Writing: Opinion, Argumentative & Persuasive Writing (B2) - Lesson 3: Organizing Arguments Coherently
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Hello B2 Persuaders! 👋
You know how to develop a clear thesis statement and support your points with evidence. Now, let's focus on organizing your arguments coherently in a longer text, like an argumentative essay. The way you structure and order your arguments significantly impacts how persuasive and understandable your writing will be.
In this lesson, you will:
- Review the standard structure of an argumentative text (Introduction, Body, Conclusion).
- Learn about logical ways to order your arguments within the body paragraphs.
- Understand how to use transition signals effectively between argumentative paragraphs.
- Practice organizing arguments for coherence.
Review: Basic Structure of an Argumentative Text
Most argumentative essays or persuasive texts follow a general structure:
-
Introduction Paragraph:
- Engages the reader (hook - optional).
- Provides brief background on the topic.
- Presents a clear, arguable thesis statement (your main argument/position).
-
Body Paragraphs (usually 2-3 or more):
- Each paragraph develops one specific reason or point that supports your thesis.
- Starts with a clear topic sentence stating that reason/point.
- Provides evidence, examples, and explanations (P.E.E. model) to support the topic sentence.
- (For B2) May include a paragraph that addresses a counter-argument and offers a refutation (explaining why the opposing view is less valid or how your argument is stronger).
-
Conclusion Paragraph:
- Restates the thesis in different words.
- Briefly summarizes the main arguments from the body paragraphs.
- Offers a final thought, implication, or call to action related to your argument.
- Does not introduce new major arguments.
Logical Ways to Order Your Arguments (Body Paragraphs)
The order in which you present your arguments in the body paragraphs is crucial for coherence and persuasiveness.
1. Order of Importance:
- Least-to-Most Important (Climactic Order): You start with your weaker or less significant arguments and build up to your strongest or most impactful argument. This can create a powerful finish.
- Most-to-Least Important: You start with your strongest argument to immediately capture the reader's attention and conviction, then follow with other supporting points.
Example (Thesis: Schools should require students to wear uniforms.):
Possible Order of Importance (Least to Most):
Para 1: Uniforms can reduce morning stress for students (less important).
Para 2: Uniforms promote a sense of equality among students (more important).
Para 3: Uniforms enhance school safety and discipline (most important).
2. Addressing a Counter-Argument:
A strong argumentative essay often acknowledges and addresses opposing viewpoints (counter-arguments). This shows you have considered other perspectives and makes your own argument seem more balanced and credible.
Placement of a Counter-Argument Paragraph:
- Often placed before your final body paragraph or just before the conclusion.
- You present the opposing view fairly, then refute it (show why it's weak or incorrect) or concede a small part of it while still showing your main argument is stronger.
Example (Topic: Benefits of homework)
Counter-Argument Paragraph Start: "Some argue that homework creates too much stress for students..."
Refutation follows: "However, when assigned appropriately, homework reinforces learning and develops time management skills..."
(Other patterns like Problem-Solution or Compare-Contrast can also be used to structure the body of an argument if the topic suits it.)
Using Transition Signals Between Argumentative Paragraphs
Clear transitions are vital to guide your reader from one argument to the next and show the logical connections.
Common Transition Words/Phrases for Argumentative Texts:
- To introduce the first main point: Firstly, To begin with, One primary reason is...
- To add another supporting argument: Secondly, Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Another key argument is...
- To introduce a contrasting idea or counter-argument: However, On the other hand, In contrast, Despite this, Although some may argue that...
- To refute a counter-argument: Nevertheless, Nonetheless, However, it is more likely that...
- To show a result or consequence related to an argument: Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus,
- To conclude a major section or the essay: In conclusion, To sum up, In summary, Ultimately,
These are usually placed at the beginning of a paragraph or a sentence within a paragraph and are often followed by a comma.
Practice Organizing Arguments!
Activity 1: Order the Argumentative Paragraphs
Below are jumbled topic sentences/main ideas for body paragraphs of an essay arguing that "Social media has a predominantly negative impact on teenagers." Decide the most logical order for these arguments (e.g., building from one aspect to another, or by importance). Type the letters in order.
Activity 2: Plan a Short Argumentative Essay Outline
Topic: "Should schools ban mobile phones during school hours?"
Develop a brief outline by writing:
✨ Tips for Coherent Arguments ✨
- Strong Thesis is Key: Your entire argument revolves around your thesis. Make it clear and arguable.
- Logical Flow of Reasons: Think about the most persuasive order for your arguments. Does one point naturally lead to another?
- Clear Topic Sentences: Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that clearly presents one reason supporting your thesis.
- Connect with Transitions: Use transition words and phrases to show relationships between paragraphs and ideas (e.g., addition, contrast, result).
- Address Counter-Arguments (if applicable): Showing you've considered other views (and can respond to them) makes your argument stronger.
- Consistent Conclusion: Your conclusion should reinforce your thesis and summarize your main arguments without introducing new points.
Building Persuasive Arguments! 🎉
Organizing your arguments coherently is essential for writing effective and persuasive essays and reports. By structuring your points logically and using good transitions, you can guide your reader effectively to your conclusion.