Building a Good Argument

What are we learning today?

You will learn how to give an opinion and support it. You can do it in speaking and in writing.

Explanation

A good argument has three parts: a claim, a reason and an example.

• Say clearly that it is your opinion: "I think ...".
• Use words from the text to support your idea.
• Linkers help: because, so, for example, however. Do not add facts that are not in the text.

Examples

1. "I think Tom is unkind because he leaves Maggie alone and laughs."
2. "Tom laughed because he thought Maggie looked strange and funny."
3. "In the text it says that George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans."

Remember!

• Always give a reason after your claim.
• Do not repeat the same reason twice.

Check yourself

1. What are the three parts of an argument?
2. Which linker introduces a reason?