Concession and Rebuttal: Understanding the Basics (Adapted from http://www.mesacc.edu/~paoih30491/Refutationpgphs.html)

1. Your essay will begin with an introduction paragraph. The last sentence of the introduction

paragraph should be your thesis statement. Thesis Statement: Although space is limited and new buildings require land, (this the counterargument, the opposite point of view from your argument) providing adequate student parking needs to be a college priority. (This is your argument)

2. The first body paragraph after your introduction should be your concession/rebuttal paragraph; it’s this paragraph that addresses the “although clause” in your thesis statement. Here’s how to write this type of paragraph:

Step One: Concede-- Introduce and acknowledge the opposing argument

The writer summarizes the opposition's viewpoint openly and honestly. Ignoring the opposition is futile in that the audience is aware of the opposing arguments and will doubt the credibility of a presentation that chooses to ignore the opposition rather than deal with it.

Ways writers can begin:

Using the above thesis statement, write the first few sentences of a the concession paragraph:

Step Two: Counter the Argument

Introduce the rebuttal of the concession argument. The writer refutes the opposition's claims showing they are incorrect or inconsequential--not as big of a problem as the actual thesis statement that’s being presented.

Ways writers can begin; Nevertheless; However; On the other hand; But...

Using the above thesis statement, write the next few sentences where you introduce the counterargument/rebuttal.

It is often argued that; it is true that; Opposing views claim; Admittedly; Certainly; Of course; One cannot deny that; At the same time...