MAKING AN ARGUMENT

BEFORE YOU WATCH

a) Are you a persuasive person? In what situations have you needed to persuade others to
your point of view? How did you try to persuade them? Did it work?

VIDEO

b) Watch the video and choose the correct option to complete the sentences:

1. An audience will understand your point of view better if …

a. they are already familiar with the topic.

b. you give them background information about the topic first.

2. When you make a claim, …

a. you give your point of view on the subject.

b. you present facts or statistics on the subject.

3. Some examples of evidence are ...

a. studies, facts, historical data, and statistics.

b. personal experiences and opinions.

4. Reasoning and … can both be used to convince people to share your point of view.

a. repeating claims and arguments

b. making emotional connections

5. At the end of your talk,

a. repeat your main points with a summary.

b. ask your audience whether they agree with you or not.

c) Decide if the statements are True (T), False (F), or Not Mentioned (NM):

1. When you make an argument, you state your point of view and explain your opinion.
2. When you make an argument, you are disagreeing with someone.
3. Your claim is a short explanation of your point of view on the topic.

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 4. Reasoning is more persuasive than making an emotional connection with the audience.
5. Using your personal experience is the strongest form of persuasion when making an
argument.

d) Match the word or phrase (1-5) with the quotation (a-e):

1. ___ argument

2. ___ evidence

3. ___ reasoning

4. ___ emotional connection

5. ___ conclusion

a) “If you analyze the data on working from home, you’ll see that people actually work more hours.”
b) “The government’s job statistics show that one in seven people now work from home.”
c) “From my perspective, employees should have flexible work hours.”
d) “In summary, flexible work hours create happier, more productive employees.”
e) “Flexible work hours helped me lower my stress level and balance my work and life.”

LANGUAGE FOCUS

e) Complete the talk with the words in the box:

Firstly minds however What’s more

Finally believe considered

‘I 1.__________strongly that introducing a flexi-time system would be beneficial. 2________, it would

facilitate a better work–life balance. 3____________, it would allow employees to attend language
classes. 4.____________, not only would it increase job satisfaction but it would also boost productivity.
I am aware that you are in two 5._________ about introducing this system; 6.___________, I am
convinced that flexi-time will create a happier workplace and result in higher staff retention levels. All
things 7._______________, it seems a productive step for us to take.’

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COMMUNICATIVE TASK

f) Prepare an outline and visuals for a short talk on a topic:

Select a topic and make a claim about it. Write a few sentences that explain your claim to the
audience, trying to use the vocabulary from the previous exercise.

• Do some research to find background information about the topic. Look for
evidence that supports your point of view on the topic. Present facts, studies, or historical
information.
• Reflect on your personal experience with the topic. Write down one or two
personal experiences you have had that influenced your point of view.
• Prepare visuals (texts, charts, images) that will help your audience follow your argument as you
talk.

REFUTING AN ARGUMENT

When you refute an argument, you oppose someone else’s point of view. You should begin with a
simple summary of the opposing argument. A counterargument gives your point of view. To prove
your point, you should provide key evidence to support your ideas. You need evidence and facts to
back up your point of view.

LANGUAGE FOCUS

g) Complete the talk with the words in the box:

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COMMUNICATIVE TASK

h) Prepare debate arguments for a topic of your choice.

• Select a topic on Padlet that you don’t agree with.

• Research information relevant to the topic and your point of view.
• On Padlet, write one sentence that clearly states your point of view (as an answer to your friends
post).
• List arguments you think the opposing side will make and find evidence to refute the arguments.

Language box

Before we begin, I’d like to give you some background information about…

As you all know…

I think I can safely claim that…

I believe strongly that…

I’m convinced that…

To convince you, I’ll show you evidence from….which I hope will prove my point.

Some studies show that…

For instance, as you can see in the video/article…

First/ Moreover/Finally…

By the end of my talk, I hope that you will come over to my side and agree that…

All things considered, …

Refuting

I understand that…but…

I agree that….However, I disagree that…

I don’t think that…

There are several reasons why I disagree with this statement. First…Secondly…

Studies show that…