don't you need some kind of refutal to make your essay sound stronger?

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Personally, I tend to feel (and have been told by teachers) that refutals strengthen a composition. Noting that you are aware of the opposing opinion, then telling what is incorrect about this demonstrates that you have done the research, and know what others might say. Presenting this side will allow the reader to learn, and feel that they have drawn out their own opinion from your piece, which, as I understand it, is the point of essays-- to inform/enlighten others.

Not in all cases!  If you can just prove you side with a relevant examples, that is strong enough.