Concession as a Persuasive Writing Technique Deppe

Journal 9: You want to go to Cancun for spring break with your friends. You see no reason why you should be deprived of this trip, but your parents forbid you to go. Come up with 3 reasons why you should be allowed to go AND 3 reasons your parents may not want you to go

Sample Cancun Reasons Your Reasons: Travel is as important in education as study You have worked hard for twelve years and deserve a vacation You have always been a trustworthy and responsible person. You have not gotten into trouble in America and will not choose this opportunity to spend time in a Mexican jail Parents’ Reasons: Lack of safety in a foreign country The expense of overseas travel Lack of chaperones Potential availability of alcohol to underage students

What is a concession? Concession is when you acknowledge or recognize the opposing viewpoint, conceding something that has some merit A reader of your essay is more likely to listen to you if you show you can see his/her point of view before you counter that argument

Why is concession important? It allows you to show that you see and appreciate good reasoning on the part of the opposition At the same time you have the opportunity to show your own better reasoning You concede the validity of the opposition, but then you prove the superiority of your position The opposition might be right, but you are "righter." 

Why is concession important? Remember that a concession is not a form of weakness In fact, a concession is a strength as it finds common ground with your opponent and establishes your ethical appeal: you are a reasonable person willing to listen to/acknowledge that there are more sides to an issue than yours

This is why! **You can’t ignore compelling opposing evidence. You must address strong arguments on the other side; if you don’t, it looks like you are not well prepared and have not looked at the issue you are writing about from all perspectives.**

Example 1 "True, gun control legislation in Canada needs to be tightened to prevent the United States from becoming as violent as its neighbors to the south. The proposal that has been submitted, however, does not go far enough. Instead,…[now writer begins building his side of argument showing how it is stronger than the opposing side’s!]

Example 2 “It is true that students should not have headphones on when their teachers are giving a lesson. Students should not be allowed to block out their teachers. However, when every member of the class is working individually after important information has been given, listening to music can be a helpful learning tool. It would create a more relaxing, calm environment for learning. Some students can concentrate more while listening to music.”

Example 3 “Certainly, some students abuse the absentee policy and lie about being sick. They usually try to get out of school for one reason or the other. But the majority of students stay home because they are sick. When a student is sick, he should be focusing on getting better, not worrying about missing classes and grades. Also when a student comes to school when he is sick because he doesn’t want to lose credits, he is not helping himself.”

Transitional Phrases It is true that…however…therefore… Certainly…but…in short… Admittedly…on the other hand…so… Of course…nevertheless…as a result… Obviously…on the contrary…finally… Sure…however…in addition…

Where should concessions go? Concession statements can go almost anywhere! in the introduction in the body paragraphs in a separate body paragraph

Concession Structure Example Paragraph One: Introduction--use this to get your reader's attention.  You can use a dramatic incident or example.  This is your opportunity to hook your reader into your paper.  Use it well. Give your proposition, your point of view at this point.

Concession Structure Example Paragraph Two: Now give the opposition's argument A. Opposing point to your argument. B. Your rebuttal to the opposing point. C. Elaboration to back your rebuttal.

Concession Structure Example Paragraph Three: Concede to the opposition's good reasoning. . . But you have better reasoning, and here it is. Start here with your first better reason and develop it. Paragraph Four: Your second "better reasoning" and develop it Paragraph Five: Your third "better reasoning" and develop it

Concession Structure Example Paragraph Six: You can give another reason here, or you can conclude your paper if you feel that you have addressed all of the issues that need to be addressed in order to persuade your reader.  Leave your reader with something to think about.  This is your last chance to change your reader's mind.

Your Turn! Take out your argumentative essay and think about where you can add (a) concession(s) to your argument Remember, it can be in the intro, the body paragraphs, or a separate paragraph all together