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7.5 Complex Sentences Using Concession, Contrast and Refutation

Instructions: None
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7.5 Complex Sentences Using Concession, Contrast and Refutation

Theory:

When presenting an argument, a particularly effective way is to use CONCESSION and REFUTATION. This means you start your sentence by explaining the opposite point of view first, and then present your real argument afterwards:

While it is true that smokers have rights, (concession)

making smoking illegal will benefit everyone in society. (refutation)


Such sentences use contrast linkers at the beginning of the sentence, such as WHILE, EVEN THOUGH or DESPITE:

Even though it is true that smokers have rights, (concession) Making smoking illegal will benefit everyone in society. (refutation)

Despite the fact that smokers have rights, (concession) Making smoking illegal will benefit everyone in society. (refutation)


This is particularly effective in essay writing.


Another important element in writing is the relationship between CONCESSION and CONTRAST.

Contrast is used to compare a similar aspect of two different situations:

I like tea but my brother likes coffee.

whereas concession is used to compare different aspects of the same situation:

I prefer tea, but today I'll have coffee.


Such sentences are normally structured as follows:

While I prefer tea, I'll have coffee today.


CONTRAST, CONCESSION and REFUTATION are used to highlight a point or to emphasise or clarify an argument.

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