but. . . .
A concession is when the writer takes time to explain some
part of the other side of the issue.
You might "give in" to part of the the other side's objections or views. You may admit that he or she is partially right, or that he or she has a valid concern. Then you overcome that concern by logic or with a solution. |
Thank you to http://www.slideshare.net/MrCPHSTitans/writing-your-concession
Ü What’s a Counter Argument?
It is when you recognize the
other side of the debate in order to strengthen your own argument. In other words, it’s the thesis making
the OPPOSITE (aka: counter) point.
Ü What’s a Rebuttal (Refutation)?
Rebut or Refute means to
prove wrong.
Rebuttals saywhy the
counter argument is wrong (or not as right as your thesis).
Ü What’s a Concession?
To Concede is to admit that something is
true or valid after first denying or resisting it.
Concessions
admit that the counterargument is valid
Standard Format
Some people may say that (my thesis) is not true
because… However, this is wrong
because…
On the other hand, come people say that _____________________________. However, ______________________________________________________. |
Counter Argument Sentence
Starters…
ü
Some will say that (my thesis) is not true because…
ü
Some people might say that…
ü
Some will argue…
ü
Those on the other side of the issue may say that.
ü
It’s true that…
ü
While it is true that…
ü
Admittedly…
Concession and Rebuttal Sentence Starters…
ü
That is not the case. As we see (bring up new evidence)…
ü
While that may be the case, (my thesis) is still
true because…
ü
That point is true, but it is unimportant because…
ü
Nevertheless, my point still stands because…
ü
However, that point is not important because…
ü
Transition words: but, yet, however, nevertheless,
still
Granted, naturally, of course.
It may be true that . . . ,but. . . . .
________________________________________
Using Counterarguments in Writing
Counterargument:
A counterargument is an
argument (point/reason/view/evidence) that your opponent would make
Rebuttal:
A rebuttal is when you
respond directly to your opponent’s argument/point to explain/show how/why they
are wrong
Rebuttal Strategies
There are many different
ways that you can rebut someone’s argument.
Take a look at the example below.
These are for verbal argument.
If your argument was: “We should
get a cat.”
And your parents’ counterargument
was: “But your sister Susie is allergic
to cats.”
Here are some rebuttal
strategies you could use:
1. Point out the flaws [errors] in the counterargument
a. Ex. Well, I heard you say that Susie is allergic, but
there’s actually a problem with that because Lisa was around a dog yesterday
and she was fine.
2. Agree with the counterargument but give them a new
point/fact that contradicts their argument
a. Ex. I agree
that’s Lisa’s allergic to cats, but there are some breed of cats that are
hypo-allergenic and won’t cause people’s allergies to act up.
3. Agree with the other side’s support but twist the
facts to suit your argument
a. Ex. I know that you said Lisa is allergic, but
couldn’t owning a pet also build up her tolerance?
4. Make an emotional plea that outweighs their argument
(This should be your LAST resort)
a. Ex. Well you said that we can’t have a pet because of
Lisa, but are Lisa’s allergies really as important as rescuing that cat at the
shelter who’s trapped in the cage and will be killed if he doesn’t find someone
to adopt him??
Helpful Sentence Starters for
Including Counterarguments in Writing
·
“Some people may
argue…but…”
·
“A possible
concern is…”
·
A common
counterpoint is…”
·
“For example,
they [proponents/opponents] contend that…”
·
“Those who
believe… claim that …”
·
“That is an
understandable concern; however…”
·
“This argument
is wrong because…”
·
“Although some
people think/believe… others understand…”
·
“The evidence,
however, supports/disproves the argument that…”
Example #1
Many people argue that
bullying is a natural part of society and that the only way to prevent the more
serious effects of bullying is to punish those who do it and help the victims. But
I believe that this is only doing something after the fact, when we should be
working toward prevention. Once bullying has started to the point that it has
been brought to adults’ attention, a cycle is in place that is hard to get out
of. The bully feels in power and sometimes also ashamed. Sometimes there are
others involved, spectators that keep the bullying going by laughing or joining
in. And often the victim has internalized some of the messages they have
gotten, and feels that no one can help them.
Example #2
E-cigarettes are just as
harmful to bystanders' health as regular cigarettes are. E-cigarette proponents claim that the
electronic cigarettes are not toxic to others in the smokers' vicinity because
it is just water vapor that is being expelled into the air. They emphasize the fact that there there is
no tobacco or carbon monoxide being released.
Even though this is true, what the proponents fail to mention is
the other harmful elements that are in the smoke. Dr. Glantz, from Prevention magazine,
states, "…there are several carcinogens that have been identified so far,
and we haven't identified everything that's in these formulas." Not only does this prove that e-cigarettes
expose toxic chemicals to others, but it also shows that e-cigarettes could be
even more harmful than we know since not all of the carcinogens have been
identified yet! Why risk the chance of
harming others' health by allowing e-cigarettes in buildings? We should just ban all cigarettes, electronic
or not, in order to ensure the safety of innocent bystanders.
And another example:
And another example:
On the other hand, come people say that _____________________________. However, ______________________________________________________. |
