Speaking: Fluency & Coherence B2 - Lesson 3: Structuring Arguments Logically
Welcome! At the B2 level, fluency is not just about speaking smoothly, but also about making sense. A well-structured, logical1 argument2 is more persuasive and easier for your listener to follow. Today, you will learn a powerful framework to build strong arguments for discussions, debates, or presentations.
The A-R-E-C Framework: Building Your Argument
A strong argument is like a well-built wall—each brick supports the others. For a more developed and persuasive point, you can expand the basic PREP method from Lesson 1 into the A-R-E-C framework.
The Four Pillars of a Strong Argument:
- A - Assertion: State your main point or claim clearly.
- "From my perspective...", "I firmly believe that..."
- R - Reasoning: Explain *why* you believe your assertion is true. What is the logic behind it?
- "The main reason for this is...", "This is because..."
- E - Evidence / Example: Provide a specific example, fact, or piece of evidence3 to support your reasoning.
- "For instance...", "A clear example of this is..."
- C - Conclusion / Consequence: Summarize your point or explain the consequence.
- "Therefore...", "As a result, it's clear that..."
Scenario: Discussing a Social Issue
Listen to this discussion between two university students. Notice how Sreyneath uses the A-R-E-C framework to present a clear and persuasive argument.
Bora: "I was reading that some cities are planning to ban all private cars from the city center. Do you think that would ever work in Phnom Penh?"
Sreyneath: "That's a complex issue, but (A) I believe it's a necessary long-term goal for the city. (R) My main reasoning4 is that it would dramatically reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, which are two of our biggest problems. (E) For instance, cities like Amsterdam that have prioritized bicycles and public transport have much cleaner air and are far more pleasant to walk around in. (C) Therefore, while it would be difficult to implement, I think the positive consequences for public health and quality of life make it a goal worth pursuing."
Connecting Your Arguments
In a real discussion, you often need to make more than one point. You can link multiple A-R-E-C arguments together using the discourse markers we learned in the last lesson.
Example Flow:
- Start with your first point using A-R-E-C.
- Introduce your second point: "Furthermore, we need to consider the economic impact..." (Then use A-R-E-C for this new point).
- Acknowledge the other side: "On the other hand, some people might argue that this is inconvenient..."
- Conclude your entire argument: "In conclusion, after considering both the environmental benefits and the potential challenges, I still hold the view that..."
Practice Quiz: Identify the Structure
Read this short argument and identify the function of each part.
"(1) In my view, all students should learn a musical instrument. (2) This is because it teaches discipline and creativity, skills that are valuable in all areas of life. (3) To illustrate, studies have shown that students who play music often perform better in subjects like math. (4) As a result, music education is a powerful tool for overall development."
Question: Which sentence represents the 'Evidence' part of the A-R-E-C framework?
A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 3
D) Sentence 4
→ Answer: C. Sentence 3 provides a specific piece of evidence (studies) to support the reasoning that music is beneficial. Sentence 1 is the Assertion5, 2 is the Reasoning, and 4 is the Conclusion.
Your Mission: Build Your Own Argument
Your mission is to practice building a logical argument from scratch.
- Choose a topic for discussion. For example: "Is it better to work for a large company or a small company?"
- Decide your main point (your Assertion). For example: "I believe working for a small company is better for career growth."
- Use A-R-E-C to plan your argument. Write down keywords for your Reasoning, Evidence, and Conclusion.
- R (Reason): more responsibility, learn faster.
- E (Example): my friend at a startup now manages projects; friend at a big company only does one small task.
- C (Conclusion): therefore, small companies offer better hands-on experience.
- Practice saying your argument out loud. Use your notes to guide you. Try to make it sound like a natural, flowing point in a discussion. Record yourself and check if your logic is easy to follow.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Logical: (Adjective) - សមហេតុផល - Following the rules of logic; characterized by clear, sound reasoning. ↩
- Argument: (Noun) - ការជជែកវែកញែក - A set of reasons given to persuade others that an action or idea is right or wrong. ↩
- Evidence: (Noun) - ភស្តុតាង - Facts, signs, or objects that make you believe that something is true. ↩
- Reasoning: (Noun) - ការមានហេតុផល - The process of thinking about something in a logical way in order to form a conclusion or judgment. ↩
- Assertion: (Noun) - ការអះអាង - A confident statement that you believe to be true; a claim. ↩