Argumentation Agree or Disagree

Argumentation Have you ever argued with others? How do you argue with others? convince controversial a conflict of opinions Argument ≠Shouting Match. rational and reasonable

Warm-up Activity You and your partner are discussing what you are going to do together during this coming summer vacation. Your partener prefers to work in a big company to earn some money. You prefer to do some voluntary work for society. You try to persuade each other by giving various reasons.  Please note down what methods/views are used to persuade others to believe you.

Argumentation  To argue is to persuade your audience to agree with your opinion or position by presenting logical reasoning and solid evidence.  --to convince  --to defend  --to attack

Viewpoint Evidence Substantiation Argument Refutation (1) A direct disapproval to the viewpoint (2) A disapproval to the evidence, then to the viewpoint (3) A disapproval to the substantiation, then to the viewpoint A debatable point Sufficient evidence Sound logic

Essential Elements of Argumentation  The issue—a debatable idea about which people disagree and hold different points of view  The claim—the point of view the writer tries to prove about the issue, usually the writer’s view on the issue  The support—ideas and information intended to convince readers that the claim is sound or believable. The three common types of support are reasons, evidence, and emotional appeal.  The refutation,which recognizes and argues against opposing viewpoints

A Debatable Point An issue that is both controversial and significant.  Forest Gump is my favorite movie.  The smartphones are more and more popular recently.  Noise pollution is harmful to people’s health. (personal preference) (mere statement of fact) (generally accepted viewpoint) Having a dink family makes it possible to maintain a relatively stable marital life.

Major Stages I. Introduction ( 提出问题 / 引论 ) Identification of issue Background to issue Thesis statement

Are cash incentives a good way to motivate employees?  Intro 1  Money makes the world go round, and nowhere is this more true than in the workplace. Employers know that money is one of the best motivators. However, are bonuses or cash awards always the best way to reward employees? In this essay, I will look at some of the arguments for cash as a reward.

 Intro 2  Many people argue that cash incentives are an unfair means of motivating employees. Others love the simple, practical, down-to-earth gift of money for a job well done. I feel that while there are some circumstances where money is the best recognition for extra work, there are other times it is inappropriate.

Thesis sentence: comes at the end of introduction.  In this essay, I will outline the arguments for and against.....  This essay looks at ideas in favour of.... and against....  This essay will discuss the benefits of....  I am going to analyse the effects of.... .....is completely unnecessary.  Words to use in the thesis sentence  analyze, look at, examine, discuss, outline, consider, describe

Avoid “I think…” My belief is that…/In my view…/ For my part/As to me/As far as I am concerned, I'd like to agree to the former point of view. My favor goes to the first point of view. There are two main reasons why I oppose/favor… It would be more accurate to say that… All things considered, I am in favor of… There is sufficient evidence to show that… “It…” constructions (it could be argued that…; most people would agree…)

 The first thing we have to consider is  First of all I should like to consider  The first thing to be considered is…  It is a fact that…  I believe that…  There is no doubt that…

II. Body （分析问题 / 本论） Layout of an essay: 3773: a four paragraph essay 35553: a five paragraph essay

 3773 means  a 3-sentence Intro  a 7-sentence para  a 3-sentence conclusion  means  a 3-sentence Intro  a 5-sentence para  a 3-sentence conclusion

Should Smoking Be Banned? It has become fashionable in the world today to condemn smoking. However, although I feel that smoking can be harmful, I do not think it should be banned. First, smoking undoubtedly helps many people to relax. For some, it ······. A further point is that governments throughout the world make huge profits from levying taxes on cigarettes. This provides funds ······. I would also argue that people should have the right to choose whether they smoke or not. People should not smoke ······. Support Claim

III. Conclusion （解决问题 / 结论）  rephrase the question  summarize the main ideas  look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)

Conclusions  Should we beat children?  In conclusion, physical punishment can be a useful method of discipline. However it should be the last choice for parents. If we want to build a world with less violence we must begin at home, and we must teach our children to be responsible. (summarize and look to the future)  Who are the better parents - men or women?  It is not an either-or question. Both men and women have strengths and skills that are important for children's psychological growth. We need to ensure that both parents play an important role in the family in order to give children a good start in life. (opinion)

Language features of argumentation Persuasive language One way of giving emphasis is by using “negative inversion” When those words are at the beginning of a sentence, inversion is used:

 Rarely had such a noise been heard.  Never  Hardly…..when  Not only…but also  Under no circumstance  Under no account  Seldom  Little  Few

(to make the statement more or less forceful) It could be argued that … Most people would agree… We have an obligation to … (instead of “we must…”) There is a tendency to … The likelihood that … He is probably right when he says/writes that… The degree of sureness

The preciseness We could stand a better chance to persuade the readers if we make our writing more precise by using limiting words.

Moreover, interview is not an effective way of recruitment because of the subjectivity it involves in decision making. Interviewers build their judgment on the first impression of candidates. Besides, interview is open to favoritism and nepotism.

Moreover, interview is not always an effective way of recruitment because of the subjectivity it involves in decision making. Many interviewers are likely to build their judgment on the first impression of candidates. Besides, in extreme cases, interview is open to favoritism and nepotism.

Quantity: many, a number of, few, Frequency: sometimes, usually, always, seldom, rarely Extent: almost none/ all, nearly, to some extent, in general, generally speaking Condition: if…, when…, as long as…, with/ without… Possibility: be likely to do, tend to do, there is a danger/hope that… Limiting words

Homework  Finish the peer evaluation.