Refutation essay

ENC 1102 Refutation Essay

Refutation:

an attempt to weaken,

invalidate or make less

credible a claim with

which you disagree.

REFUTATION ESSAY

Have you ever read an editorial by an author with whom you

adamantly disagreed? Have you ever read a news story that quoted

an elected official who made a comment you believed was so

misguided that you felt a strong desire to respond? Your response

to an argument that you feel to be flawed or misrepresented

is known as a refutation.

The purpose of this final essay is to 1) select an argumentative text (article, TED Talk, blog,

editorial, speech, etc.) that you find to be problematic, flawed, or one-sided and 2) provide

a refutation to that article.

Where To Find A Text?

There are numerous places you can look to find an argumentative text—

below are just a few ideas:

 Ted Talks

 Blogs

 Opposing Viewpoints Database (TCC Library)

 New York Times Opinion Pages

 Fox News Opinion Pages

 Any news outlet (see below)

ENC 1102 Refutation Essay

GUIDING QUESTIONS:

 Is the evidence or proof that the writer uses a problem? Is the evidence not up to

date, insufficient, irrelevant, or not representative?

 Is the claim valid? Do the reasons support the claim?

 Does the essay contain logical fallacies?

 Does the author offer a solution that you feel will not work?

 What counter-claims can you offer that support your opposing view?

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

 1000-1500 Words

 MLA Format

 Two credible sources, minimum, to support your refutation