This document discusses how to write a concession paragraph when taking a position on an issue. A concession acknowledges parts of the opposing viewpoint and makes arguments to overcome objections. Students should anticipate counterarguments and give partial agreement to other perspectives, while still supporting their own thesis. The document provides an example concession paragraph on censorship that acknowledges valid concerns about media violence but argues for industry self-regulation instead of government censorship. Students are instructed to include concrete details and commentary when writing their own concession paragraphs.

1. Here at PHS we often have
students write a paragraph called a
Concession.
In your concession paragraph you “make
concessions”.

2. What is a concession?
A concession is actually a persuasive
technique.
Of the modes of persuasion we have studied,
the concession would be an example of
Logos.
A concession is when the writer takes time to
explain the other side of the issue.
Students often make the mistake of arguing the
other side of the issue.
There is a difference!

3. What do you do in the concession?
Anticipating objections--When you anticipate objections to your
argument or proposal, you are making an effort to see the
others' viewpoints. You actually state other viewpoints. You are
also troubleshooting problems that you must overcome to write
a thorough proposal or position paper
Making concessions--When you make a concession, you
actually give in to part of the other person's objections or views.
You admit that he is half right, perhaps, or that he has a valid
concern. Then you overcome that concern by logic and/or a
solution.
If you cannot find any objections or concessions, then you
are probably not writing an argumentative paper.

4. You are writing a position paper about censorship.
Begin with your introduction and thesis (position).
Then write your concession outlining the views of
those who would disagree with you.
Then write several paragraphs in which you discuss
censorship and support your viewpoint.

5. While censorship is dangerous to a free society, some of the
concerned citizens who are in favor of censorship may have
valid points when they object that children should not be
exposed to television violence. [Here you have made a
concession and anticipated an objection in one
sentence.] Indeed, often there is too much violence on
television [Again, a concession, a point of agreement.] Perhaps
the answer is for all networks to establish the same guidelines of
self-censorship [Here you offer a partial solution most can
agree on.] If the networks were more responsible and tried to
avoid material that is in poor taste, governmental officials, religious
groups, and concerned parents might not feel the need to be
involved in their decisions at all.
This example is general and has no CDs. Where would you
insert CDs into this paragraph?

6. How do you write the concession?
The concession is just like any other body paragraph:
•You will need 3 concrete details
•You will need to write commentary for each CD
•You will need a Topic Sentence and a Concluding sentence
•You will need transitions to make it all flow together.
Your topic sentence will be a little different . . .
• Even after looking at all the evidence there are still
people who believe that . . .
•There are some who would disagree with these ideas . .
•Proponents of the other side would argue . . .
•There are those who would argue . . .

7. Your essay might look something like this:
•Intro
•Concession
•Body Paragraph 1 (Your first point)
•Body Paragraph 2 (Your next point)
•Conclusion

8. Your Turn
Now it is your turn. You need to get started
on writing your concession right now.
TS: There are those that believe . . .
Transition
CD
Comm
Comm
CD
Comm
Comm