Question

Which statement includes a rebuttal?

A. While Twain's topics are often serious, he uses humorous techniques in his writing to make the topics less upsetting for his readers.
B. While some say that Twain's use of sarcasm is inappropriate in serious situations, evidence shows that small amounts of humor help people cope with serious topics.
C. Twain's use of sarcasm makes his stories entertaining no matter what the topic.
D. Twain's use of sarcasm and other humorous techniques shows that he doesn't take anything seriously and doesn't think his readers should either.

Answer 1

The answer for this question would definitely be: B. While some say that Twain's use of sarcasm is inappropriate in serious situations, evidence shows that small amounts of humor help people cope with serious topics. Because it has stated the factual side of Twain's writing, through the number of people. And it is a rebuttal of why Twain's writing has a bit of humor in it.

Answer 2

B. While some say that Twain's use of sarcasm is inappropriate in serious situations, evidence shows that small amounts of humor help people cope with serious topics.

A rebuttal is a statement that contradicts what some people understand to be true. The purpose of a rebuttal is to show a contrasting view point or to prove other thinking wrong. In this option the transition word "while" indicates that there is contrasting information.The key words "some say" tell us that the author does not put himself in the same category as "some" and is going to contradict their ideas about Twain's use of sarcasm in inappropriate situations. The second half of the sentence defends Twain's use of sarcasm as appropriate because of how helpful it can be. Options C and D are simple statements without any contrasting any ideas. Option A seems like it is contrasting but in actuality it just says Twain uses humor when discussing serious topics.