Building an Argument

Linking ideas, adding examples, and balancing different sides

Quick Chat

Speak
"Should children under 12 have smartphones?" — Answer in one sentence. Now try again — this time, speak for a full minute.

What happened when you tried to speak longer? Most people start strong, then run out of things to say. The problem isn't ideas — it's structure.

Speak
What makes a good argument? Think of someone who speaks well — what do they do that makes their answers sound organised?

Today: the connecting words and phrases that hold a longer answer together — so you never run out of things to say.

Connecting Your Ideas

A strong answer isn't just good ideas — it's ideas that are connected. These are the tools:

1. Adding More Points

What's more, ... / In addition, ... / On top of that, ... / Another thing is...

Use these to add a second or third reason. They say "I'm not done — there's more."

2. Showing the Other Side

On the other hand, ... / However, ... / Having said that, ... / Then again, ...

These show you're balanced — you see both sides. "I think X. However, I can see why people think Y."

3. Giving Examples

For example, ... / For instance, ... / To give you an example, ... / Take ... for example.

Examples make abstract ideas concrete. Always follow an opinion with an example.

4. Concluding

So overall, ... / All things considered, ... / In the end, I think... / So that's my view.

These signal you're wrapping up. Without a conclusion, answers just... stop.

What's the difference between "but" and "however"?

Same meaning, different register.

"But" = conversational, connects two clauses: "I like it, but it's expensive."

"However" = more formal, starts a new sentence: "I like it. However, it's expensive."

At B1, start using "however" to sound more organised and academic.

Putting It Together

Open (~10 seconds)

"Overall, I think..." / "The way I see it..." / "Generally speaking..."

State your main position clearly.

Develop (~40 seconds)

Reason 1 + example → "What's more..." → Reason 2 → "However..." → Other side

Build your argument with connecting phrases. Show both sides.

Close (~10 seconds)

"So all things considered..." / "In the end, I believe..." / "That's my view."

Return to your main point. Don't introduce new ideas.

Try it
"Is it better to travel or to save money?" — Use the Open → Develop → Close structure. Include: one "what's more", one "however", one "for example", and a closing phrase.

Word Power

Tap to reveal. These are your argument-building tools.

Adding Ideas

what's more
and also (adds a stronger point) — "What's more, it saves money too"
in addition
also (slightly formal) — "In addition, there are health benefits"
not only... but also
two things at once — "It's not only cheaper, but also faster"
on top of that
even more — "On top of that, it's better for the environment"

Contrasting Ideas

however
but (starts new sentence) — "However, not everyone agrees"
on the other hand
the opposite view — "On the other hand, it could create problems"
although / even though
despite this — "Although it's popular, it has drawbacks"
having said that
but I should also mention — "Having said that, there are some advantages"

Giving Examples & Evidence

for instance
for example — "For instance, in my country..."
take... for example
look at this case — "Take Japan, for example"
from my experience
in my life — "From my experience, this works well"

Concluding

all things considered
thinking about everything — wraps up your answer
so overall
in general — "So overall, I think the benefits outweigh the risks"
at the end of the day
when you consider what really matters — slightly informal
Challenge
Close all cards. From memory, give one phrase from each category: adding, contrasting, example, concluding.

The Structured Argument

Answer each question for exactly 1 minute. Use the Open → Develop → Close structure. No rambling!

1:00
Round 1
"Should university education be free for everyone?"

Open with your position. Give a reason + example. Show the other side with "however". Close.

Must use: "for instance" + "however" + a closing phrase

Round 2
"Is it better to live alone or with other people?"

This has two clear sides — perfect for "on one hand... on the other hand..." Use personal experience.

Must use: "on the other hand" + "from my experience" + "what's more"

Round 3
"Should companies force employees to come back to the office?"

Think about productivity, social life, and fairness. Show you understand both employer and employee perspectives.

Must use: "although" + "in addition" + "all things considered"

Round 4 — The Big One (90 seconds)
"What is the biggest challenge facing your generation?"

This is open-ended — you choose the topic. Name the challenge, explain why, give examples, acknowledge other views, and conclude.

Must use: at least 5 different connecting phrases from today's lesson

Recall Zone

From CT-22: What's Going to Happen?
Put these in order from most certain to least certain: might, will definitely, probably won't, will probably, could

will definitely (100%) → will probably (90%) → might / could (50%) → probably won't (30%)

When you build an argument, match your certainty to your evidence. Strong evidence = "will". Speculation = "might".

From CT-21: Big Questions
How do you acknowledge another person's perspective before giving your own view?

"Some people argue that..." / "There are different ways to look at this..." / "It depends on..."

This goes perfectly in the "development" section of a structured answer.

From CT-20: All About Me
What phrases link your past experience to your present opinion?

"From my experience..." / "Looking back..." / "That's why I believe..."

Personal examples are the most powerful evidence in a spoken argument.

What did you learn?

Final challenge
"Is social media a positive or negative force in society?" — 90 seconds, no notes. Open → Develop → Close. Use at least: one addition phrase, one contrast phrase, one example, and a conclusion.

Which connecting phrases feel most natural to you? Which ones do you want to practise more?

← CT-22