Rule reminder

A strong argument anticipates and addresses the strongest objection (confutazione). The rebuttal (replica/confutazione) can use four main techniques: (1) CONCEDE AND QUALIFY — accept part of the objection but limit its scope; (2) DENY — reject the objection with counter-evidence; (3) REFRAME — show the objection actually supports your thesis; (4) DISTINGUISH — show the objection applies to a different case than the one argued. The formula: 'È vero che… tuttavia / ciononostante…' is the classic Italian concede-and-qualify structure.