The Arts Unit Unit Creative Teachers
Arguments
Argumentation
On this page we will discuss:
structuring arguments
mechanisms
principled arguments.
A framework for writing arguments
Learning intention: explore a useful framework for quickly writing and explaining an argument.
Steps to a perfect argument:
My team's __th argument will show that (insert short heading here).
Right now (explain what the status quo looks like).
After the change (explain what the world looks like after the change).
That's important because (explain why that difference matters).
For example (give an example of the idea you're talking about).
And that's why (insert topic here).
Writing and explaining an argument
Duration: 11:07Suggested activity
After watching Tony's video on how to construct an argument using the PEEL structure, write your own argument for the topic.
Point: My team's argument will show that ...
Explain:
Paint a picture – for example, 'Right now ...'
'After the change ...'
'That's important because ...'
Example: use a real-world example that proves your explanation.
Link: link back to the topic to signal you are moving on to your next point.
Mechanisms
Learning intention: to present clear evidence that the change you're arguing will work.
Using mechanisms:
Most debating topics are policy debates and argue for a change to happen.
Mechanisms explain how and why this change happens.
Well explained mechanisms can win debates and the more detailed and convincing they are the better your chances of winning are.
Use the narrative structure to explain all the steps that takes us from the change to the proposed outcome.
Use the listing structure to explain multiple mechanisms and signal how the outcome will be achieved.
Mechanisms can be used to make more detailed and persuasive rebuttal as well.
Your explanation of mechanisms will be most effective when it shows what motivates people and how these motivations can be used to enact change and achieve the desired outcome.
Using mechanisms to explain arguments
Duration: 16:02Suggested activity
Watch Hugh's video about using mechanisms and then play a game of 'Why, Why, Why' to practise coming up with mechanisms with some friends. Don't worry if you can't come up with too many to start with. Keep going. Practice makes perfect!
Finally, try to include some mechanisms in your explanation for the point you wrote earlier.
Principled arguments
Learning intention: to present more complex ethical and principled arguments.
Practical arguments are about a change happening in the world. When you write a practical argument, you would consider:
Will this work?
Is there a problem to be addressed?
How well will this work?
How will people react?
Principled arguments are about people's rights. When writing a principled argument you would consider:
is it right or wrong
fair or unfair
democratic or not?
In a debate, you should try to include both practical and principled arguments.
Writing a principled argument:
point – name the principle
explain – why it's important (abstract)
focus – how the principle links to the topic (from your side's perspective)
analogy – refer to a similar issue where the same principle is a stake
compare – explain why the competing principle is less important
link – 'and that's why ...'.
Writing principled arguments
Duration: 21:51Suggested activity
Watch the video, taking notes throughout.
Review: What are principled arguments? What are some examples?
Consider the topic 'That we should ban home-schooling'. What principle is being discussed here?
In the video, Tony presents a topic for the negative team (that we should not ban home-schooling). Write and present a principled argument for the affirmative team.