READING – WRITING 6

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY -
COUNTERARGUMENT AND REFUTATION
1. PARAGRAPH 1
Read the following paragraph as part of the essay on the topic sexual discrimination.
In contrast, there are some people who claim that the problem of sexual discrimination no
longer exists. They point out that women do, after all, have legal rights intended to protect
them from discriminations. In addition, a few women are now beginning to reach top
positions as judges, business leaders and politicians, while a number of other previously all-
male professions are opening their ranks to women. Nonetheless, these examples are not
the norm and discrimination is still very much with us.

To make an argumentative essay strong, the writer includes a counter-argument, a refutation, and
concession.
+ The counter-argument is the opposing point of view. By including the counter-argument, the
writer shows an understanding of the opposing point of view.
+ In a concession, the writer agrees that the opposing point of view is valid, but emphasizes how his
or her argument is still stronger.
+ The refutation is the writer’s response to the counter-argument. In the refutation, the writer shows
why the counter-argument is weak and his or her opinion is strong.

2. PARAGRAPH 2
Some students may argue that because of their situation, they sometimes have no choice
but to buy essays off the Internet. I understand that students are under a lot of pressure to
produce well-written essays in order to pass their classes, but this does not justify
plagiarism. If they plagiarize, they will not develop their own writing and critical thinking
skills. As a result, they may not be prepared to pass their final exams. In the end,
plagiarizing is harmful to the student’s own academic success.

USEFUL LANGUAGE:
1. Counter-argument:
 It is often argued that
 Opposing views claim that
 Opponents/ Advocates of ….. may argue that …
 Some critics argue/assert/contend/claim/state . . .
 Many believe that . . .
 It has been argued/asserted/contended/claimed/stated . . .
READING – WRITING 6
2. Concession:
+ Admittedly,
+ This point has some merits on its surface….
+ There may be some truth in their argument
3. Refutation:
 Nevertheless, …….....
 However, it cannot be denied that ….
 On the other hand,…
 Nevertheless/nonetheless/however + your argument
 Though it is a valid point/argument + your argument
 Even though (one part of the argument) is true, it still does not . . .

 Thus/ Therefore/As a result,…….