Question

read the sample student claim.

although many applaud the increased opportunities for research and communication afforded by the internet, it has actually brought more harm to society than good.

which best serves as a potential counterclaim?

there is a higher risk that information obtained on the internet is not as accurate as print sources.
the internet provides access to information that would otherwise be unobtainable to the general public.
many people are addicted to the internet and no longer spend valuable time exploring outside interests.
development of the internet occurred from the late 1950s to the 1970s by a group of researchers and scientists.

Explanation:

Analyze the student claim

The student's claim is: "Although many applaud the increased opportunities for research and communication afforded by the Internet, it has actually brought more harm to society than good." The core argument is that the Internet does more harm than good.

Define a potential counterclaim

A counterclaim must directly oppose or challenge the main argument of the claim. Since the claim asserts that the Internet does more harm than good, a valid counterclaim must argue that the Internet does more good than harm, or highlight a significant positive benefit that outweighs the harms.

Evaluate the options

• Option 1 ("There is a higher risk...") supports the claim that the Internet is harmful/inaccurate.
• Option 2 ("The Internet provides access...") presents a major benefit of the Internet, directly opposing the idea that it does more harm than good.
• Option 3 ("Many people are addicted...") supports the claim that the Internet is harmful.
• Option 4 ("Development of the Internet...") is a neutral historical fact, not an argumentative counterclaim.

Answer:

• (A) There is a higher risk that information obtained on the Internet is not as accurate as print sources.
• (B) The Internet provides access to information that would otherwise be unobtainable to the general public. (Correct answer)
• (C) Many people are addicted to the Internet and no longer spend valuable time exploring outside interests.
• (D) Development of the Internet occurred from the late 1950s to the 1970s by a group of researchers and scientists.