How to build an argument for KS3 English students

What do you use to make an argument sandwich?

Disagree-dients

Introduction to how to build an argument

An argument is a way of presenting a specific issue or idea. A well-focused argument states the main points clearly then expands on them with facts and evidence. It is also good practice to address opposing points of view.

Video on how to write an argument

What do we mean by an argument?

The word ‘argument’ suggests a disagreement but a written argument has nothing to do with conflict. A written argument should present a clear and well-supported point of view, accompanied by facts and evidence.

A balanced argument can be created by referring to alternative, opposing points of view and offering against them, rationally explaining why they are incorrect or not as convincing.

Building an argument is similar in some ways to writing to persuade. Both of these types of writing need to be convincing in order to influence the reader.

Structuring an argument

An argument will usually start with a clearly stated main point. For example if you were arguing against animal testing, you could start:

Testing products on animals is absolutely wrong for both moral and environmental reasons.

After stating your position, the first line of each paragraph that follows should be a supporting statement for your main point. It will to your reader the precise point you are going to talk about in the rest of the paragraph.

Use the paragraph to provide facts and evidence to support your point, and explain how and why this supports the main point of your argument. For example:

It is now less acceptable than ever to test cosmetics on animals. Indeed, in March 2013 a new European law was passed that made it illegal to sell cosmetics in the EU that have been tested on animals. This suggests that most people in today’s society have a moral objection to the use of animals in this way, as the law clearly reflects this by stating it is unacceptable.

The more points that you can add to support your main idea, the stronger your argument will be.

The final paragraph will provide a clear conclusion and summarise the main supporting statements. You should your opening statement but don't repeat it. For example:

So, due to the harmful effects of testing products on animals, and the damage it inflicts on the environment, we must oppose animal testing.

How to build an argument for KS3 English students - BBC Bitesize (1)

Which is the supporting statement?

Which sentence in this paragraph is the supporting statement, indicating to the reader what the paragraph will talk about?

Testing human medicine on animals is known not to be overly successful. In fact, a large proportions of medicines that are approved at the animal testing stage are then shown not to be effective when it comes to human trials. This clearly demonstrates that testing human medicine on animals, which may cause them suffering or death, is often pointless as it is only human testing that indicates whether or not a treatment works.

Using supporting evidence

You need to provide evidence for each statement you provide as part of your argument.

The evidence you state needs to be relevant and directly linked to the statement you have given at the start of the paragraph. For example:

As you can see, the factual evidence in the second sentence directly supports the claim made in the statement at the start of the paragraph.

However, providing the evidence on its own is not enough. You must then go on to clearly explain to your reader how and why the evidence shows your statement is true by explaining what it suggests. For example:

This suggests that most in today’s society have a moral objection to the use of animals in this way, as the law clearly reflects this by stating it is unacceptable.

Creating a balanced argument

Writing to argue is different to writing to persuade partly because you present more of a balanced argument. This is done by not only explaining why your point of view is correct but by also addressing alternative or opposing points of view and offering a counter-argument, rationally explaining why they are incorrect or not as convincing.

When you counter-argue, you acknowledge the possible arguments against your own and then you go on to challenge these opposing views. For example:

Supporters of animal testing will tell you that it is well regulated to protect the animals. However, testing regulations differ from country to country and corporations can choose to test wherever the laws suit them. This therefore means animal testing is not as regulated as it might appear to be.

This is the opposing view to our argument. What follows after it is a rational and reasoned explanation as to why this view is incorrect or not very convincing.

Your overall argument will be stronger and more convincing if you deal with opposing viewpoints as well as presenting your own views.

Signposting for the reader

Discourse markers are phrases that help hold an argument together. They act as signposts for the reader to show where you are in the argument. For example:

On the other hand…
Some may argue that…
However…
Even though…
Alternatively…
In addition…
Furthermore…
Moreover…
As a result…
Consequently…
Therefore…

Key points

Try to think about all sides of an argument. Building an effective argument takes planning. It’s a good idea to plan your main points, evidence and counter arguments before you start writing. Planning will allow you to think about how best to structure your argument and the most effective order for your ideas.