Strategically conceding, rebutting, or refuting information
Emily Wilson
9 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP English Language study guide covers concession, rebuttal, and refutation in argumentative essays. It explains how to acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints, including definitions, examples, and when/how to use each technique. The guide also provides practice multiple-choice and free-response questions and emphasizes the importance of these skills for the AP exam.
#AP English Language: Mastering Concession, Rebuttal, and Refutation 🚀
Hey there, future AP Lang superstar! Let's get you prepped to ace those argumentative essays. This guide will break down how to handle opposing claims like a pro, so you can walk into the exam feeling confident and ready to go. Let's dive in!
#Understanding Opposing Arguments
#Why Acknowledge Opposing Claims? 🤔
- It's all about showing depth: Acknowledging other viewpoints proves you've really thought about the issue, not just your side. It shows you're a critical thinker.
- Builds trust: When you address counterarguments, you come across as more fair, objective, and credible.
- Strengthens your argument: By addressing and dismantling opposing claims, you make your own argument even more persuasive.
#Concede, Rebut, Refute: The Big Three
Let's break down these crucial terms using the example argument:
Public libraries will become irrelevant in the future, and should be restructured to prioritize digital resources more.
#1. Concession: "Okay, I see your point..." 🤝
- Definition: Accepting all or part of a competing claim as valid, agreeing it's correct under certain circumstances, or acknowledging your own argument's limitations.
- Why? Shows you're open-minded and understand the complexities of the issue.
Think of concession as saying, "You've got a point there." It's about acknowledging the other side's strengths.
Example:
While I disagree that public libraries will become irrelevant in the future, I concede that they should be restructured to prioritize digital resources more. Libraries already offer access to technology, digital resources, and workshops to teach digital literacy skills, but they could benefit from more support and resources to help them further their mission. Libraries should also prioritize providing access to digital tools for those who may not have them, and create programs to help people learn how to use technology. By doing so, libraries can continue to be an important part of a technology-focused future.
#2. Rebuttal: "Hold on, let's look at this differently..." 🤨
- Definition: Offering a contrasting perspective on an argument, its evidence, or providing alternative evidence to suggest the opposing claim is invalid.
- Why? Challenges the opposing a...
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