English 12 / Unit 9: Advanced Argument and Synthesis
9.3 Concession and Refutation
Notes
Strong arguments acknowledge the other side.
- Concession: admit what is valid in the opposing view. Refutation (rebuttal): explain why your position still holds.
- Common structure: "Although [opposing point], [your claim], because [reason]."
- Example: "Admittedly, a later start could interfere with after-school jobs. However, the evidence of improved attendance suggests the benefits outweigh this cost, especially if jobs adjust their hours."
- Concessions build ethos and show you have considered other views. Avoid a weak concession that ignores the strongest counterargument.
Practice
What is the purpose of a concession in an argument?
Concessions show fairness and strengthen credibility.
Which sentence contains a concession and a refutation?
"Although" signals the concession, and the rest refutes it.
A writer addresses only the weakest objection to her claim and ignores the strongest. What is the problem?
Readers will notice the unaddressed objection.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 9 test.