thinking, clarity, and persuasive writing skills essential for CBSE English learners. 

Why Counterarguments Matter in Opinion Writing? 

1. Counterarguments teach students to think from more than one point of view. 
2. They help learners strengthen their own opinions using logic and reasoning. 
3. Understanding opposing ideas improves persuasive and essay writing. 
4. These skills build maturity, fairness, and critical thinking in upper primary grades. 

What’s Inside This Worksheet? 

🧠 Exercise 1 – Opinion or Counterargument 
Students identify whether each sentence is a main opinion or a counterargument. 

📝 Exercise 2 – Choose the Strongest Counterargument 
Learners select the most logical counterargument for each given opinion. 

🥪 Exercise 3 – Build a Counterargument Sandwich 
Students write balanced responses using three parts: what others say, why it might be true, and why their opinion is stronger. 

🔄 Exercise 4 – Rewrite as a Counterargument 
Learners convert strong opinions into clear counterarguments using signal words like “However” and “But”. 

📘 Exercise 5 – Counterargument Paragraph 
Students write a full paragraph including an opinion, a counterargument, an explanation, a response, and a concluding sentence. 

✅ Answer Key (For Parents & Educators) 

Exercise 1 – Write O (Opinion) or C (Counterargument) 
1. O 
2. C 
3. O 
4. C 
5. O 
6. C 
7. O 
8. C 
9. O 
10. C 

Exercise 2 – Circle the Strongest Counterargument 
1. B – Some students may be allergic to animals. 
2. A – Not all families want their children spending extra screen time. 
3. A – Some kids need extra time to finish schoolwork instead. 
4. B – Eating pizza daily is unhealthy and lacks variety. 
5. A – Homework helps students practice what they learned. 

Exercise 3 – Counterargument Sandwich 
(Sample answers) 

1. Homework should be optional. 
Some people say homework gives extra practice and helps students remember lessons. This might be true for some children. But I believe homework should be optional because students also need time to relax and explore hobbies. 

2. Kids should learn cooking in school. 
Some people say cooking takes time away from studies, and they think it is unnecessary. This may be partly true. But I believe kids should learn cooking in school because it teaches independence and healthy habits. 

3. Recess should be longer. 
Some people say longer recess reduces learning time. This could be true in some cases. But I believe recess should be longer because students return to class more focused and energetic. 

4. Everyone must join one school club. 
Some people say clubs take away free time, and that can be true for busy students. But I believe joining at least one club helps children discover new interests and build confidence. 

5. School uniforms should be banned. 
Some people say uniforms create equality, and this might be true. But I believe uniforms should be banned because students should be able to express their individuality. 

Exercise 4 – Rewrite as a Counterargument 
(Sample answers) 

1. Kids need pets in class to stay happy. 
However, pets in class can distract students and cause allergies. 

2. Online classes are easier for students. 
But online classes can make it harder for students to stay focused and interactive. 

3. Everyone should get a smartphone at age 10. 
However, smartphones can expose children to distractions and unsafe content. 

4. Students should vote on school rules. 
But some rules require adult experience to ensure safety and fairness. 

5. Trips should happen every month. 
However, monthly trips can be expensive and reduce classroom learning time. 

Exercise 5 – Counterargument Paragraph 
(Sample answer – Topic: School days should start later) 

School days should start later because students need enough sleep to stay healthy and focused. Some people argue that starting school late reduces study time in the afternoon. This may be true for a few activities. However, well-rested students concentrate better, learn faster, and behave well in class. When students are alert, learning improves overall. That is why school days should start later. 

Help your child develop strong reasoning and persuasive writing skills by learning how to handle opposing ideas confidently. 

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