Concession and Refutation
While every essay needs to make an argument, at some point you need to acknowledge the other side. Acknowledging differing points of view on your topic is called concession. Making concessions is important because they show that you understand both sides of the issue.
However you should never make a concession without following it with a refutation. A refutation is where you prove the counter-arguments wrong or, at the very least, explain why you do not agree with it.
A few tips for using concession and refutation effectively:
However you should never make a concession without following it with a refutation. A refutation is where you prove the counter-arguments wrong or, at the very least, explain why you do not agree with it.
A few tips for using concession and refutation effectively:
- Always summarize counter-arguments in a fair manner. Taking a cheap shot makes you look bad, not your opponent.
- Get concessions out of the way as soon as possible. Leaving them to the end will weaken your own argument.
- When refuting a counter-argument, back up your opinions with reliable evidence wherever possible.
Ways to Begin a Concession and Refutation
There are a few ways to start your concession and refutation that make it clear that this is your concession and refutation.
Some people may argue that....
Some people might say....
It could be argued that...
It might be possible to consider....
Some have suggested.....
Some people may argue that....
Some people might say....
It could be argued that...
It might be possible to consider....
Some have suggested.....