How to structure your argument

• newEditor
• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

How to build your argument

• I know how to structure my arguments

What makes an argument a good argument?

Sleepvraag

Part of a good argument

Avoid this in your argument

Repeat the discussion statement

Explain what you mean

Add as much info as you can

Repeat information you said in other arguments

Add a source

The Anatomy of a good argument

Your argument should include the following four parts:

1. Argument statement

2. Explanation

3. Example + source

4. Summarize and clear ending

Argument statement

Start your argument by telling it in clear direct language. It is important to repeat (some) of the discussion statement to make it specific.

To give an example I chose the following discussion statement:
“V3 students should at least read three books written by native English speakers in a year”

The argument statement I will show you is "in favor" of the discussion statement:

"V3 students should read at least three books written by native English speakers in a year because it will increase their fluency."

Explanation

No we’ve established a clear argument, you are going to give more explanation so the other person understands the argument better.

"By reading books, written by native English speakers, students expose themselves to authentic input. It will give them the chance to expose themselves to new vocabulary, within meaningful context. Students will also recognize grammar structures that are taught in class, which strengthens their understanding of the language. "

Give an example

After explaining, you have to give a valid example to strengthen the argument. This is also a chance to add your source, if you want, in a correct and natural way.

"students use a lot of tactics to learn new vocabulary and train their grammar skills, such as making homework or using study-go. But the most important thing to do is repeat what you have learned so it becomes part of your permanent skillset.
according to linguist Stephen Krashen, reading is a great tool to repeat words and grammar structures in an engaging and natural way, making it easier to remember and understand."

Summarize and end the statement

Conclude your statement by summarizing it shortly so the other person had a great chance to react. NEVER add new information in the conclusion.

"So students should read books by native English speakers because it enhances their fluency by repeating learned words and grammar structures in a fun and low effort way."

Practice time!

Take a look at the hand-out and fill in the grids to structure your arguments.
Eacht argument should at least have:

1. An argument statement

2. Explanation

3. Example

4. Short summary

Do this in pairs and work together, because the arguments are going to be used during your test!