An Effective Response: Conceding and/or Refuting

E-Page 55
 Analyze 
Use the basic features.

As noted previously, writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as well as objections and questions that readers might raise because doing so enhances the writer’s credibility (or ethos) and strengthens the argument. They may concede, refute, or combine the two in what we call the concession-refutation move (see p. 248 in the text).

ANALYZE & WRITE

Write one or two paragraphs analyzing how Fendrich concedes and refutes criticism:

  1. Skim Fendrich’s essay, marking where she uses either concession or refutation or where she makes the concession-refutation move.
  2. Analyze and evaluate one of the examples you found: What values does Fendrich assume underlie her readers’ point of view? How does her way of responding attempt to bridge the gap between her readers’ and her own points of view?
  3. What position would you take on this issue, and how would you argue for it?

    Question