Argument Writing: Defend, Refute, Qualify

Why an argument? Argument writing attempts to convince readers to see things your way An argument makes a claim and offers reasons and evidence to support that claim

What about defend, refute, or qualify? Defend, refute, qualify questions ask you to consider a statement and respond with your own opinion Your opinion may: agree with the statement (defend) disagree with the statement (refute) agree with the statement, but only under certain circumstances or for a different reason (qualify)

Formatting Your Argument Your argument should be a statement that agrees/disagrees in sentiment without actually saying whether it agrees/disagrees. Do not include the quotation in your writing, unless you use it as part of your introduction. Phrases to avoid: [Author] is correct that… It is true that [quotation]. As [author] says, [quotation/restatement].

For example… Tenzin Gyatso (1935 – present) once said: « From a certain point of view our real enemy, the true troublemaker, is inside. » In a well-developed, multi-paragraph essay, defend, refute, or qualify this statement. Use evidence from To Kill a Mockingbird to support your reasoning.

Defend Original quotation: « From a certain point of view our real enemy, the true troublemaker, is inside. » Defending argument: The most difficulty people face in life comes from their own negative qualities.

Refute Original quotation: « From a certain point of view our real enemy, the true troublemaker, is inside. » Refuting argument: People encounter the most trouble when they must face off against an external enemy that they cannot control.

Qualify Original quotation: « From a certain point of view our real enemy, the true troublemaker, is inside. » Qualifying argument: People’s own negative qualities, which they often learn from others, cause them the most turmoil.