An Effective Response: Conceding and/or Refuting

Printed Page 259
 Analyze 
Use the basic features.

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as well as objections and questions readers might raises, because doing so enhances the writer’s credibility (or ethos) and strengthens the argument. They may concede, refute, or combine the two strategies in a concession-refutation move. To review examples of these response strategies and criteria to assess their effectiveness, look back at pp. 248–49 in the Guide to Reading.

ANALYZE & WRITE

Write a paragraph or two analyzing and evaluating how Estrada concedes and refutes criticism:

  1. Skim Estrada’s essay, marking where he uses either concession or refutation, or where he makes the concession-refutation move. How can you identify which strategy he is using?
  2. Analyze and evaluate one of the examples you found: What values does Estrada assume underlie his readers’ point of view? How does his way of responding attempt to bridge the gap between his readers’ and his own points of view?
  3. How do you think you would respond if you were arguing your own position on this issue?

    Question