Claim: the school day should be longer so that students have more time to learn and are better prepared for life after high school. what is an effective counterclaim to this claim? working at after-school jobs, participating in sports or other activities, and spending time with family and friends can also teach teenagers important life skills. an extended school day would also discourage teenagers from getting into trouble or participating in dangerous activities. if students spent more hours in school, they would be able to delve deeper into specific topics that interested them. spending time learning is more important than other activities, such as working at an after-school job, playing sports, or spending time with friends.