When writing a persuasive essay, your argument will be much stronger if you identify an opposing argument (counter argument) and explain why that argument is less effective. Reveal the flaws of the counter argument. This is called refuting an argument, or refutation.
Some common mistakes when refuting include:
• Stating an opposing argument without saying why it is less effective.
• Being too general, like “…and that argument is less effective because it is wrong.”
• Refuting an argument other than the one you have stated in your essay.
Practice refuting these reasons:
Teenagers should be given more homework so they stay out of trouble.
A school uniform should be implemented so there is less time wasted on enforcing a dress code.
Students shouldn’t be required to go to school because then there will be kids there who don’t want to be there and they might cause trouble.
The school day should be shortened because more time in school does not increase the quality of learning.
The school should abolish all organized sports and put all money into music because it has been proven that students involved with music are more successful in school.
Students should be allowed to eat and drink any time and anywhere during the school day because students have different needs for eating times.