An introduction to the structure and content of argument - designed for KS3 pupils.

1. Argument

2. Argument

3. What is argument?

4. What is the difference between
persuasion and argument?

5. Under what circumstances
might a person need to present
a well-formed argument?

6. What text types tend to be
used to present argument?

7. What are the features of an
effective argument?

8. How to structure a
well-formed and
convincing argument

9. Language
(words)
Structure
(organisation &
order of ideas)
Form
(techniques)
Convincing
argument uses
rhetoric and
suitable
discourse
markers
Well-formed
argument is
carefully
ordered and
presented

10. well-formed
argument

11. The opening statement will
clearly present a point of view

12. The first paragraph will go on
to offer a first clear reason why
that point of view has
credibility

13. The main body of your writing
will then present at least 2 or 3
additional points which
reinforce the point of view
offered, using hard & soft
evidence

14. Make full use of the rhetorical
techniques you are now
familiar with in each of your
paragraphs to ensure that the
CONTENT and STRUCTURE
complement one another

15. In order to show that the text is
‘balanced’ a counter argument
should then be acknowledged
and presented in brief

16. The text will then irrefutably
counter the counter!
Think of this as inoculating the
reader against other possible
views that might be presented

17. The final paragraph
summarises the argument that
has been presented and
reiterates the logic, strength
and validity of your view point

18. Convincing
argument

19. The tone will be formal and
polite yet forceful where
necessary.

20. The techniques of rhetoric are
likely to appear in convincing
argument – after all, you are
trying to persuade an audience
to align themselves with your
view point.

21. Argument is signposted by
discourse markers – words
and phrases which guide the
reader as you navigate through
the issue being investigated.

22. In my opinion…
It is my long held belief that…
It is evident that…
Clearly…
It cannot be denied that…
Moreover…
Furthermore…
What is more, ...
That having been said, …

23. An additional consideration…
Without doubt…
It is surely apparent that…
Evidently…
Thus…
Having established that…
As if this were not enough,…
Consequently…

24. Some might argue that…
It has been suggested that…
There are those who say…

25. However, this is not the case…
This, I am afraid, is flawed thinking!
Clearly this is an idea without
merit!
While such views are earnestly
held, they are unfounded…

26. In actual fact…
The truth is that…
We come to see however that…
In reality…
The obvious conclusion must be…
The facts however refute this…

27. Example Topics

28. Work experience is now
compulsory for most students.
Argue for or against
compulsory work experience.

29. ‘We should concentrate on the
present and the future; we
have little to learn from the
past.’
How far do you agree with this
statement? Argue your case
clearly

30. ‘TV and radio are as much for
education as entertainment’
Prepare a speech, arguing
your opinion on this issue.

31. ‘The best way to protect
endangered species is to keep
them in zoos.’
Write a speech arguing for or
against the view expressed in
this statement.

32. ‘The best things in life are free’
Write a speech arguing for or
against this viewpoint.

33. ‘We should refuse to be worried
by scare stories from the media
about wars and global disasters
and concentrate instead on taking
care of our studies, career and
family’
Write a speech responding to this
issue.

34. ‘The best way to see far-away
places is through television
programming’
Write an article for a current
affairs magazine, arguing for
against this viewpoint.