Text types: Arguments

Overview

What are arguments?

Arguments are texts which we use to persuade people. 

In some types of argument text we give people a number of reasons why they should accept a particular point of view. We can use this type of argument text to persuade people to accept our point of view on an issue or to take some action. At other times we use argument texts to analyse and discuss both sides of an issue and make a judgement about the issue. Sometimes we use them to challenge another person's point of view.

Arguments often use abstract, technical and scientific language. Sometimes an argument will be a whole text in itself. At other times it may be part of another text.

Why do we use arguments?

We use arguments when we want to persuade others to do something or to accept our point of view. In our daily lives we are always expressing opinions and giving reasons:

I think that Jackie Chan is better than Bruce Lee because ...

When we listen to or read arguments, we usually consider whether the reasons supporting the argument are strong or weak. A strong argument provides reasons which are factual and lead us to a logical conclusion. A weak argument may have strongly emotional reasons, but these reasons may not be based on fact or may not lead to a logical conclusion.

In school it is important that students learn how to present effective spoken and written arguments relevant to their studies. Effective arguments can be presented in the following ways:

	by identifying a point of view and organising evidence to support that point of view.
	by exploring different sides of an issue in order to make an informed judgement.
	by challenging another person's point of view and supporting the challenge with evidence.

When students write effective arguments based on a topic studied at school, they show their teachers that:

	they have learned all the relevant information.
	they understand what they have learned.
	they select evidence to support their arguments from the knowledge they have gained while studying the topic.

Where can I find argument texts?

Arguments can be spoken or written texts. Spoken argument texts can include the following:

	Political speeches, including speeches supporting or opposing a bill in the Legislative Council, election speeches and speeches at public protest meetings. School debates which include arguments presented by both sides of the debate.
	Arguments presented during news and current affairs programmes on radio and television. Arguments presented on radio or television to persuade people to do something for the public good, eg to stop smoking, to drive more carefully or not to litter.

Arguments can also be written. Here are some Written argument texts include.

	Letters to the editor of a newspaper. Persuasive articles in newspapers or magazines, eg Sunday Young Post.
	Posters, brochures and advertisements to persuade people to do something for the public good, eg to stop smoking, to drive more carefully or not to litter. Arguments written by school students to answer a question set by a teacher or examiner.

When students read or write arguments, they do the following things with language:

	introduce a point of view
	provide background
	give reasons and evidence
	express positive and negative comments
	say what is probable and what is usual
	say what should happen and what can happen
	adjust the force and focus of an argument
	build a logical argument
	link clause to create an argument

For more information on the different types of arguments see the menu on the left.

How can these pages help me?

In these pages you will find answers to the following questions:

	How are arguments structured?
	What are the typical grammatical features of arguments?
	How can I use arguments in the classroom?