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
- š The importance of argument structure and language in persuasive writing is emphasized, highlighting how to present points effectively.
- š£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.
- šØāš©āš§ 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.
- š 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.
- š 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.
- š An example from Jawaharlal Nehru's letter to his daughter demonstrates the power of simple but contrasting sentences in making an argument.
- š The script encourages practice in writing arguments, suggesting that learning comes from both listening and doing.
- š The need for keeping the audience's interest in mind while presenting an argument is stressed, to avoid losing their attention or appearing biased.
- š The script suggests that the best way to learn argument writing is through multiple drafts and revisions, refining until no further improvement is possible.
- š¤ It encourages examining issues from multiple perspectives and presenting arguments and ideas for both sides before concluding with a personal stance.
- š 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
š 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.
š The Importance of Argument Structure
This paragraph delves into the significance of structuring an argument effectively. It discusses the placement of key pointsāwhether at the beginning, middle, or end of an argumentāand 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.
š 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.
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.
š 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
š”Argument
š”Structure
š”Syntax
š”Persuasion
š”Evidence
š”Anecdotal
š”Language
š”Drafting
š”Revision
š”Contrast
š”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
ļ»æ Hello and welcome againĀ Ā
to this, the next session of the advancedĀ writing module as part of this course in English.Ā Ā
We began talking about writing to argue, and weĀ saw that when we write in support of or againstĀ Ā
some topic or the other, oneĀ part of the issue or the other,Ā Ā
then we use a certain kind of language. We continue this presentation here in this sessionĀ Ā
today, and we will see two things today. NumberĀ one, how are usually arguments is structuredĀ Ā
and number two, what kind of syntax, whatĀ kind of sentences are used in writingĀ Ā
for argument or even while speakingĀ to argue. And we are going to take,Ā Ā
as we did last time, some extracts fromĀ some video and some, sorry, some video clipĀ Ā
and examples from some written document to makeĀ our point. Please pay attention. Next. Ā
The structure of an argument is important, justĀ as language is; so is the structure of argument.Ā Ā
How you bring in, what you have to say. DoĀ you do bring your best point in the beginning?Ā Ā
Say, for example, are you in favourĀ of parents staying, one of the parentsĀ Ā
staying at home? and you say that out loudĀ in the very beginning, that is one choice. Ā
A lot of people say that, well, I am for this. IĀ am for mothers staying at home. It may be boring,Ā Ā
it may be uneconomical, but thisĀ is the best way, time tested wayĀ Ā
to raise a kid. Some people can say theĀ same thing maybe at the end. So finally,Ā Ā
I am sure no one has any doubts that one parentĀ must stay home and this must be the mother. Ā
Some bring it somewhere in the middle. Now that weĀ have looked at some evidence, some facts, we haveĀ Ā
found that a number of fathers at least 17 percentĀ of fathers has stayed home; but these fathers hasĀ Ā
stayed even while they were at home, they spendĀ time on their cell phones, on computer gamesĀ Ā
and doing other things and the child hurt itselfĀ and it was almost like not having a parent home. Ā
Whereas we studied the mothers and we found thatĀ regardless of their personal hobbies, mothers paidĀ Ā
the best attention to the child, spent time withĀ the child, did also other work at the household;Ā Ā
so, it seems mothers are naturally gifted toĀ the better caregivers, better care providers,Ā Ā
for children and they should be home. Sorry,Ā these are not my personal views, please. Ā
But arguments are often structured inĀ this manner with or without statistics,Ā Ā
with or without anecdotal support; it is a choiceĀ every author, it is a choice every speaker has,Ā Ā
how you make your case; but a structure has toĀ be there. Before you start writing, before youĀ Ā
start speaking, you have to decide what you areĀ going to say first, what you are going to say nextĀ Ā
and what you are going to say last. Are you going to paraphrase? Are you going toĀ Ā
recapitulate? Are you going to rewind and listenĀ and represent? All these choices are yours. TheĀ Ā
only constraint is all good presenters, all goodĀ lawyers, all good advocates, all good activistsĀ Ā
keep the listeners' interest in mind. AreĀ the listeners bored? Are the listeners tired,Ā Ā
fatigued? Have they already begunĀ praying that our presentation ended? Ā
So do not do that; that will be the bestĀ way to lose your argument. The best wayĀ Ā
is to keep it interesting, short andĀ sweet. Illustrate it with examples.Ā Ā
Occasionally bring some statisticalĀ evidence and structure your argumentĀ Ā
such that you will make the point, youĀ make the valid point and not be biased,Ā Ā
either this side or that side; that is theĀ best way to write the best essay. Next. Ā
Language of argument, we began talking about itĀ in the earlier session, we will look at some moreĀ Ā
examples. See, very often, documents of this kindĀ use complex sentences two clause, three clauseĀ Ā
sentences. I mean, you know, any parent,Ā either of the two parents can stay home;Ā Ā
that is one clause, not a sentence as intended.Ā Either of the two parents, either of the parents,Ā Ā
either parent can stay home comma, butĀ the best care has been given by mothers. Ā
One can also say while there have been lots ofĀ studies saying that fathers are not the bestĀ Ā
caregivers comma there however, are nearlyĀ 13 percent fathers who gave better careĀ Ā
to the child than perhaps any mother could.Ā Their studies, some 373 fathers were observed,Ā Ā
and it was found that almost 280 of themĀ played with the child, took the child out,Ā Ā
had sports, had a conversation, soĀ the child's language developed. Ā
The point I am making is not thatĀ you should speak this way or that;Ā Ā
the point is, arguments can be structured thisĀ way. Look at the syntax, while, whereas, if, then.Ā Ā
This is, there are lots of complex sentences.Ā You should have a very good grip on syntax,Ā Ā
so that you present argumentsĀ concisely, precisely, and effectively. Ā
Sometimes, even simple sentences,Ā but they are used in contrast.Ā Ā
What I have before me is a well-known exampleĀ from a well-known writer. Jawaharlal Nehru,Ā Ā
writing to his daughter while she was very young.Ā So, he said, he is introducing the cosmos to hisĀ Ā
daughter, and he writes two simple sentences,Ā but contrasting against each other. Star twinkle,Ā Ā
planets do not. Each sentence,Ā each clause is simple, but togetherĀ Ā
they make a complex sentence. So, quite often, the documents, so basically,Ā Ā
this is how an essay making argumentsĀ or presenting arguments is structured.Ā Ā
Examples once again can be statistical atĀ larger policy levels, when you are talking forĀ Ā
a state when you are talking for a big corporateĀ organization, but at a personal, informal level. Ā
Some statistics may be all right, but it isĀ anecdotal. Just as at the corporate level,Ā Ā
some anecdotal argument evidence can also come inĀ but build your structure accordingly. A mix of,Ā Ā
a judicious mix of how much of what; likeĀ salt in sambar, do not have too much ofĀ Ā
X or Y. But similar occasions inĀ social circles among friends and familyĀ Ā
have anecdotal rather than statistical evidence.Ā What kinds of language? let us see. Ā
You can have an abundance of clauses with: ifĀ Ā
x y happens, then a b c wouldĀ hold. While m and y were goingĀ Ā
this t and y was sleeping or whereas,Ā there; as you reap; as you sow,Ā Ā
so you reap goes a famous adage. Next. Look at this extract from a real document.Ā Ā
What do you find? You find things like, "if thisĀ seems contradictory", that why would a parent inĀ Ā
two-income household believe their lifeĀ choices were damaging to their children.Ā Ā
Then is not written there, but every sentence thatĀ begins with an if implies the presence of then.Ā Ā
It is like you in the imperative sentence.Ā You do not say you open the window,Ā Ā
but it is implied when you say "openĀ the window, please", that means,Ā Ā
you are saying you open the windowĀ please. Similarly, then is implied here. Ā
So, keep in mind that the past fewĀ decades have seen or see change in workingĀ Ā
parenthood, etc., etc. And once again, likeĀ happens in arguments, you can have lots of wordsĀ Ā
referring to numbers without giving numbers.Ā Like see change, change what percentageĀ Ā
that is idiomatic, it means big change,Ā but the numbers are not given. Ā
So quite often 31 percent; 31 percent of howĀ many? Only about a third of households. A thirdĀ Ā
of how many? At that time, the contrastĀ comes by far while, so, as or so, that,Ā Ā
this is the structure of a documentĀ presenting argument, and we shouldĀ Ā
have enough practice. How do you learn theseĀ things? As I have been saying, you learn theseĀ Ā
things, partly by hearing, partly by listening. We are grateful that you have found us worthy ofĀ Ā
your attention and you are doing this course, butĀ I must also tell you, that only by listening toĀ Ā
us the best learning will not happen. The bestĀ learning will happen when you will go to write,Ā Ā
create some documents of your own after listeningĀ to us using real-life examples. Go next. Ā
Look at this extract, find examples. TheseĀ are those words, which are there only becauseĀ Ā
this document presents an argument.Ā If this document were telling a story:Ā Ā
"there was a king who had three daughters",Ā then these expressions will not be there.Ā Ā
Go next. It is time you wrote, your produce your ownĀ Ā
document presenting an argument. So, we have givenĀ you some topics. Take one, so for example, writeĀ Ā
an essay on one of the following topics and youĀ can think of many more topics of this kind. So,Ā Ā
for example one, a lot of people are saying thatĀ big chain stores should not be allowed into retailĀ Ā
marketing of domestic items, every consumptionĀ item like vegetables, fruits, milk, meat,Ā Ā
fresh, bread that sort of thing. Do you agree? That there should be big global giants,Ā Ā
multinationals should be banned inĀ this area. Why? Why not? Find argumentĀ Ā
or you can take another topic. Must a child beĀ taught in English from the time of its birth?Ā Ā
Many people say yes. And they say thatĀ since children are good at learning anythingĀ Ā
and since English is nearly inevitable,Ā no matter what you do in today's world,Ā Ā
you got to know English, otherwise,Ā you cannot look at a global audienceĀ Ā
and a good job or even good marriage peopleĀ say. So, they say all children should haveĀ Ā
English from the very first day. There are however others, who would differ,Ā Ā
who say no. We will be depriving childrenĀ of their chance to learn a mother tongue,Ā Ā
an entire culture, another language,Ā a foreign language, a second languageĀ Ā
can also be learned a little later. MaybeĀ as well or maybe a little less, but whyĀ Ā
deprive them of an entire culture, which theyĀ can inherit for no special and no extra effort? Ā
So, there are arguments on both sides.Ā What is your opinion on the subject?Ā Ā
Examine the issues, present arguments andĀ ideas and examples in support of both and thenĀ Ā
present your conclusion, what you think willĀ be the best to do? So, examine-related issues,Ā Ā
this is how you will learn. And as I saidĀ before, not one draft, not two drafts,Ā Ā
do as many drafts as you can, and until youĀ feel and now this can improve no further,Ā Ā
and then you can share it with your friends,Ā with your reviewers, with your teachers, with us,Ā Ā
for comments and opinions or go to another topic. A lot of people say that the state should haveĀ Ā
absolute power on public roads, on streets inĀ public life, but why should the state botherĀ Ā
about what we do at home? What we talk about whoĀ we talk to what language unless I hurt others?Ā Ā
There are opinions. There are peopleĀ in one kind of culture who say, no,Ā Ā
what you do at home also influences public life. Therefore, the state should have that powerĀ Ā
to, just as it has an obligation to protectĀ you at home, it should also have the powerĀ Ā
to see how you live at your home. OnĀ the other hand, there are those who sayĀ Ā
no state's responsibility and a state's powerĀ ends in public domain. What do you feel? Ā
Take any of these topics and argueĀ on both sides in about 200 words,Ā Ā
check your drafts and you will find that youĀ are writing better, your worldview has grown,Ā Ā
and you are able to not only write better, youĀ are also able to talk better. Next. Ā
We are going to give you; but do not look at itĀ just now. First, do your own work then compareĀ Ā
your work with the synopsis or with the samplesĀ that we going to give. If you feel you have notĀ Ā
done as well, rewrite it, do it again. And youĀ will find that in this kind of write and rewrite,Ā Ā
one draft and then doing anotherĀ revising; not only your worldview,Ā Ā
not only your language, but your total makeupĀ as an intellectual grows. Thank you very much.
Browse More Related Video
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule | schriftlicher Ausdruck | Aufgabe, Einleitung | Deutsch lernen
Improve Learnersā speaking for PTE
Materi Teks Argumentasi Kelas 11 l Bahasa Indonesia
Ace your Argumentative Essay in English Language Exam | ICSE & ISC 2024 | English with Sudhir Sir
How do you write a Persuasive Essay? (with example)
Language Features | Argumentative Text || GRADE 10|| MELC-based VIDEO LESSON | QUARTER 2| MODULE 2
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)