for the argument paper

Organizing the Refutation Paragraph in the Argument Paper

You want to avoid interjecting opposing points of view throughout your essay. The point of the essay is to build a convincing argument, so by interjecting opposing points of view in your earlier paragraphs, you weaken your argument. The most strategic place to acknowledge opposing or refutation voices is following your strongest reason.

When you refute an opposing position, use the following three-part organization within the body paragraph :

1. The opponent’s argument – Begin with a transition that clearly signals that you are now acknowledging the opposing point of view (Consult A Writer’s Reference for transitions). Then provide a context of the opposing view and then add your evidence. Make sure to analyze the source and do not jump into refuting until you have done this [never dump in a source and always include the tag line]. Thus at the beginning of your paragraph, you need to state, accurately and fairly, the main points of the argument you will refute. Include the source of the opposing point of view.

2. Your position – Next, make clear the nature of your disagreement with the argument or position you are refuting. Your position might assert, for example, that a writer has not proved his assertion because he has provided evidence that is outdated, or that the argument is filled with fallacies.

3. Your refutation – The specifics of your counterargument will depend upon the nature of your disagreement. If you challenge the writer’s evidence, then you must present the more recent evidence. If you challenge assumptions, then you must explain why they do not hold up. If your position is that the piece is filled with fallacies, then you must present and explain each fallacy.

Example: (This is the opposing paragraph from the student essay, “The Insidious Force of Incentives.”

On the other hand, incentives motivate people to perform. Levitt acknowledges that if companies incorporate a system of legitimate incentives with a proper check and balance system, it will motivate employees and keep management healthy and honest (45). For most companies, who have honest management, incentives do produce positive change. However, companies are after all, driven by the bottom line; they are in the business to make money. As exemplified by Enron, not all American companies are ethical and honest, and incentives are used in such a dishonest and corrupt way. Like the market place, incentives are explosive and ever-changing, maybe like the wind.

My comments:

1. The topic sentence begins with a transition that signals clearly that this is an opposing point of view, “On the other hand.”

2. Next the writer incorporates a source of the opposing point of view. This is a paraphrase. Note how the writer inserts a signal phrase, “Levitt acknowledges.” Also the paraphrase is cited (45). This is the page number from Levitt’s book.

3. A tag line follows the paraphrase, “For most companies, who have honest management….change.” This shows and explains how the quote supports the topic sentence that sometimes incentives do work.

4. Then the writer begins his refutation of Levitt’s information by beginning with “However, companies…wind.” He refutes the information.