Writing to Argue - II
Summary
TLDRThis advanced writing module focuses on the art of argumentative writing, emphasizing the importance of structure and syntax in crafting persuasive arguments. The instructor discusses the placement of key points and the use of complex sentences to convey nuanced viewpoints. Examples from video clips and written documents illustrate the effectiveness of various argumentative techniques, including the strategic use of statistics and anecdotes. The session encourages students to practice writing their own essays, exploring different topics, and refining their drafts to improve their argumentative skills.
Takeaways
- 📝 The importance of argument structure and language in persuasive writing is emphasized, highlighting how to present points effectively.
- 🗣️ The choice of where to place the strongest argument point can be at the beginning, middle, or end, depending on the strategy chosen by the writer or speaker.
- 👨👩👧 The example of parents staying at home to raise children is used to illustrate different argument structures and the impact of evidence on the argument's strength.
- 📉 The use of statistics and anecdotes in arguments can vary, with a balanced mix being key to a compelling case, much like the right amount of salt in a dish.
- 🔄 The script discusses the use of complex sentences and syntax in arguments, such as 'while', 'whereas', 'if', and 'then', to present a concise and precise case.
- 🌠 An example from Jawaharlal Nehru's letter to his daughter demonstrates the power of simple but contrasting sentences in making an argument.
- 📚 The script encourages practice in writing arguments, suggesting that learning comes from both listening and doing.
- 📝 The need for keeping the audience's interest in mind while presenting an argument is stressed, to avoid losing their attention or appearing biased.
- 🔑 The script suggests that the best way to learn argument writing is through multiple drafts and revisions, refining until no further improvement is possible.
- 🤔 It encourages examining issues from multiple perspectives and presenting arguments and ideas for both sides before concluding with a personal stance.
- 📈 The transcript ends with an invitation to compare one's own work with provided samples, emphasizing the growth in worldview, language, and intellectual development through the writing process.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the advanced writing module discussed in the script?
-The advanced writing module focuses on the structure of arguments and the syntax used in writing for argumentation, with examples from video clips and written documents.
What are the two main aspects of argument writing that the session aims to cover?
-The two main aspects are the structure of arguments and the type of syntax or sentences used in writing to argue.
How does the script suggest structuring an argument effectively?
-The script suggests deciding the order of points, considering whether to start with the best point, and keeping the listeners' interest in mind by making the argument interesting, short, and sweet.
What is an example of a topic discussed in the script for structuring an argument?
-One example is whether one parent, specifically the mother, should stay at home to raise a child, with arguments for and against this proposition.
How does the script use the example of parental stay-at-home scenarios to illustrate argument structure?
-The script uses statistics and anecdotes about fathers and mothers staying at home, showing how evidence can be presented at the beginning, middle, or end of an argument to support a viewpoint.
What does the script suggest about the importance of keeping the audience engaged while arguing?
-The script emphasizes that presenters should keep the audience interested by avoiding boredom and fatigue, and by structuring the argument to maintain engagement throughout.
What role do examples and statistical evidence play in an argument according to the script?
-Examples and statistical evidence are used to illustrate and support points within an argument, making it more compelling and convincing.
How does the script discuss the use of complex sentences in argumentative writing?
-The script mentions that complex sentences with multiple clauses, such as those using 'while', 'whereas', 'if', and 'then', are often used to present arguments concisely and effectively.
What is the significance of contrasting simple sentences in argumentative writing as mentioned in the script?
-Contrasting simple sentences can effectively highlight differences or opposing viewpoints within an argument, as demonstrated by the example from Jawaharlal Nehru's writing to his daughter.
How does the script advise on practicing argumentative writing?
-The script advises to practice by writing multiple drafts on given topics, revising until no further improvement is possible, and then seeking feedback from peers, teachers, or other reviewers.
What are some of the topics suggested by the script for practicing argumentative writing?
-The script suggests topics such as the role of big chain stores in retail marketing of domestic items, the necessity of teaching children English from birth, and the extent of state power in private life.
Outlines
📝 Introduction to Argument Writing
The session begins with an introduction to the advanced writing module, focusing on argumentative writing. The instructor discusses the importance of language and structure in argumentative writing, emphasizing the need for a clear and logical flow of ideas. Examples from video clips and written documents are promised to illustrate points. The session aims to explore how arguments are structured and the types of syntax used in persuasive writing, whether in speech or on paper.
🔍 The Importance of Argument Structure
This paragraph delves into the significance of structuring an argument effectively. It discusses the placement of key points—whether at the beginning, middle, or end of an argument—and uses the example of advocating for a parent staying at home to raise a child. The paragraph highlights the importance of keeping the audience engaged and not letting them become bored or fatigued, suggesting that the structure should be decided before writing or speaking.
🌐 Syntax in Argumentative Writing
The paragraph discusses the role of syntax in argumentative writing, illustrating how complex sentences with multiple clauses can be used to present arguments. It provides examples of how sentences can be constructed using conjunctions like 'while', 'whereas', 'if', and 'then' to create a coherent and persuasive argument. The paragraph also touches on the use of simple sentences in contrast for emphasis, using an example from Jawaharlal Nehru's writing to his daughter.
📚 Practice and Personal Document Creation
The instructor encourages students to practice writing their own documents presenting arguments, using real-life examples. The paragraph provides topics for argumentative essays and advises students to write drafts, revise, and seek feedback to improve their writing and worldview. It emphasizes the importance of not just listening to lectures but actively engaging in the writing process to truly learn and grow as a writer.
📝 Argumentative Writing Exercise
The final paragraph presents an exercise for students to write argumentative essays on provided topics, such as the role of big chain stores in retail markets or the necessity of teaching English from birth. The paragraph instructs students to examine issues, present arguments and examples, and conclude with their opinion. It encourages multiple drafts and a critical review process to refine their arguments and writing skills.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Argument
💡Structure
💡Syntax
💡Persuasion
💡Evidence
💡Anecdotal
💡Language
💡Drafting
💡Revision
💡Contrast
💡Engagement
Highlights
Introduction to advanced writing module focusing on argumentative writing.
Importance of argument structure and language choice in persuasive writing.
Strategic placement of main points in argumentative writing.
Use of statistics and anecdotal evidence to support arguments.
The role of syntax in making arguments concise and effective.
Contrasting simple sentences for impact in argumentative writing.
Balancing statistical and anecdotal evidence in essays.
Complex sentence structures using conjunctions to build arguments.
Examples of argumentative writing from real documents.
Understanding implicit conditional statements in arguments.
The significance of keeping the audience engaged in persuasive presentations.
Practical advice on writing drafts and revising for improvement.
Encouragement to write on given topics to practice argumentative writing skills.
Discussion on the impact of writing on worldview and intellectual growth.
The value of comparing personal work with samples for self-assessment.
Emphasis on the iterative process of writing and revising for intellectual development.
Conclusion highlighting the importance of practice in mastering argumentative writing.
Transcripts
Hello and welcome again
to this, the next session of the advanced writing module as part of this course in English.
We began talking about writing to argue, and we saw that when we write in support of or against
some topic or the other, one part of the issue or the other,
then we use a certain kind of language. We continue this presentation here in this session
today, and we will see two things today. Number one, how are usually arguments is structured
and number two, what kind of syntax, what kind of sentences are used in writing
for argument or even while speaking to argue. And we are going to take,
as we did last time, some extracts from some video and some, sorry, some video clip
and examples from some written document to make our point. Please pay attention. Next.
The structure of an argument is important, just as language is; so is the structure of argument.
How you bring in, what you have to say. Do you do bring your best point in the beginning?
Say, for example, are you in favour of parents staying, one of the parents
staying at home? and you say that out loud in the very beginning, that is one choice.
A lot of people say that, well, I am for this. I am for mothers staying at home. It may be boring,
it may be uneconomical, but this is the best way, time tested way
to raise a kid. Some people can say the same thing maybe at the end. So finally,
I am sure no one has any doubts that one parent must stay home and this must be the mother.
Some bring it somewhere in the middle. Now that we have looked at some evidence, some facts, we have
found that a number of fathers at least 17 percent of fathers has stayed home; but these fathers has
stayed even while they were at home, they spend time on their cell phones, on computer games
and doing other things and the child hurt itself and it was almost like not having a parent home.
Whereas we studied the mothers and we found that regardless of their personal hobbies, mothers paid
the best attention to the child, spent time with the child, did also other work at the household;
so, it seems mothers are naturally gifted to the better caregivers, better care providers,
for children and they should be home. Sorry, these are not my personal views, please.
But arguments are often structured in this manner with or without statistics,
with or without anecdotal support; it is a choice every author, it is a choice every speaker has,
how you make your case; but a structure has to be there. Before you start writing, before you
start speaking, you have to decide what you are going to say first, what you are going to say next
and what you are going to say last. Are you going to paraphrase? Are you going to
recapitulate? Are you going to rewind and listen and represent? All these choices are yours. The
only constraint is all good presenters, all good lawyers, all good advocates, all good activists
keep the listeners' interest in mind. Are the listeners bored? Are the listeners tired,
fatigued? Have they already begun praying that our presentation ended?
So do not do that; that will be the best way to lose your argument. The best way
is to keep it interesting, short and sweet. Illustrate it with examples.
Occasionally bring some statistical evidence and structure your argument
such that you will make the point, you make the valid point and not be biased,
either this side or that side; that is the best way to write the best essay. Next.
Language of argument, we began talking about it in the earlier session, we will look at some more
examples. See, very often, documents of this kind use complex sentences two clause, three clause
sentences. I mean, you know, any parent, either of the two parents can stay home;
that is one clause, not a sentence as intended. Either of the two parents, either of the parents,
either parent can stay home comma, but the best care has been given by mothers.
One can also say while there have been lots of studies saying that fathers are not the best
caregivers comma there however, are nearly 13 percent fathers who gave better care
to the child than perhaps any mother could. Their studies, some 373 fathers were observed,
and it was found that almost 280 of them played with the child, took the child out,
had sports, had a conversation, so the child's language developed.
The point I am making is not that you should speak this way or that;
the point is, arguments can be structured this way. Look at the syntax, while, whereas, if, then.
This is, there are lots of complex sentences. You should have a very good grip on syntax,
so that you present arguments concisely, precisely, and effectively.
Sometimes, even simple sentences, but they are used in contrast.
What I have before me is a well-known example from a well-known writer. Jawaharlal Nehru,
writing to his daughter while she was very young. So, he said, he is introducing the cosmos to his
daughter, and he writes two simple sentences, but contrasting against each other. Star twinkle,
planets do not. Each sentence, each clause is simple, but together
they make a complex sentence. So, quite often, the documents, so basically,
this is how an essay making arguments or presenting arguments is structured.
Examples once again can be statistical at larger policy levels, when you are talking for
a state when you are talking for a big corporate organization, but at a personal, informal level.
Some statistics may be all right, but it is anecdotal. Just as at the corporate level,
some anecdotal argument evidence can also come in but build your structure accordingly. A mix of,
a judicious mix of how much of what; like salt in sambar, do not have too much of
X or Y. But similar occasions in social circles among friends and family
have anecdotal rather than statistical evidence. What kinds of language? let us see.
You can have an abundance of clauses with: if
x y happens, then a b c would hold. While m and y were going
this t and y was sleeping or whereas, there; as you reap; as you sow,
so you reap goes a famous adage. Next. Look at this extract from a real document.
What do you find? You find things like, "if this seems contradictory", that why would a parent in
two-income household believe their life choices were damaging to their children.
Then is not written there, but every sentence that begins with an if implies the presence of then.
It is like you in the imperative sentence. You do not say you open the window,
but it is implied when you say "open the window, please", that means,
you are saying you open the window please. Similarly, then is implied here.
So, keep in mind that the past few decades have seen or see change in working
parenthood, etc., etc. And once again, like happens in arguments, you can have lots of words
referring to numbers without giving numbers. Like see change, change what percentage
that is idiomatic, it means big change, but the numbers are not given.
So quite often 31 percent; 31 percent of how many? Only about a third of households. A third
of how many? At that time, the contrast comes by far while, so, as or so, that,
this is the structure of a document presenting argument, and we should
have enough practice. How do you learn these things? As I have been saying, you learn these
things, partly by hearing, partly by listening. We are grateful that you have found us worthy of
your attention and you are doing this course, but I must also tell you, that only by listening to
us the best learning will not happen. The best learning will happen when you will go to write,
create some documents of your own after listening to us using real-life examples. Go next.
Look at this extract, find examples. These are those words, which are there only because
this document presents an argument. If this document were telling a story:
"there was a king who had three daughters", then these expressions will not be there.
Go next. It is time you wrote, your produce your own
document presenting an argument. So, we have given you some topics. Take one, so for example, write
an essay on one of the following topics and you can think of many more topics of this kind. So,
for example one, a lot of people are saying that big chain stores should not be allowed into retail
marketing of domestic items, every consumption item like vegetables, fruits, milk, meat,
fresh, bread that sort of thing. Do you agree? That there should be big global giants,
multinationals should be banned in this area. Why? Why not? Find argument
or you can take another topic. Must a child be taught in English from the time of its birth?
Many people say yes. And they say that since children are good at learning anything
and since English is nearly inevitable, no matter what you do in today's world,
you got to know English, otherwise, you cannot look at a global audience
and a good job or even good marriage people say. So, they say all children should have
English from the very first day. There are however others, who would differ,
who say no. We will be depriving children of their chance to learn a mother tongue,
an entire culture, another language, a foreign language, a second language
can also be learned a little later. Maybe as well or maybe a little less, but why
deprive them of an entire culture, which they can inherit for no special and no extra effort?
So, there are arguments on both sides. What is your opinion on the subject?
Examine the issues, present arguments and ideas and examples in support of both and then
present your conclusion, what you think will be the best to do? So, examine-related issues,
this is how you will learn. And as I said before, not one draft, not two drafts,
do as many drafts as you can, and until you feel and now this can improve no further,
and then you can share it with your friends, with your reviewers, with your teachers, with us,
for comments and opinions or go to another topic. A lot of people say that the state should have
absolute power on public roads, on streets in public life, but why should the state bother
about what we do at home? What we talk about who we talk to what language unless I hurt others?
There are opinions. There are people in one kind of culture who say, no,
what you do at home also influences public life. Therefore, the state should have that power
to, just as it has an obligation to protect you at home, it should also have the power
to see how you live at your home. On the other hand, there are those who say
no state's responsibility and a state's power ends in public domain. What do you feel?
Take any of these topics and argue on both sides in about 200 words,
check your drafts and you will find that you are writing better, your worldview has grown,
and you are able to not only write better, you are also able to talk better. Next.
We are going to give you; but do not look at it just now. First, do your own work then compare
your work with the synopsis or with the samples that we going to give. If you feel you have not
done as well, rewrite it, do it again. And you will find that in this kind of write and rewrite,
one draft and then doing another revising; not only your worldview,
not only your language, but your total makeup as an intellectual grows. Thank you very much.
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