Welcome to Social Studies! Please take out your homework and composition books. You will need your writing folders later 

Today we will: Practice defending a position using Alexander of Macedonia. Explain and practice concession and rebuttal statements. Practice a concession and rebuttal for our papers! Work on organizers if time Be ready for writing tomorrow?

Was Alexander truly “Great?” After reading BOTH sides of Alexander’s activities in Egypt (and drawing from what you know about him and his actions in Thebes) decide whether Alexander of Macedonia was truly “Great” or does he deserve another title? Write ONE sentence stating your position about Alexander.

Concession/Rebuttal How many of you have been in a discussion with someone and you remember saying, “Yeah, that’s true, but…” This is concession/rebuttal.

Concession/Rebuttal Acknowledging or recognizing the opposing viewpoint, conceding something that has some merit, and then refuting it with another argument

Concession/Rebuttal Concession and rebuttal (or counter argument). In a concession, you acknowledge that certain opposing arguments have some truth. The rebuttal explains how this does not weaken your argument. This makes you sound open–minded. This sounds like. . . I realize most teachers don’t want cell phones in class because they cause problems, but… I know what other kids would say… I have a possible solution to this problem.

Rebuttal There are TWO PARTS to a strong rebuttal. You must explain why your concession does not significantly impact your argument, and then conclude with a connection that strengthens your position. Example: Admittedly students may think Language Arts is the best class, however Social Studies is the foundation of all subjects, therefore without Social Studies there would be no LA classes.

Transitional Phrases – Concession/Rebuttal 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… There are certain transitions that signal concession and rebuttal or counter argument. However, they should not become formulaic by being prescribed. You may need to discuss these transitions and give examples of how they might be used. Elicit additional ideas from students. (Some suggestions are below.) Post these transitions so that students can select from them for their writing. Additional examples: One might argue . . . For the most part . . . . Under these conditions . . . Perhaps, possibly, it is possible It must be granted No doubt If it were so In some cases It seems, it may be, in effect

Concession/Rebuttal Statements Take the claim that you made about Alexander Write your name and the claim on the index card on the unlined side. Hand to Mrs. Granfield. Get a card from Mrs. Granfield. Write a concession statement to that claim on the top part of the lined side of the card. Return card to owner. Respond with a rebuttal statement below.

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

Concession/Rebuttal Statements Take one claim you anticipate making in your paper. (preferably one you can back up!) Write the claim on the organizer provided. Use the transition words/phrases to help structure your statement. Respond with a rebuttal statement below.

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