ADVANCED

How to have a really good argument

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJHxS3ptNEI

WARM UP

1) Do you ever have arguments? Who with?

2) Do you believe arguments can be good? Why (not)?

3) Is there an effective way to argue? Explain.

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____________ things sometimes, but fantastic ways of 2
_____________ thought. That could be arguing with your partner, arguing with a friend, arguing in
the 3___________, 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 ______.
You need to choose your subject well. Secondly, 5 _________. It needs a very clear beginning,
middle and end. Thirdly, the 6 ________ of it, the words, the phrases, the metaphors, the jokes,
the things that give it life. And finally, 7 _________. 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)

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

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

3) With a partner, correct the false statements.

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

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

______________________________________________________________________________________

What comparison did he use?

______________________________________________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________________________________________

What went wrong?

______________________________________________________________________________________

5) 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,

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

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

TALKING POINT

What are the benefits of arguments, according to Rory?

How does he prepare for an argument?
What do masters in arguments usually have?
Why does he say television is important for arguments?
What were the differences between Kennedy and Nixon?
Why does Rory like 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.

( ) Unable to move
( ) Succeed
( ) Very worried, nervous, or angry.
( ) To look attractive
( ) The understanding of something.
( ) To annoy someone
( ) Without energy and effort

GRAMMAR POINT: HOW TO STRUCTURE AN ARGUMENT

https://vocab.chat/blog/how-to-argue-in-english.htmlI

1) Unscramble the sentences below.

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

b) by / you / What / do / mean / ? ____________________________________________________( )
c) approach / I'd / this / differently __________________________________________________ ( )
d) important / that / think / I / it's / you / mentioned ____________________________________( )
e) as / think / don't / I / as / simple / it's / that __________________________________________( )
f) think / By / we / now / I / all / that / agree / can _______________________________________( )

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.
ROLE-PLAY

1) Choose one of the situations below and start an argument with your partner. Use the tips from
the video and this lesson. In which situation should you use formal language?

Situation 1: Situation 2:

You are two politicians You are flatmates. You have

running the elections for
mayor in your town.
You have to argue about who
will be the best mayor. Ask
and answer questions about
education, sustainability,
public health, etc.
been having some problems to
share housework and some
bills. You have to argue about
it and try to negotiate
housework and expenses.

2) Write a new situation and role-play the argument.

Situation 3: