Concession-Refutation Model

When writing opinion pieces, it's easy to fixate on your own point and ignore the other side. However, just like argumentative essay writing or debating, quality opinion pieces always address the other side with the concession-refutation model.

The concession-refutation model acknowledges opposing viewpoints (concession) to demonstrate understanding or fairness, then counters them with evidence or reasoning (refutation) to strengthen the argument. This approach builds credibility while effectively dismantling opposing claims.

Let's take a look at how the writer uses the concession refutation model in this article about deepfake sex crimes in South Korea and how international schools need more education on this matter.

"Although international schools are more in the loop with the American system and use Common Sense Media, a cookie-cutter Social-Emotional Learning and Digital Citizenship program, they must not throw a blind shoulder to local issues. 

Schools must actively fight against the cultural taboo and educate students about these crimes to foster a supportive environment where victims can reach out for help. Daegu and Ulsan, among many other cities, have implemented “Emergency Education on Preventing Deepfake Crimes,” where they teach students precautionary measures and actively strive to eradicate sexual crimes in schools."

The writer first acknowledges that international schools adopt a widely recognized program like Common Sense Media for Social-Emotional Learning and Digital Citizenship (concession).

However, it counters by arguing that these schools must not overlook pressing local issues, emphasizing the need for proactive education on culturally specific problems like deepfake crimes and sexual misconduct. The writer then gives further evidence of initiatives in cities like Daegu and Ulsan (refutation). This strengthens the argument by recognizing an existing effort but highlighting its insufficiency in addressing context-specific challenges.

Although this need not be the bulk of your article, make sure to weave in this model into your writing to strengthen your argument.