Argument Worksheet

Argument Worksheet

Discuss these questions for a few minutes in pairs or small groups.

What is the difference between discussing something and arguing about something?

What is the difference between a discussion and an argument?

What did you last argue about?

When was the last time you had to put forward an argument about something?

How can someone make a convincing argument? What should they do and what should they say?

The structure of an argument

Look at the advice for formulating an argument. Which pieces of advice do you think are

appropriate? Which are inappropriate?

1. Have a clear standpoint – make sure that your audience knows what your opinion is.

2. Don’t make your argument clear until just before you conclude.

3. Present a logical sequence of reasons for your argument so that it is easy to follow.

4. Provide supporting arguments and evidence to strengthen your view.

5. Give many different examples of why your opinion is valid.

6. If you refer to other people’s opinions, you can contrast them with your own.

7. Always agree with other people’s opinions.

8. Use insults to make your partner’s argument weaker.

9. Make sure to reformulate your argument so the audience hears it one more time.

10. Summarize your main point at the end of your argument.

OPINION ET ARGUMENTATION
Opinion :
I think / I believe / I reckon / I suppose/ I guess                                 I do believe that…
In my opinion, … / To my mind, .../ In my view, .../ As far as I am concerned, I think...
I am (deeply) convinced that.../ My view is just the opposite

Agreement :
I agree with...    / I do agree with…/ I entirely agree with/ I completely agree with…
I think you're (absolutely) right. / That's true/ Definitely/ absolutely

Disagreement :
I disagree with/ I don't (quite) agree/ I don't think so

To put something in perspective/in question
Let us consider/the other side of the coin/the cons…

Exemplifying
Let me give you an example/ Let us consider this example
The best example I know is…
For example/ For instance…

Probability :
Perhaps, maybe
It may/might/could/is likely to + BV

Concluding
In conclusion I would say that…
Let me conclude by saying that…