Argument Lesson 9

Why argue? To persuade = To get someone to agree with your view point How do you persuade someone? State your opinion clearly and provide strong support for your views What sort of ‘support’ should you provide? Indisputable facts, strong logical / practical or ethical reasons.

argue = to disagree about an issue Definitions argue = to disagree about an issue argument (general)= a disagreement about an issue in which two opposing points of view are put forward argument (academic)= a hypothesis on an academic subject supporting argument (academic) = a fact or assertion to support a hypothesis e.g. ‘Tighter gun control is necessary to prevent the escalation of violent crime.’

Topic? Censorship

Topic: Language drilling Definition?

The argumentative essay In the argumentative essay, the main idea is contained within a thesis statement of opinion e.g. ‘While drilling is no longer considered fashionable in language teaching , there is clear evidence that it still has a place in the classroom when used selectively.’ Topic? Controlling idea?

The rules of argument Example: Position 1: Some people believe that you must work hard to achieve success in life, as greater effort equals greater reward. Position 2: However, working smart –using brain rather than brawn– is the key to success. If Position 2 is the main argument what is Position 1 called? The opposing argument or counterargument

Counterarguments What is a counterargument? A counter-argument is an argument opposed to the original argument or thesis. [Arguments which support your ideas are often referred to as supporting arguments]

How to deal with counterarguments As a writer, you must know the counterarguments of the opposing side. To win an argument, you must show that the counterarguments are not valid. In other words, you must be able to refute the counterarguments.

Topic? Death penalty / Capital punishment

State the counterargument first: The death penalty for capital crimes ensures that that the criminal can never commit the offence again. Then refute it: However, if an innocent man is executed, the injustice can never be undone. Finally, state the main argument: Consequently, the death penalty is a flawed solution and should be abolished.

Refuting counterarguments Refute = prove to be wrong There are three ways to refute a counterargument: Show that is incorrect Show that it is irrelevant Show that it is insufficient / not strong enough (most common)

Listening Exercise p. 148 Teamwork: medical and other practices Task 1, Questions 1-4

Logical organisors of concession ‘However’ is a logical organiser of concession (concede = to give in or surrender). Another logical organiser of concession is is ‘although’. e.g. ‘Although the death penalty ensures that the criminal cannot repeat the crime, it also ensures that a wrongly convicted person cannot be given back their life!’

Other ways to introduce counterarguments Generally, the strategy is to make it clear that this is someone else’s view. Many people [believe/argue/feel/think/suppose] that... It is often [thought/imagined/supposed ]that.... It might [seem/appear/look] as if.... Another common approach is to use a question: But isn’t it true that....? Doesn’t/Wouldn’t/Isn’t...? You can also cite specific writers or thinkers who have expressed a view opposite to your own: While Fund argues that... Ngugi has written, ...Dangarembga takes the position that..

Listening Exercise p. 148 Task 2, Questions 1

Writing Exercise All undergraduate degrees should be 4 years long Opposing argument: ? Refutation: ? Main argument: ?

Organisation A Body para 1: Supporting argument 1 Body para 2: Supporting argument 2 Body para 3: Supporting argument 3 Body para 4: Opposing argument + refutation

Organisation B Body para 1: Opposing argument + refutation Body para 2: Supporting argument 1 Body para 3: Supporting argument 2 Body para 4: Supporting argument 3

Organisation C Body para 1: Opposing argument 1+ Refutation / Supporting argument 1 Body para 2: Opposing argument 2+ Refutation / Supporting argument 2 Body para 3: Opposing argument 3+ Refutation / Supporting argument 3

Choosing an organisational pattern When do we use organisation patterns A, B and C? If the arguments are unbalanced use patterns A or B. However, if there an equal number of supporting arguments and opposing arguments use pattern C.

Writing: Tasks 1-4: pp.140-4

The best approach to persuade people to change their lifestyles is through financial incentives or disincentives