Use layers of strong connections
This lesson focuses on reasoning in an argument. It shows you how to deep-dive and make a very strong connection between your claims and your evidence.
Recall the lesson on reasoning. It's lesson 3 of this course. Many students say that reasoning is the most difficult part of an argument. Do you agree?
Many students struggle with reasoning. There are three reasons for this:
- It's difficult. Reasoning takes a higher level of English than claims or evidence,
If this is unclear, look at a simple argument and consider it grammatically:
- claim: I recommend going to Athens. It's a beautiful place.
- evidence: It's one of the oldest cities in Europe, with ancient buildings everywhere!
- reasoning: So if you walk through those historical places, you'll get a sense of how life was lived more than two thousand years ago. You can really experience it, which is far more memorable than just reading about it in books or seeing a video.
- What level of English speaker can make a strong claim? Probably a beginner.
- What level of English speaker can give strong evidence? Probably intermediate.
- What level of English speaker can give strong reasoning? Probably an upper-intermediate or advanced speaker.
- It's cultural. Some cultures are more indirect in their arguments, and others may feel that layering reasoning is beating a dead horse. It's not. If your student is not adding reasoning, remind them that English is a low-context culture and needs more detailed communication, especially in business.
- It's subjective. Claims and opinions are easy, and evidence is factual—we can all agree on it. But reasoning depends on the speaker. For example, "Why are ancient buildings good or beautiful?" Well, it depends on what you think or what you want to do.
Answer this question:
Do you think it's important to travel abroad?
You don't need to be too strict to start, but try asking follow-up questions like, "Why do you think so?" or "What effect do you think that will have?" Remind your student that not everyone will ask a lot of follow-up questions. They need to add detailed reasoning by themselves.
Strong reasoning will help you:
- show the best of your English;
- convince friends and colleagues of your opinion.
Of course, there are times when you don't need to add reasoning: in casual conversations, and when the listener already agrees with you. If the listener already agrees with you, then you probably don't need much reasoning. But in business, convincing the listener is important.
Optional
Give them a special challenge:
Try to use IF a few times at least. "If A, then B and C. Then D and E. That's why A!"
(This creates the effect of roll-on reasoning, which will be addressed in lesson 17.)
Here are some claims, and some evidence to support each one. Add reasoning to explain why the evidence supports the claim.
- You should go to the Swiss Alps. They're great! There are lots of huge, snow-covered mountains.
- I think the economy is going to get worse in the next 20 years. Some experts say that advances in artificial intelligence are going to cause mass unemployment.
- Swiss Alps
- Claim: You should go to the Swiss Alps. They're great!
- Evidence: There are lots of huge, snow-covered mountains.
- POSSIBLE REASONING:
- …so you can go skiing on some world-class slopes.
- …so you can enjoy the view from the train or the hotel room.
- or layer the reasoning and mention both.
- Economy
- Claim: I think the economy is going to get worse in the next 20 years.
- Evidence: Experts say that advances in artificial intelligence are going to cause mass unemployment.
- POSSIBLE REASONING:
- If people don't have a job, they can't spend money. Consumption will fall, and it will cause a variety of industries to crash, like restaurants, fashion and tourism.
- If unemployment increases, then consumer confidence will fall. People won't want to spend money, because they are worried about the future.
- or layer the reasoning and mention both.
Grammar for reasoning
There are a few grammar patterns used when giving reasoning. Here are two common ones:
- (So) You can [+ verb].
- This is a simple style to explain what action can be taken.
- Use specific actions.
- E.g.: There's a restaurant at the top of the mountain, so you can take a break, have some hot cocoa and enjoy the view.
- Example 1 uses this pattern.
- If A, then B.
- Use general full sentences in the present simple.
- E.g.: There's a restaurant on the mountain. If you are tired, then just stop there and relax by the fire.
- Example 2 uses this pattern.
- Use general full sentences in the present simple.
Now, practice answering a question. Add as much reasoning as you can.