Counter-Arguments - Activity

An argument that opposes another argument is called a counter-argument (remember the "Argument Clinic"?). It can challenge the reasons given in an original argument, or take a different line of reasoning, or do both.

Here we have a video against creationist arguments. They are ten. The video introduces the POINT of VIEW that is going to combat and then states the counter-argument to a reasoning which has to be assumed (say, which  has to be taken for granted).

Your task, after watching the whole video, is to take one counter-argument you liked and work out the argument from the POINT of VIEW given on.In other words, do the opposite of what you are going to see: build an argument against the anti-creationist argument you have chosen. You can use the web in order to search for useful information.

Time lag - let's train.

A "time lag" is the period of time between two connected events. For instance, the time lapse between the exercises you do on your computers. In order to make the most of our lesson, here we have an idea: let’s improve our brain health and, consequently, our performance. Go to http://www.lumosity.com , create your account and build your own personalized Training Program. Every time you finish a task ahead of time you will be able to train until you are told to stop. Like it? You’re welcome!

Recognising Arguments - Activity

Use the definition of Argument (reasons which lead to a conclusion) and “therefore/so” to decide which of the following are arguments:

a-     The Tokyo train leaves at 16:24h. It can take up to 40’ to get to the station if the traffic is bad. We should leave for the station by 15:40.

b-    Raisa is the only person with a key to the safe. The police are bound to treat her as a suspect. The money went missing when she was in the building on her own.

c-     You can expect a fine. Completed tax forms and payments must be received by 31^st July and people who miss the deadline are usually fined $1000. Your payment did not reach the tax office until 12^th August.

d-    From the 15^th century European sailors reached the lands of the east by sailing west. Those who sailed on and survived eventually arrived back in Europe. When they claimed they had sailed around the world, few people believed them.

e-     There are only three possible causes of the leak in your washing machine: the pump could be worn, a hose could be split or one of the connections could be loose. I’ve checked the hoses and tightened all the connections, but the machine still leaks.

Understanding Arguments - Prezi (to be continued...)

Understanding Arguments on Prezi

">

Identify the Main Conclusion = Point of View

One short argument follows. Analyse it using words or diagrams, so as to identify the main conclusion and its structure.

It is almost inevitable that some athletes will take drugs to improve their performance. All too often performance-enhancing drugs make the difference between winning and losing. The rewards for winning are so great that the risk of being caught using drugs may well seem worth taking.

What is an Argument? (Reloaded)

In each of questions 1 to 4, the passage provided is an argument. Your task is to say which of X, Y and Z are reasons and which is the conclusion.

I X The windows in the room are jammed shut. Y the room is likely to become hot and stuffy. Z It is the hottest day of the year.

II X George thought he saw Jim running in the London Marathon. Y George mistook the identity of the man he saw running in the London Marathon. Z Jim was in Canada on the day of the London Marathon.

III X Computers are not capable of creativity comparable with that of humans. Y Human creativity is intuitive and inspirational. Z Computers are incapable of being intuitive and inspirational.

IV X Juan must be glad that his bicycle is an old one. Y All our friends who have bought new bikes have had them stolen within weeks. Z No one ever steals Juan’s bike even when he leaves it unlocked. 

What is an Argument II?

In each of the following questions, 3 passages are presented, only one of which is an argument. Your task is to pick which passage is an argument.

1

A The play is topical and thought provoking. The children at the school will benefit from seeing it.

B The play ran for several months in West End of London. It was about the effects of fortune.-telling on the lives of three people.

C The play was about the search for happiness. It was well received by the critics, but did not turn out to be popular with the public.

2

A I wish I was good at languages. I only know a few words of French. I have never studied German.

B The books I need to read have not been translated from the original German. The only foreign language I know is French. I need to learn German.

C It is a long time since I studied any languages. Knowing languages can be helpful in one’s work. French and German would be interesting to learn.

3

A Some zoos run programmes for breeding animals. In recent years, attempts have been made to get pandas to breed. Not many pandas have been bred in captivity.

B Zoos must make changes in order to remain popular. Zoos tend to keep their animals in small cages. The public no longer like to see animals kept in this way.

C Zoos must be very expensive to run. They are attractive places to visit, though. Children benefit from seeing live animals.

4

A Peter is quick to pick up new skills. He is meticulous about his work. He finds it difficult to work as one of a team.

B The job requires knowledge of computers. Some training will be provided. Candidates must also be able to work in a team.

C Tamara is likely to get promotion. She has worked hard in her present position. She has spent time preparing for her interview for promotion.

5

A The number of burglaries in the town has risen sharply. Houses with electronic alarms are less likely to be burgled than houses without alarms. A determined burglar will not be put off by any electronic alarm.

B Penderton, Maxwell and Deakins have been charged with burglary. All three men were seen leaving the house carrying bags. They are claiming that they were nowhere near the house at the time when the burglary took place.

C Courts normally give a more severe sentence to someone who has previous convictions. Out of the three men, who all face the same charge, only Penderton has previously convicted of an offence. The other two are likely to get lighter sentences than Penderton.

Argument Clinic and have fun!

What is an argument?

Do you know what an argument is? What does it consist of?
Read the chapter on arguments and solve the assignments on page 13.
Now let´s watch the following video together. Identify the argument and its parts (premises and conclusion).