Contextualization

Introduction to Arguments

An argument is not always a loud disagreement between people. In fact, in the world of language and communication, it refers to a form of discourse that involves reasoning and presenting evidence to support a particular viewpoint or claim. It's a fundamental part of our everyday lives, from discussing what movie to watch with friends to crafting persuasive essays in school.

In this project, we aim to familiarize you with the concept of arguments and their significance. You will learn about the essential elements of an argument, such as claims, evidence, and reasoning, and how they work together to build a strong case. Moreover, you will understand the difference between arguments and other forms of discourse, like explanations and descriptions.

The Importance of Arguments

Arguments are not just about winning or losing. They are a crucial part of critical thinking and problem-solving. By learning how to construct and analyze arguments, you will develop skills in logical reasoning, evidence evaluation, and effective communication. These skills are not only valuable in school but also in your personal and professional life.

Understanding arguments also helps you engage with the world around you more effectively. In an era of fake news and misinformation, being able to critically evaluate arguments and evidence is an essential tool for making informed decisions. Whether it's in a debate about climate change or deciding who to vote for in an election, understanding arguments can help you separate fact from fiction and make a persuasive case for your viewpoint.

Resources

To get started on this exciting journey, here are some resources you can explore:

1. Book: "They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing" by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein - This book offers a practical guide to making effective arguments in academic writing, with plenty of examples and exercises.
2. Website: Crash Course Philosophy - This YouTube series has a fantastic episode on arguments, which covers everything from deductive and inductive reasoning to logical fallacies.
3. Video: "How to Win Every Argument" by Harvard Law School - This entertaining and informative video provides tips on constructing persuasive arguments.
4. Website: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - This online encyclopedia is an excellent resource for more in-depth exploration of philosophical concepts related to arguments.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Building Better Arguments

Objective of the Project

The main objective of this project is to help students understand the structure and elements of an argument and to enable them to construct and analyze arguments effectively. Furthermore, this project aims to develop students' skills in logical reasoning, evidence evaluation, and effective communication.

Detailed Description of the Project

In groups of 3 to 5, students will work together to create and present two arguments on a given topic, one supporting and one opposing the issue. They will need to structure their arguments using the essential elements: claims, evidence, and reasoning. Additionally, they will need to identify and address any counterarguments.

The students will also need to present and defend their arguments in a debate format with another group, providing an opportunity for them to practice their communication and persuasion skills.

After the debate, students will reflect on the process and write a report detailing their understanding of arguments, their experience in constructing and presenting arguments, and the lessons they have learned from the project.

Necessary Materials

• One notebook per group for brainstorming, drafting, and note-taking
• Access to the internet for research
• Presentation materials (e.g., PowerPoint, poster board, markers) for the debate
• Writing materials for report

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Form Groups and Select a Topic - Divide the class into groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will choose a topic for their arguments. It could be a current event, a school policy, or a controversial issue in the community.

2. Research the Topic - Each group will conduct research on their chosen topic. They should find credible sources to support their claims and to anticipate potential counterarguments.

3. Construct the Arguments - Using the research, each group will construct two arguments on the chosen topic: one supporting and one opposing. The arguments should include a clear claim, supporting evidence, and logical reasoning.

4. Prepare for the Debate - Each group will prepare a presentation of their arguments for the debate. The presentation should clearly communicate their arguments and be persuasive.

5. Participate in the Debate - In the debate, each group will present their arguments, listen to the arguments from the opposing group, and respond to any counterarguments. The goal is not necessarily to "win" the debate but to effectively communicate and defend their arguments.

6. Reflect and Write the Report - After the debate, each group will reflect on the process and write a report detailing their understanding of arguments, their experience in constructing and presenting arguments, and the lessons they have learned from the project.

Project Deliverables

• A written report in the format of Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Used Bibliography.

  • Introduction: The students should introduce the topic, its relevance, and real-world application, as well as the objective of this project.

  • Development: The students should detail the theory behind the project's main theme, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and finally present and discuss the obtained results.

  • Conclusion: The students should revisit the main points of the project, state the learnings obtained, and their conclusions about the work.

  • Bibliography: The students should indicate the sources they relied on to work on the project, such as books, web pages, videos, among others.

• A presentation of their arguments in the debate.

• A written argument for and against their chosen topic.

• A reflection on the process of constructing and presenting arguments.

This activity should take approximately one week to complete, with each student spending about three to five hours on the project.