ANSWER KEY

How to have a really good argument

LISTENING

You are going to listen to the former politician Rory Stewart giving his top tips for having a
successful argument.

1) Read the extract and try to predict the words you will hear. Listen and complete the extract
with a word or short phrase (0:00-1:03):

Arguments are extraordinary things. 1 Painful things sometimes, but fantastic ways of 2
clarifying thought. That could be arguing with your partner, arguing with a friend, arguing in the 3
law court, arguing in parliament. But for me, at least, all these types of arguments show where
the truth is going wrong, helps you to think more clearly, and in my case, helps me to change my
mind. A successful argument basically starts with a really good grasp of the 4 subject. You need
to choose your subject well. Secondly, 5 structure. It needs a very clear beginning, middle and
end. Thirdly, the 6 content of it, the words, the phrases, the metaphors, the jokes, the things that
give it life. And finally, 7 emotion. And the way in which that's carried out, not just in the words,
but in your voice and in the way that you move your body.

2) Now watch the second part and say if the sentences are TRUE or FALSE (1:03-2:35)

(F ) Firstly, Rory thinks about the content of an argument.

(T ) Concluding an argument with a strong point is a good idea.
(T ) Even if you prepare for an argument, at times, they don't end up in a positive way.
(F ) According to Rory, it is okay to lose control of your emotions.
(T ) If emotions are controlled, they can help you win an argument.

3) With a partner, correct the false statements.

3) Answer the questions about the third part (2:35-4:20)

What's the best argument Rory's ever had?

It was the first leadership debate when he was running against other candidates to be the leader
of the Conservative Party.

What comparison did he use?

He remembered a dialogue with his wife about bins.

What's the worst argument he's ever had?

It was his second big debate on TV.

What went wrong?

He thought he would have the best arguments, but they didn't have any effect, so he got more
and more annoyed in a way that the audience could see it.

4) Watch and match the ideas below (4:24-6:12).

a) One of the great changes in the history of argument is,

b) There's something very satisfying
c) But if you don't argue
d) if you don't try to really pin down what somebody's saying,
e) And a lazy form of thought,

(C )it is very, very difficult to get to the truth.

(D ) you get a very lazy form of thought.
(E ) in the end, is a version of lying.
(A ) of course, the arrival of television.
(B ) about the discipline of that word limit.

TALKING POINT

What are the benefits of arguments, according to Rory? They are fantastic ways of clarifying
thought.

How does he prepare for an argument? He understands the subject, structure, and content.
After that, he practices.

What do masters in arguments usually have? They are people who can perfectly calibrate
when to hold back and when to go for it.

Why does he say television is important for arguments? Because suddenly, it was possible for
people to view politicians in particular in action.

What were the differences between Kennedy and Nixon? Nixon won on the radio. His arguments
were serious and thoughtful. But Kennedy glowed on television and then was elected president.

Why does Rory like Twitter? He loves the clarity of Twitter.

VOCABULARY

1) Read these sentences from the video. With a partner, discuss the meaning of the underlined
expressions / collocations. Then match them to their definitions.

A) A successful argument basically starts with a really good grasp of the subject.
B) Emotion is very, very dangerous in an argument. It can really put people's backs up.
C) And I got more and more wound up with myself.
D) And my whole body language is kind of cramped up.
E) Tonight, you were a bit lackluster, weren't you?
F) I’m going to have to learn how I flourish.
G) But Kennedy just glowed on television.

(D ) Unable to move
(F ) Succeed
(C ) Very worried, nervous, or angry.
(G ) To look attractive
(A ) The understanding of something.
(B ) To annoy someone
(E ) Without energy and effort

GRAMMAR POINT: HOW TO STRUCTURE AN ARGUMENT

1) Unscramble the sentences below.

a) realize / I / if / wonder / you / that... I wonder if you realize that (5 )

b) by / you / What / do / mean / ? What do you mean by...? (3 )
c) approach / I'd / this / differently I'd approach this differently. (1 )
d) important / that / think / I / it's / you / mentioned I think that it's important you mentioned...( 2 )
e) as / think / don't / I / as / simple / it's / that I don't think it's as simple as that. (4 )
f) think / By / we / now / I / all / that / agree / can By now, I think we can all agree that...(6 )

2) Read the advice on how to argue. Match the sentences from the previous exercise to each
piece of advice.

1 - State your argument, then list the evidence

2 - Acknowledge the other's view
3 - Ask your opponent to explain their points, then interpret them in your own words
4 - Refute every one of your opponent's points
5 - Address any reservation
6 - Conclude and reiterate your main point

3) Read the whole article on the website and find more examples of language to argue.