Building an Argument with Refutation, Some Tips
Purpose (s): Refutation might be an end in itself. You read something that you object to
because it is wrong, misleading, ethically reprehensible, or whatever, and you want to set
the writer straight, usually along with a larger group, such as the original argument’s
original audience. Other times you might use a refutation as a springboard for your own
argument, for example, refuting a proposal before you make one of your own.
Types of Refutation:
1) general: These are brief, beginning with a lead-in such as “some argue that. . .”
2) specific: These refer to a specific argument made by a specific person. (The type you
are doing for your assignment for this assignment.)
Structure: With a specific refutation, you can organize it in a point-by-point structure
(best for longer arguments) or a simpler summary-response structure, fine if you have
only one or two points to make.
Refutation Anatomy: refutations contain all or some of the following parts
 A summary of the other writer’s views as stated in the original argument
 Something about the background of the other writer
 Some context for the original argument
 Background/context of the subject of the argument
 Additional information about the subject of the argument
 Summary of what other people have said on the subject of the argument
 Information about your own connection to the subject of the argument
 A concession to the other writer’s position
Tips, and Special Pitfalls to Avoid:
 Stay on the high road. Avoid ad hominem attacks. Attack the argument, not the
arguer. Avoid snide remarks, hostility, patronizing your opponent or audience.
 Make your summary of the other person’s original argument fair, to show you
really understand the other side. Remember that your audience is quite likely to
share the views and attitudes of your opponent, especially if you are responding in
the same forum as the original argument.
 Be sure you don’t make any of the errors you are criticizing in your opponent’s
argument. It is strangely common in refutations.