Speaking week six

Identifying arguments

Preparation work for live session

An important part of academia, and life in general, is recognising arguments that differ from your own. We're using the word argument here to mean an informed opinion based on evidence. Note that this is different from an opinion in the general sense, such as whether you think York is an interesting place to live, or whether Marmite is a crime against humanity. The important difference with an academic argument is that you can explain in a rational way why you think it's convincing.

We can practise articulating arguments for and against a particular position with controversies which are in the news at the moment.

Begin activities on identifying arguments

Live session discussion - task review

We're going to look at some of the arguments put forward in the preparation materials. Obviously they are all big topics and none of us are experts in these areas, so your answers here should not be taken too seriously!

From page 1 of the preparations materials, did you find the arguments for or against the idea of reparations more convincing?
Similarly, on the question from page 2 about social media regulations, what would be your answer to the question: Should governments monitor and control social media content? Are there any more arguments that you would add to the for and against lists?
Compare your notes from page 3. Which texts did you identify as providing arguments against converting green space into houses? What specific arguments are there?

Live session - seminar discussion

Should modern cities convert more green spaces and parks into housing developments?

Carry out the discussion in the way that we've practised in previous weeks. This time though, try to focus on supporting your stance with the texts we've been reading. In part three, focus as a group on solutions. What policies would help people find affordable housing while maintaining as much as possible the benefits of green, active, outdoor spaces?

Summary

Finding the controversy and understanding various viewpoints within a topic is an important skill which will really help you in your academic studies. Critical thinking, engaging in debate and arriving at an informed opinion are what most of your lecturers will be looking for in one form or another.

One final point to note is that it helps to always go into any discussion like this being willing to change your mind. Maybe there are good counter arguments to a position that you've never thought of before. Maybe you've always thought that immigration is a good/bad idea. In this case, you're likely to find arguments that support your existing view very convincing, and be naturally skeptical of arguments for the other side. This is called confirmation bias, and we all have it, unfortunately, and everyone needs to correct for it.

Live session - further discussion

What debates and discussions are topical at the moment that are relevant to your field of study? What controversies are there in global business, society and politics, media and law where you can identify individual arguments for each position?

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