Refutations Your refutations are your responses to these counterarguments. An effective counterargument/refutation sequence often takes the form of two connected paragraphs. In the first paragraph, you should present a likely counterargument of someone opposed to your point of view. Present this opposing idea thoroughly and respectfully, almost as if you were supporting it. Then, in the following paragraph, refute the counterargument by explaining why your position should prevail against it