1. Argument Writing:
Defend, Refute, Qualify

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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].

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.