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Arguing Your Point Clearly in English: A Guide for English Learners.
Duration: 50 minutes.
Expressing your opinions and having constructive discussions are important parts of learning English. Let’s start by watching a video.
Dan Shapiro, the head of Harvard’s International Negotiation program, shares 3 keys to a better argument.
Here are 4 tips to help you argue your point clearly and effectively.
1. Know Your Audience:
- Formal vs. Informal:
Adapt your language depending on the situation. Use formal language in academic settings and informal language with friends. - Cultural Differences:
Be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles. Brazilians might be more expressive, while some English speakers might prefer a more reserved approach.
2. State Your Point Clearly:
- Start with a clear thesis statement:
Briefly introduce your main argument at the beginning. - Use simple and concise language:
Avoid complex sentences and unfamiliar vocabulary. - Focus on one point at a time:
Don’t try to cover too much information at once.
3. Support Your Argument:
- Use evidence:
Back up your claims with facts, examples, or statistics. - Explain your reasoning:
Connect the evidence to your main point and explain how it supports your argument. - Use transition words:
Use words like “because,” “therefore,” and “however” to show the connection between your ideas.
4. Be Respectful and Open-Minded:
- Acknowledge your opponent’s perspective:
Briefly summarize their point before presenting your own. - Avoid personal attacks or insults:
Focus on the arguments, not the person. - Be open to considering other viewpoints:
Listen actively and be willing to adjust your position if presented with convincing evidence.
Additional Tips:
- Use body language:
Maintain eye contact, use appropriate gestures, and speak with confidence. - Vary your tone of voice:
Avoid sounding monotone and emphasize important points with slight changes in tone. - Don’t be afraid to ask questions:
If you’re unsure about something, clarify it before continuing the discussion.
Why are Dogs are better than Cats?
Here are several arguments you can use to defend the viewpoint that dogs are better than cats as house pets:
- Loyalty and Companionship: Dogs are renowned for their loyalty to their owners.
- Trainability and Obedience: Dogs can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and commands, making them highly adaptable to different living environments.
- Active Lifestyle: Many dog breeds are well-suited for an active lifestyle, encouraging their owners to engage in regular exercise and outdoor activities.
- Protection and Security: Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their territory and family members, making them excellent guard animals.
- Socialization Opportunities: Owning a dog can enhance social interactions and community engagement. Dog owners often bond over shared experiences, such as attending obedience classes, visiting dog parks, or participating in canine-related events.
- Emotional Support and Therapy: Dogs have been shown to provide emotional support and therapeutic benefits to their owners.
- Adaptability to Family Life: Dogs come in a wide range of breeds, sizes, and temperaments, allowing individuals and families to choose a pet that best fits their lifestyle and preferences.
- Personalized Connection: Dogs have unique personalities and traits that make each one special. The bond between a dog and its owner is often deeply personal and rewarding, fostering a sense of love and companionship that enriches both lives.
Remember: The goal is to have a productive and respectful exchange of ideas. By following these tips, you can effectively argue your point in English and engage in meaningful conversations. These arguments highlight the many benefits of having a dog as a house pet and can be used to support your viewpoint in discussions or debates comparing dogs to cats.
