Refuting an Argument Persuasive Research Paper Adapted from Keys for Writers

It is not enough to present your own reasons and evidence for your claim. When you take into account any opposing arguments and the reasons and evidence that support those arguments, you present yourself as objective and evenhanded, furthering your ethical argument. It is not enough to present your own reasons and evidence for your claim. When you take into account any opposing arguments and the reasons and evidence that support those arguments, you present yourself as objective and evenhanded, furthering your ethical argument.

1. Examine opposing arguments; describe the most common or convincing ones 1. Examine opposing arguments; describe the most common or convincing ones 2. Explain what motivates people to take those positions. 2. Explain what motivates people to take those positions. 3. Discuss the ways in which you see your reasons and evidence as more convincing than those in the opposing argument. 3. Discuss the ways in which you see your reasons and evidence as more convincing than those in the opposing argument.

When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have seriously considered the many sides of the issue, and that you are not simply attacking or mocking your opponents. When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have seriously considered the many sides of the issue, and that you are not simply attacking or mocking your opponents.

It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather than to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies. It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather than to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.

Example: Pro Vegan Diet for Children Those who oppose raising children using vegan diets worry not only about what is lacking in the diet but also about the unnecessary additives that may harm children. Soy milk, commonly used in vegan diets, may contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to a child’s body chemistry (Lund). In addition, just as a child can develop an allergy to cow’s milk, too much soy milk can also have negative reactions (Peters). However, these problems are easily fixed. Sugar-free soy milks are available. As to the lack of vitamin B12 and other vitamins and minerals, “parents need to take special care that their children are getting enough,” advises Dr Spock. “A multivitamin and mineral supplement can offer the needed insurance” (Spock and Needleman 338). The arguments against vegan diets for children do not consider the many options that are available for supplementing their diets in a healthy way.