EWRT 1A Class 4

AGENDA

Quiz

Discussion HPPOA

Discuss Marginalization essay 1 and 2

Review Prompt 1

Read Sample Essay 1

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

Review Intro and Thesis

The Argument

Reasons and support

Counterarguments refutationaccommodation

Quiz (Chs 1-8)

1 What does Harry do to Aunt Marge

2 What is the name of the escaped murderer that everyone is

worried about

3 What is Azkaban What kinds of creatures guard it

4 Which studentrsquos death does Professor Trelawney predict

5 What is the name of Hagridrsquos hippogriff Which student

does the hippogriff attack

Discussion and Freewrite

The Boggarts in the Classroom

Basic info

What is a boggart

What form do boggarts

take

What spell is used against a

boggart What does it do

(Think about Nevillersquos

encounter with the boggart)

Discussion imagine that you are facing

a boggart

What form would the boggart take for

you Explain why

What transformation of the boggart

would make you laugh Describe it in

some detail

Think about your answers (jot them

down) then share with your House

In Your Houses Discuss

Marginalization essay 1

ldquoThe Pain of Social Rejectionrdquo

Kirsten Weir

1 What is the main argument in this paper

2 What kind of examples does the author provide Do

they support her argument

3 What are the causes of ldquoSocial Rejectionrdquo

4 What are the consequences of it

5 What kind of sources does the author use

6 How can we use this article as evidence to support our

own discussion of marginalization

Essay 1 The Writing AssignmentIn this essay you will argue a position Please consult chapter 6 in the St

Martinrsquos Guide for a detailed discussion of the requirements for this type of

essay

The essay topic identify a character in The Chamber Of Secrets who is marginalized in some way In your essay do

the following

1 Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the

book andor from the film

2 Then discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

3 Finally extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to

others you see who are also marginalized

At some point in your essay you must include a counterargument and respond to it effectively

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue

2 A Clear Position

New Writing Today

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support

4 Anticipating Opposing Positions and Objections

What you should have written already

In Your Houses take a look at Sample Essay 1

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue Read the introduction

a) Does it focus and present the issue

2 A Clear Position Identify the thesis Underline it

a Is the writerrsquos position clear

b Is it arguable

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support Find the topic sentences for the argument

a Underline them Are they clear

b Do they connect to the thesis Circle the connecting words or ideas in the topic

sentence and the thesis

c Has the writer offered evidence from the text Underline the evidence Does the

evidence support the topic sentence How

d From an outside source How does the outside information help the writer explain his

position to the audience

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

AGENDA

Quiz

Discussion HPPOA

Discuss Marginalization essay 1 and 2

Review Prompt 1

Read Sample Essay 1

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

Review Intro and Thesis

The Argument

Reasons and support

Counterarguments refutationaccommodation

Quiz (Chs 1-8)

1 What does Harry do to Aunt Marge

2 What is the name of the escaped murderer that everyone is

worried about

3 What is Azkaban What kinds of creatures guard it

4 Which studentrsquos death does Professor Trelawney predict

5 What is the name of Hagridrsquos hippogriff Which student

does the hippogriff attack

Discussion and Freewrite

The Boggarts in the Classroom

Basic info

What is a boggart

What form do boggarts

take

What spell is used against a

boggart What does it do

(Think about Nevillersquos

encounter with the boggart)

Discussion imagine that you are facing

a boggart

What form would the boggart take for

you Explain why

What transformation of the boggart

would make you laugh Describe it in

some detail

Think about your answers (jot them

down) then share with your House

In Your Houses Discuss

Marginalization essay 1

ldquoThe Pain of Social Rejectionrdquo

Kirsten Weir

1 What is the main argument in this paper

2 What kind of examples does the author provide Do

they support her argument

3 What are the causes of ldquoSocial Rejectionrdquo

4 What are the consequences of it

5 What kind of sources does the author use

6 How can we use this article as evidence to support our

own discussion of marginalization

Essay 1 The Writing AssignmentIn this essay you will argue a position Please consult chapter 6 in the St

Martinrsquos Guide for a detailed discussion of the requirements for this type of

essay

The essay topic identify a character in The Chamber Of Secrets who is marginalized in some way In your essay do

the following

1 Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the

book andor from the film

2 Then discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

3 Finally extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to

others you see who are also marginalized

At some point in your essay you must include a counterargument and respond to it effectively

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue

2 A Clear Position

New Writing Today

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support

4 Anticipating Opposing Positions and Objections

What you should have written already

In Your Houses take a look at Sample Essay 1

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue Read the introduction

a) Does it focus and present the issue

2 A Clear Position Identify the thesis Underline it

a Is the writerrsquos position clear

b Is it arguable

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support Find the topic sentences for the argument

a Underline them Are they clear

b Do they connect to the thesis Circle the connecting words or ideas in the topic

sentence and the thesis

c Has the writer offered evidence from the text Underline the evidence Does the

evidence support the topic sentence How

d From an outside source How does the outside information help the writer explain his

position to the audience

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Quiz (Chs 1-8)

1 What does Harry do to Aunt Marge

2 What is the name of the escaped murderer that everyone is

worried about

3 What is Azkaban What kinds of creatures guard it

4 Which studentrsquos death does Professor Trelawney predict

5 What is the name of Hagridrsquos hippogriff Which student

does the hippogriff attack

Discussion and Freewrite

The Boggarts in the Classroom

Basic info

What is a boggart

What form do boggarts

take

What spell is used against a

boggart What does it do

(Think about Nevillersquos

encounter with the boggart)

Discussion imagine that you are facing

a boggart

What form would the boggart take for

you Explain why

What transformation of the boggart

would make you laugh Describe it in

some detail

Think about your answers (jot them

down) then share with your House

In Your Houses Discuss

Marginalization essay 1

ldquoThe Pain of Social Rejectionrdquo

Kirsten Weir

1 What is the main argument in this paper

2 What kind of examples does the author provide Do

they support her argument

3 What are the causes of ldquoSocial Rejectionrdquo

4 What are the consequences of it

5 What kind of sources does the author use

6 How can we use this article as evidence to support our

own discussion of marginalization

Essay 1 The Writing AssignmentIn this essay you will argue a position Please consult chapter 6 in the St

Martinrsquos Guide for a detailed discussion of the requirements for this type of

essay

The essay topic identify a character in The Chamber Of Secrets who is marginalized in some way In your essay do

the following

1 Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the

book andor from the film

2 Then discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

3 Finally extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to

others you see who are also marginalized

At some point in your essay you must include a counterargument and respond to it effectively

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue

2 A Clear Position

New Writing Today

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support

4 Anticipating Opposing Positions and Objections

What you should have written already

In Your Houses take a look at Sample Essay 1

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue Read the introduction

a) Does it focus and present the issue

2 A Clear Position Identify the thesis Underline it

a Is the writerrsquos position clear

b Is it arguable

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support Find the topic sentences for the argument

a Underline them Are they clear

b Do they connect to the thesis Circle the connecting words or ideas in the topic

sentence and the thesis

c Has the writer offered evidence from the text Underline the evidence Does the

evidence support the topic sentence How

d From an outside source How does the outside information help the writer explain his

position to the audience

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Discussion and Freewrite

The Boggarts in the Classroom

Basic info

What is a boggart

What form do boggarts

take

What spell is used against a

boggart What does it do

(Think about Nevillersquos

encounter with the boggart)

Discussion imagine that you are facing

a boggart

What form would the boggart take for

you Explain why

What transformation of the boggart

would make you laugh Describe it in

some detail

Think about your answers (jot them

down) then share with your House

In Your Houses Discuss

Marginalization essay 1

ldquoThe Pain of Social Rejectionrdquo

Kirsten Weir

1 What is the main argument in this paper

2 What kind of examples does the author provide Do

they support her argument

3 What are the causes of ldquoSocial Rejectionrdquo

4 What are the consequences of it

5 What kind of sources does the author use

6 How can we use this article as evidence to support our

own discussion of marginalization

Essay 1 The Writing AssignmentIn this essay you will argue a position Please consult chapter 6 in the St

Martinrsquos Guide for a detailed discussion of the requirements for this type of

essay

The essay topic identify a character in The Chamber Of Secrets who is marginalized in some way In your essay do

the following

1 Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the

book andor from the film

2 Then discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

3 Finally extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to

others you see who are also marginalized

At some point in your essay you must include a counterargument and respond to it effectively

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue

2 A Clear Position

New Writing Today

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support

4 Anticipating Opposing Positions and Objections

What you should have written already

In Your Houses take a look at Sample Essay 1

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue Read the introduction

a) Does it focus and present the issue

2 A Clear Position Identify the thesis Underline it

a Is the writerrsquos position clear

b Is it arguable

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support Find the topic sentences for the argument

a Underline them Are they clear

b Do they connect to the thesis Circle the connecting words or ideas in the topic

sentence and the thesis

c Has the writer offered evidence from the text Underline the evidence Does the

evidence support the topic sentence How

d From an outside source How does the outside information help the writer explain his

position to the audience

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

In Your Houses Discuss

Marginalization essay 1

ldquoThe Pain of Social Rejectionrdquo

Kirsten Weir

1 What is the main argument in this paper

2 What kind of examples does the author provide Do

they support her argument

3 What are the causes of ldquoSocial Rejectionrdquo

4 What are the consequences of it

5 What kind of sources does the author use

6 How can we use this article as evidence to support our

own discussion of marginalization

Essay 1 The Writing AssignmentIn this essay you will argue a position Please consult chapter 6 in the St

Martinrsquos Guide for a detailed discussion of the requirements for this type of

essay

The essay topic identify a character in The Chamber Of Secrets who is marginalized in some way In your essay do

the following

1 Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the

book andor from the film

2 Then discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

3 Finally extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to

others you see who are also marginalized

At some point in your essay you must include a counterargument and respond to it effectively

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue

2 A Clear Position

New Writing Today

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support

4 Anticipating Opposing Positions and Objections

What you should have written already

In Your Houses take a look at Sample Essay 1

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue Read the introduction

a) Does it focus and present the issue

2 A Clear Position Identify the thesis Underline it

a Is the writerrsquos position clear

b Is it arguable

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support Find the topic sentences for the argument

a Underline them Are they clear

b Do they connect to the thesis Circle the connecting words or ideas in the topic

sentence and the thesis

c Has the writer offered evidence from the text Underline the evidence Does the

evidence support the topic sentence How

d From an outside source How does the outside information help the writer explain his

position to the audience

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Essay 1 The Writing AssignmentIn this essay you will argue a position Please consult chapter 6 in the St

Martinrsquos Guide for a detailed discussion of the requirements for this type of

essay

The essay topic identify a character in The Chamber Of Secrets who is marginalized in some way In your essay do

the following

1 Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the

book andor from the film

2 Then discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

3 Finally extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to

others you see who are also marginalized

At some point in your essay you must include a counterargument and respond to it effectively

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue

2 A Clear Position

New Writing Today

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support

4 Anticipating Opposing Positions and Objections

What you should have written already

In Your Houses take a look at Sample Essay 1

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue Read the introduction

a) Does it focus and present the issue

2 A Clear Position Identify the thesis Underline it

a Is the writerrsquos position clear

b Is it arguable

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support Find the topic sentences for the argument

a Underline them Are they clear

b Do they connect to the thesis Circle the connecting words or ideas in the topic

sentence and the thesis

c Has the writer offered evidence from the text Underline the evidence Does the

evidence support the topic sentence How

d From an outside source How does the outside information help the writer explain his

position to the audience

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Review Basic features of an Argument essay

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue

2 A Clear Position

New Writing Today

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support

4 Anticipating Opposing Positions and Objections

What you should have written already

In Your Houses take a look at Sample Essay 1

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue Read the introduction

a) Does it focus and present the issue

2 A Clear Position Identify the thesis Underline it

a Is the writerrsquos position clear

b Is it arguable

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support Find the topic sentences for the argument

a Underline them Are they clear

b Do they connect to the thesis Circle the connecting words or ideas in the topic

sentence and the thesis

c Has the writer offered evidence from the text Underline the evidence Does the

evidence support the topic sentence How

d From an outside source How does the outside information help the writer explain his

position to the audience

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

In Your Houses take a look at Sample Essay 1

1 A Focused Presentation of the Issue Read the introduction

a) Does it focus and present the issue

2 A Clear Position Identify the thesis Underline it

a Is the writerrsquos position clear

b Is it arguable

3 Plausible Reasons and Convincing Support Find the topic sentences for the argument

a Underline them Are they clear

b Do they connect to the thesis Circle the connecting words or ideas in the topic

sentence and the thesis

c Has the writer offered evidence from the text Underline the evidence Does the

evidence support the topic sentence How

d From an outside source How does the outside information help the writer explain his

position to the audience

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

A Well-Supported Position Reasons and SupportIn arguing for a position writers may provide various kinds of supporting evidence including

facts statistics examples anecdotes and quotes from authorities

Examples and anecdotes illustrate what may be true in certain situations effective writers do not

usually offer them as hard-and-fast evidence of the universal truth of their positions Using them can

however make an argument less abstract and enable readers to identify with those affected by the

issue Evidence from a film or novel provides the basis for your analysis in this essay You

may still need other evidence to back up your insights and assertions

Facts are statements that can be proven to be true However a statement that is not true or only

partially true may be asserted as fact Therefore readers may need to be reassured that an

asserted fact is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source

Statistics are sometimes mistaken for facts but they are only interpretations or correlations of

numerical data Their reliability depends on how and by whom the information was collected and

interpreted

Quotes from authorities can carry weight if readers see them as knowledgeable and trustworthy

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Developing your

Argument in-class

writing

Explain how the character is marginalized and provide examples of the marginalization using quotes from the book andor from the film You will need reasons for each of the ways you see your character as marginalized Note Examples support reasons they are not the same

List Possible Reasons for your characterrsquos marginalization

Once your thesis is clear take a moment to list the reasons for your position (Example in the sample essay the writer says Myrtle is shamed isolated and rejected)

Try to come up with as many reasons as you can Later you may add reasons or modify the ones you have listed

Make a Note of Evidence

Consider evidence from the novel or movie Which evidence supports your reasons (in the sample essay to show how she is shamed the writer points out that Calling her ldquolsquoMoaning Myrtlersquo rather than just ldquoMyrtlerdquo turns her character name into a part of a homonym that simultaneously ridicules and marginalizes herrdquo

Your Tentative Position Look at your thesis that is your current position on the issue You should have written it as homework for today As you develop your argument and counterargument you may refine this claim and decide how to formulate it effectively for your readers For now say as directly as you can what you see as the marginalization of a certain character

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Tips For Working At Home

1 Donrsquot neglect to consider these two aspects of the prompt

Discuss ways in which the character responds to the marginalization that you see as productive or

unproductive and why

Extend your insights to contemporary society how does this characterrsquos marginalization compare to others

you see who are also marginalized

Suggestion Take a moment to consider the two articles we discussed earlier Does any of that information seem

particularly relevant to your argument Does a point in one of the essays serve to support an outcome or behavior

of your marginalized character

2 Collect Evidence Make notes of the evidence mdash such as authorities facts anecdotes and statistics mdash you might

be able to use to support your reasons You may already have some evidence you could use If you need to do

research make notes of sources you could consult

3 Choose the Most Plausible Reasons Write several sentences explaining why you think each reason would be

likely to convince your particular readers to take your argument seriously Then identify your most plausible

reasons If you decide that none of your reasons seems very plausible you might need to reconsider your position

do some more research or choose another issue

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Counterarguments AcknowledgeRefuteAccommodate

Writers of position essays try to anticipate other widely held positions on the issue as

well as objections and questions readers might raise to their argument Writers have

three options in anticipating readersrsquo alternative positions and objections

1048691 they can simply acknowledge readersrsquo views

1048691 they can accommodate them by making concessions

1048691 they can try to refute them

Anticipating readersrsquo positions and objections can enhance the writerrsquos credibility and

strengthen the argument When readers holding an opposing position recognize that

the writer takes their position seriously they are more likely to listen to what the writer

has to say It can also reassure readers that they share certain important values and

interests with the writer building a bridge of common concerns among people who

have been separated by difference and antagonism

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Even Hermione initially expresses distress at the possibility of having to speak with Myrtle and when

doing so is unavoidable treats Myrtle with condescending politeness calling out ldquoHow are you

Myrtle [] Itrsquos nice to see you out of the toilet [hellip] Just saying ndash sayingmdashhow nice you look tonightrdquo

(134) It is clear to Myrtlemdashand to the readermdashthat Hermione is not interested in making a personal

connection with Myrtle though she does seem aware that going along with othersrsquo marginalization of

Myrtle is troubling when she ldquosadlyrdquo comments ldquoOh dearrdquo (135) while watching Peeves heckle and

chase Myrtle away But even if we read this as a moment of conflicted sympathy it remains clear

that Hermione is unwilling to stand up for Myrtle in any meaningful way (Student 4)

Letrsquos return to the essay sample for this essay to look at the counterarguments

there Note the sentence strategy the writer offers a concession followed by

refutation

In this example from the argument the writer concedes that a different reader might

argue that Hermione is sympathetic to Myrtle in this scene but in a quick turn the

writer firmly refutes that notion as one that detracts from the thesis by pointing out that

ldquoHermione is [still] unwilling to stand up for Myrtlerdquo ultimately Hermione also

contributes to Myrtlersquos marginalization

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

One might object that Myrtle needs to be more assertive in standing up for herself and that she

could finally gain some measure of respect if she were to push back at the bullying and abuse that

she faces However this objection ignores the unfair irony that just before her murder Myrtle was

privately dealing with the aftermath of bullying in the girlsrsquo bathroom and she took the brave action of

shooing away a boy who should not have been in the bathroom She paid with her life for revealing

herself and speaking out against him as that boy was Tom RiddleVoldemort speaking in

Parseltongue to the snake and when Myrtle opened her stall she was killed by the snakersquos deadly

stare In this situation standing up to patriarchal violence (in the form of Tom Riddle) resulted in

Myrtlersquos death (Student 5)

Here in the first sentence of this paragraph we see a more obvious objection to the thesis of the paper

This time the writer turns the counterargument to his thesis back around by using the phrase

ldquohoweverrdquo This language makes it clear that the writer will explain how the argument against the

thesis is illegitimate by providing information that the first reader has not consideredmdashWhen Myrtle

did assert herself by telling Tom Riddle to exit the girls bathroom she was murdered by a male who

asserted his patriarchal privilege in claiming space earmarked specifically for females

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

The concession-refutation move sometimes called the ldquoyes-butrdquo strategy is important

in most arguments Following is an outline of some other kinds of language authors

rely on to introduce their concession-refutation moves

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Counterarguing

Readersrsquo

Objections in-class

writing

List Possible Objections Look for places where your argument is vulnerable For example think of an assumption that you are making that others might not accept or a value others might not share Imagine how people in different situations mdash different neighborhoods occupations age groups living arrangements mdash might react to each of your reasons

Accommodate a Legitimate Objection Choose one objection that makes sense to you and write for a few minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument You may be able simply to acknowledge an objection and explain why you think it does not negatively affect your argument If the criticism is more serious consider conceding the point and qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it If the criticism seems so damaging that you cannot accommodate it into your argument however you may need to rethink your position

Refute an Illegitimate Objection Choose one objection that seems to challenge or weaken your argument and write for a few minutes on how you could refute it Do not choose to refute only the weakest objection while ignoring the strongest one Consider whether you can show that the objection is based on a misunderstanding or that it does not really damage your argument You may also need to modify your position to make sure the objection is not valid

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Tips For Working At Home

Accommodate a Plausible Reason Choose one reason that makes sense to you and write for a few

minutes on how you could accommodate it into your argument Consider whether you can concede

the point and yet put it aside as not really damaging to your central argument You may also have to

consider qualifying your position or changing the way you argue for it

Refute an Implausible Reason Choose one reason that you do not accept and write for a few

minutes on how you could refute it Consider trying one of these strategies argue that readersrsquo values

are better served by your position point out where the reasoning is flawed (for instance that it

commits a straw-man fallacy by refuting your weakest reason and ignoring stronger ones) show that

the argument lacks convincing support (for instance that an example applies only to certain people in

certain situations or that alternative authorities disagree) If you do not have all the information you

need make a note of what you need and where you might find it (Note Do not choose to refute a

position no one takes seriously Also be careful not to misrepresent other peoplersquos positions or to

criticize people personally)

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection

Homework

Read HP POA (Chapter 9-10 )

Collect evidence from Chamber of Secrets novel or film and

marginalization essays Choose the most plausible support for

your argument Draft the reasons and support section of your

essay (20)

Discussion 4 The Argument

1 Your two best body paragraphs

Discussion 5 The Counterargument

1 Accommodate a legitimate objection

2 Refute an illegitimate Objection