Writing to Argue - II

IIT Madras - B.S. Degree Programme
7 Sept 202118:14

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

  • šŸ“ The importance of argument structure and language in persuasive writing is emphasized, highlighting how to present points effectively.
  • šŸ—£ļø 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.
  • šŸ‘Øā€šŸ‘©ā€šŸ‘§ 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.
  • šŸ“‰ 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.
  • šŸ”„ 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.
  • šŸŒ  An example from Jawaharlal Nehru's letter to his daughter demonstrates the power of simple but contrasting sentences in making an argument.
  • šŸ“š The script encourages practice in writing arguments, suggesting that learning comes from both listening and doing.
  • šŸ“ The need for keeping the audience's interest in mind while presenting an argument is stressed, to avoid losing their attention or appearing biased.
  • šŸ”‘ The script suggests that the best way to learn argument writing is through multiple drafts and revisions, refining until no further improvement is possible.
  • šŸ¤” It encourages examining issues from multiple perspectives and presenting arguments and ideas for both sides before concluding with a personal stance.
  • šŸ“ˆ 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

00:00

šŸ“ 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.

05:04

šŸ” The Importance of Argument Structure

This paragraph delves into the significance of structuring an argument effectively. It discusses the placement of key pointsā€”whether at the beginning, middle, or end of an argumentā€”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.

10:13

šŸŒ 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.

15:24

šŸ“š 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.

šŸ“ 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

šŸ’”Argument

Argument refers to a set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others to accept a particular idea or point of view. In the context of the video, argument is central to the theme of constructing persuasive writing. The script discusses how arguments are structured and the language used to present them effectively, such as 'I am for mothers staying at home' and 'mothers are naturally gifted to the better caregivers'.

šŸ’”Structure

Structure in the context of argument refers to the organization of ideas and information in a logical and coherent manner. The video emphasizes the importance of structure in presenting an argument, whether it's leading with the strongest point, using evidence, or saving the most persuasive statement for last, as seen in the examples provided, such as placing the viewpoint 'one parent must stay home and this must be the mother' at the end for emphasis.

šŸ’”Syntax

Syntax is the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in the context of grammar. The video script discusses the use of complex syntax in argumentative writing, including the use of conjunctions like 'while' and 'whereas' to connect clauses and present a nuanced argument, as illustrated by the sentence 'Either of the two parents can stay home, but the best care has been given by mothers.'

šŸ’”Persuasion

Persuasion is the art of influencing people's opinions or actions through reasoning and argument. The video's main theme involves the art of persuasion in writing, where the speaker advises on how to keep the audience engaged and avoid losing their interest, which is crucial for effective persuasion, as noted in the advice 'keep it interesting, short and sweet.'

šŸ’”Evidence

Evidence in argumentation is the use of facts, statistics, or examples to support a claim. The script mentions the importance of evidence in strengthening an argument, whether it's statistical data about fathers staying at home or anecdotal evidence from personal observations, such as '17 percent of fathers... spent time on their cell phones' versus 'mothers paid the best attention to the child.'

šŸ’”Anecdotal

Anecdotal refers to evidence based on personal accounts or stories rather than on systematic research or statistics. The video script contrasts anecdotal support with statistical evidence, suggesting that while both can be used in arguments, anecdotal evidence is more personal and relatable, as seen in the example of the speaker's personal views on parenting.

šŸ’”Language

Language in the script refers to the specific choice of words and phrases used to convey an argument. The video discusses the language of argument, highlighting the use of complex sentences and specific conjunctions to create a persuasive tone, such as 'If this seems contradictory,' which implies a 'then' clause that follows.

šŸ’”Drafting

Drafting is the process of creating multiple versions of a written work to refine and improve it. The video encourages the practice of drafting as a way to enhance writing skills, with the speaker advising to 'do as many drafts as you can' and to revise until no further improvement is possible.

šŸ’”Revision

Revision is the act of reviewing and making changes to a piece of writing to improve its clarity, coherence, and effectiveness. The script stresses the importance of revision in the writing process, suggesting that it is through revising drafts that one's worldview, language, and intellectual capacity grow, as indicated by the encouragement to 'rewrite it, do it again.'

šŸ’”Contrast

Contrast is the juxtaposition of differing elements to highlight their differences. The video script uses contrast as a literary device in argumentative writing, as demonstrated by the example from Jawaharlal Nehru's letter to his daughter, 'Star twinkle, planets do not,' which uses simple sentences to create a complex idea.

šŸ’”Engagement

Engagement refers to the level of interest and involvement of the audience with the content being presented. The video emphasizes the importance of keeping the audience engaged to avoid losing the argument, with the speaker warning against causing the audience to become 'bored' or 'fatigued' and to instead make the presentation interesting.

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

play00:13

ļ»æ Hello and welcome againĀ Ā 

play00:19

to this, the next session of the advancedĀ  writing module as part of this course in English.Ā Ā 

play00:31

We began talking about writing to argue, and weĀ  saw that when we write in support of or againstĀ Ā 

play00:49

some topic or the other, oneĀ  part of the issue or the other,Ā Ā 

play00:53

then we use a certain kind of language. We continue this presentation here in this sessionĀ Ā 

play01:00

today, and we will see two things today. NumberĀ  one, how are usually arguments is structuredĀ Ā 

play01:10

and number two, what kind of syntax, whatĀ  kind of sentences are used in writingĀ Ā 

play01:21

for argument or even while speakingĀ  to argue. And we are going to take,Ā Ā 

play01:29

as we did last time, some extracts fromĀ  some video and some, sorry, some video clipĀ Ā 

play01:37

and examples from some written document to makeĀ  our point. Please pay attention. Next. Ā 

play01:50

The structure of an argument is important, justĀ  as language is; so is the structure of argument.Ā Ā 

play01:59

How you bring in, what you have to say. DoĀ  you do bring your best point in the beginning?Ā Ā 

play02:07

Say, for example, are you in favourĀ  of parents staying, one of the parentsĀ Ā 

play02:13

staying at home? and you say that out loudĀ  in the very beginning, that is one choice. Ā 

play02:18

A lot of people say that, well, I am for this. IĀ  am for mothers staying at home. It may be boring,Ā Ā 

play02:29

it may be uneconomical, but thisĀ  is the best way, time tested wayĀ Ā 

play02:38

to raise a kid. Some people can say theĀ  same thing maybe at the end. So finally,Ā Ā 

play02:47

I am sure no one has any doubts that one parentĀ  must stay home and this must be the mother. Ā 

play02:58

Some bring it somewhere in the middle. Now that weĀ  have looked at some evidence, some facts, we haveĀ Ā 

play03:06

found that a number of fathers at least 17 percentĀ  of fathers has stayed home; but these fathers hasĀ Ā 

play03:12

stayed even while they were at home, they spendĀ  time on their cell phones, on computer gamesĀ Ā 

play03:19

and doing other things and the child hurt itselfĀ  and it was almost like not having a parent home. Ā 

play03:27

Whereas we studied the mothers and we found thatĀ  regardless of their personal hobbies, mothers paidĀ Ā 

play03:37

the best attention to the child, spent time withĀ  the child, did also other work at the household;Ā Ā 

play03:44

so, it seems mothers are naturally gifted toĀ  the better caregivers, better care providers,Ā Ā 

play03:54

for children and they should be home. Sorry,Ā  these are not my personal views, please. Ā 

play04:00

But arguments are often structured inĀ  this manner with or without statistics,Ā Ā 

play04:07

with or without anecdotal support; it is a choiceĀ  every author, it is a choice every speaker has,Ā Ā 

play04:15

how you make your case; but a structure has toĀ  be there. Before you start writing, before youĀ Ā 

play04:24

start speaking, you have to decide what you areĀ  going to say first, what you are going to say nextĀ Ā 

play04:33

and what you are going to say last. Are you going to paraphrase? Are you going toĀ Ā 

play04:39

recapitulate? Are you going to rewind and listenĀ  and represent? All these choices are yours. TheĀ Ā 

play04:47

only constraint is all good presenters, all goodĀ  lawyers, all good advocates, all good activistsĀ Ā 

play04:57

keep the listeners' interest in mind. AreĀ  the listeners bored? Are the listeners tired,Ā Ā 

play05:03

fatigued? Have they already begunĀ  praying that our presentation ended? Ā 

play05:10

So do not do that; that will be the bestĀ  way to lose your argument. The best wayĀ Ā 

play05:14

is to keep it interesting, short andĀ  sweet. Illustrate it with examples.Ā Ā 

play05:20

Occasionally bring some statisticalĀ  evidence and structure your argumentĀ Ā 

play05:25

such that you will make the point, youĀ  make the valid point and not be biased,Ā Ā 

play05:32

either this side or that side; that is theĀ  best way to write the best essay. Next. Ā 

play05:45

Language of argument, we began talking about itĀ  in the earlier session, we will look at some moreĀ Ā 

play05:51

examples. See, very often, documents of this kindĀ  use complex sentences two clause, three clauseĀ Ā 

play06:06

sentences. I mean, you know, any parent,Ā  either of the two parents can stay home;Ā Ā 

play06:14

that is one clause, not a sentence as intended.Ā  Either of the two parents, either of the parents,Ā Ā 

play06:20

either parent can stay home comma, butĀ  the best care has been given by mothers. Ā 

play06:31

One can also say while there have been lots ofĀ  studies saying that fathers are not the bestĀ Ā 

play06:39

caregivers comma there however, are nearlyĀ  13 percent fathers who gave better careĀ Ā 

play06:50

to the child than perhaps any mother could.Ā  Their studies, some 373 fathers were observed,Ā Ā 

play06:59

and it was found that almost 280 of themĀ  played with the child, took the child out,Ā Ā 

play07:08

had sports, had a conversation, soĀ  the child's language developed. Ā 

play07:14

The point I am making is not thatĀ  you should speak this way or that;Ā Ā 

play07:19

the point is, arguments can be structured thisĀ  way. Look at the syntax, while, whereas, if, then.Ā Ā 

play07:28

This is, there are lots of complex sentences.Ā  You should have a very good grip on syntax,Ā Ā 

play07:37

so that you present argumentsĀ  concisely, precisely, and effectively. Ā 

play07:45

Sometimes, even simple sentences,Ā  but they are used in contrast.Ā Ā 

play07:51

What I have before me is a well-known exampleĀ  from a well-known writer. Jawaharlal Nehru,Ā Ā 

play07:58

writing to his daughter while she was very young.Ā  So, he said, he is introducing the cosmos to hisĀ Ā 

play08:07

daughter, and he writes two simple sentences,Ā  but contrasting against each other. Star twinkle,Ā Ā 

play08:15

planets do not. Each sentence,Ā  each clause is simple, but togetherĀ Ā 

play08:21

they make a complex sentence. So, quite often, the documents, so basically,Ā Ā 

play08:27

this is how an essay making argumentsĀ  or presenting arguments is structured.Ā Ā 

play08:36

Examples once again can be statistical atĀ  larger policy levels, when you are talking forĀ Ā 

play08:44

a state when you are talking for a big corporateĀ  organization, but at a personal, informal level. Ā 

play08:53

Some statistics may be all right, but it isĀ  anecdotal. Just as at the corporate level,Ā Ā 

play09:00

some anecdotal argument evidence can also come inĀ  but build your structure accordingly. A mix of,Ā Ā 

play09:09

a judicious mix of how much of what; likeĀ  salt in sambar, do not have too much ofĀ Ā 

play09:17

X or Y. But similar occasions inĀ  social circles among friends and familyĀ Ā 

play09:23

have anecdotal rather than statistical evidence.Ā  What kinds of language? let us see. Ā 

play09:32

You can have an abundance of clauses with: ifĀ Ā 

play09:37

x y happens, then a b c wouldĀ  hold. While m and y were goingĀ Ā 

play09:47

this t and y was sleeping or whereas,Ā  there; as you reap; as you sow,Ā Ā 

play09:58

so you reap goes a famous adage. Next. Look at this extract from a real document.Ā Ā 

play10:12

What do you find? You find things like, "if thisĀ  seems contradictory", that why would a parent inĀ Ā 

play10:22

two-income household believe their lifeĀ  choices were damaging to their children.Ā Ā 

play10:31

Then is not written there, but every sentence thatĀ  begins with an if implies the presence of then.Ā Ā 

play10:40

It is like you in the imperative sentence.Ā  You do not say you open the window,Ā Ā 

play10:46

but it is implied when you say "openĀ  the window, please", that means,Ā Ā 

play10:52

you are saying you open the windowĀ  please. Similarly, then is implied here. Ā 

play10:57

So, keep in mind that the past fewĀ  decades have seen or see change in workingĀ Ā 

play11:06

parenthood, etc., etc. And once again, likeĀ  happens in arguments, you can have lots of wordsĀ Ā 

play11:15

referring to numbers without giving numbers.Ā  Like see change, change what percentageĀ Ā 

play11:23

that is idiomatic, it means big change,Ā  but the numbers are not given. Ā 

play11:28

So quite often 31 percent; 31 percent of howĀ  many? Only about a third of households. A thirdĀ Ā 

play11:35

of how many? At that time, the contrastĀ  comes by far while, so, as or so, that,Ā Ā 

play11:51

this is the structure of a documentĀ  presenting argument, and we shouldĀ Ā 

play11:59

have enough practice. How do you learn theseĀ  things? As I have been saying, you learn theseĀ Ā 

play12:05

things, partly by hearing, partly by listening. We are grateful that you have found us worthy ofĀ Ā 

play12:11

your attention and you are doing this course, butĀ  I must also tell you, that only by listening toĀ Ā 

play12:18

us the best learning will not happen. The bestĀ  learning will happen when you will go to write,Ā Ā 

play12:25

create some documents of your own after listeningĀ  to us using real-life examples. Go next. Ā 

play12:35

Look at this extract, find examples. TheseĀ  are those words, which are there only becauseĀ Ā 

play12:43

this document presents an argument.Ā  If this document were telling a story:Ā Ā 

play12:48

"there was a king who had three daughters",Ā  then these expressions will not be there.Ā Ā 

play12:56

Go next. It is time you wrote, your produce your ownĀ Ā 

play13:03

document presenting an argument. So, we have givenĀ  you some topics. Take one, so for example, writeĀ Ā 

play13:10

an essay on one of the following topics and youĀ  can think of many more topics of this kind. So,Ā Ā 

play13:16

for example one, a lot of people are saying thatĀ  big chain stores should not be allowed into retailĀ Ā 

play13:29

marketing of domestic items, every consumptionĀ  item like vegetables, fruits, milk, meat,Ā Ā 

play13:37

fresh, bread that sort of thing. Do you agree? That there should be big global giants,Ā Ā 

play13:49

multinationals should be banned inĀ  this area. Why? Why not? Find argumentĀ Ā 

play13:55

or you can take another topic. Must a child beĀ  taught in English from the time of its birth?Ā Ā 

play14:05

Many people say yes. And they say thatĀ  since children are good at learning anythingĀ Ā 

play14:13

and since English is nearly inevitable,Ā  no matter what you do in today's world,Ā Ā 

play14:24

you got to know English, otherwise,Ā  you cannot look at a global audienceĀ Ā 

play14:31

and a good job or even good marriage peopleĀ  say. So, they say all children should haveĀ Ā 

play14:44

English from the very first day. There are however others, who would differ,Ā Ā 

play14:51

who say no. We will be depriving childrenĀ  of their chance to learn a mother tongue,Ā Ā 

play14:58

an entire culture, another language,Ā  a foreign language, a second languageĀ Ā 

play15:05

can also be learned a little later. MaybeĀ  as well or maybe a little less, but whyĀ Ā 

play15:12

deprive them of an entire culture, which theyĀ  can inherit for no special and no extra effort? Ā 

play15:24

So, there are arguments on both sides.Ā  What is your opinion on the subject?Ā Ā 

play15:30

Examine the issues, present arguments andĀ  ideas and examples in support of both and thenĀ Ā 

play15:38

present your conclusion, what you think willĀ  be the best to do? So, examine-related issues,Ā Ā 

play15:45

this is how you will learn. And as I saidĀ  before, not one draft, not two drafts,Ā Ā 

play15:51

do as many drafts as you can, and until youĀ  feel and now this can improve no further,Ā Ā 

play16:02

and then you can share it with your friends,Ā  with your reviewers, with your teachers, with us,Ā Ā 

play16:08

for comments and opinions or go to another topic. A lot of people say that the state should haveĀ Ā 

play16:16

absolute power on public roads, on streets inĀ  public life, but why should the state botherĀ Ā 

play16:22

about what we do at home? What we talk about whoĀ  we talk to what language unless I hurt others?Ā Ā 

play16:33

There are opinions. There are peopleĀ  in one kind of culture who say, no,Ā Ā 

play16:39

what you do at home also influences public life. Therefore, the state should have that powerĀ Ā 

play16:48

to, just as it has an obligation to protectĀ  you at home, it should also have the powerĀ Ā 

play16:56

to see how you live at your home. OnĀ  the other hand, there are those who sayĀ Ā 

play17:00

no state's responsibility and a state's powerĀ  ends in public domain. What do you feel? Ā 

play17:10

Take any of these topics and argueĀ  on both sides in about 200 words,Ā Ā 

play17:16

check your drafts and you will find that youĀ  are writing better, your worldview has grown,Ā Ā 

play17:23

and you are able to not only write better, youĀ  are also able to talk better. Next. Ā 

play17:30

We are going to give you; but do not look at itĀ  just now. First, do your own work then compareĀ Ā 

play17:37

your work with the synopsis or with the samplesĀ  that we going to give. If you feel you have notĀ Ā 

play17:46

done as well, rewrite it, do it again. And youĀ  will find that in this kind of write and rewrite,Ā Ā 

play17:56

one draft and then doing anotherĀ  revising; not only your worldview,Ā Ā 

play18:03

not only your language, but your total makeupĀ  as an intellectual grows. Thank you very much.

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