A2 • Lesson 8 of 75

Giving Reasons

Beyond "because" — make your opinions convincing

💭 Opinion & Argument

📖 Do Prep First →

Let's See What You Know

Before anything new — let's see what comes to mind...

🧠 Think about this: "Should children have smartphones?"

Say your opinion AND a reason. Use any language you know. Don't worry about mistakes!

Just try. Say: "I think... because..."

🤔 Now: Can you give a SECOND reason? And an example?

This is the hard part. Most A2 students can give one reason, but struggle to give more. That's exactly what we'll fix today.

Reason Strength Meter

Not all reasons are equally convincing:

❌ Weak 😐 Okay ✅ Strong

Weak: "I think children should have phones because... it's good."

Okay: "I think children should have phones because they need to contact parents."

Strong: "I think children should have phones because of safety. For example, if there's an emergency, they can call for help. This means parents feel more relaxed too."

Today we're working on: 5 "reason strengtheners" so you can support your opinions with examples, extra reasons, and clear conclusions.

5 Reason Strengtheners

These phrases turn a weak opinion into a strong argument. Study them for 30 seconds, then we'll practise.

Phrase	What it does	Type
For example, ...	Gives a real example to support your point	📗 Example
This means (that) ...	Shows the result or consequence	📙 Result
The main reason is (that) ...	Highlights your strongest argument	📕 Priority
Another reason is (that) ...	Adds a second or third reason	📘 Addition
That's why ...	Concludes by linking back to your opinion	📓 Conclusion

How each phrase works

1. For example, ... 📗 Example

Without: "Social media is bad for teenagers."

With: "Social media is bad for teenagers. For example, many studies show it increases anxiety."

🎤 NOW YOU TRY — Use the sentence builder:

Exercise is important. For example, (a real example)

💬 Ideas to help you:

it helps you sleep better walking 30 minutes a day reduces stress people who exercise have more energy

2. This means (that) ... 📙 Result

Without: "Learning a language takes a long time."

With: "Learning a language takes a long time. This means you need to be patient and practise every day."

🎤 NOW YOU TRY — Use the sentence builder:

Working from home saves time. This means (the result)

💬 Ideas to help you:

you can spend more time with family you have extra time for exercise you don't need to wake up so early

3. The main reason is (that) ... 📕 Priority

📝 Model sentence

"I prefer renting to buying. The main reason is that it gives me flexibility to move for work."

🎤 NOW YOU TRY — Use the sentence builder:

I like my hobby because the main reason is (your strongest reason)

💬 Starter ideas:

it helps me relax I can do it with friends it makes me feel happy I learn something new every time

4. Another reason is (that) ... 📘 Addition

📝 Model sentence

"We should ban plastic bags because they harm the environment. Another reason is that there are many alternatives available, like reusable bags."

🎤 NOW YOU TRY — Use the sentence builder:

Learning English is useful because . Another reason is (a second reason)

💬 Reasons to choose from:

you can travel more easily you can get a better job you can watch films without subtitles you can make friends from other countries

5. That's why ... 📓 Conclusion

📝 Model sentence

"Electric cars are better for the environment and cheaper to run. That's why I think governments should encourage people to buy them."

🎤 NOW YOU TRY — Use the sentence builder:

Sleep is important for health. (give a reason) That's why (conclusion)

💬 Ideas:

we should sleep 8 hours it's bad to use your phone before bed everyone needs a good routine

🧠 Quick Check — Can You Remember?

Cover the table above. What phrase does each job? Click to check.

1. Which phrase gives a concrete example?

Think of the green tag 📗

For example, ... 📗 Example

2. Which phrase shows the result or consequence?

Think of the orange tag 📙

This means (that) ... 📙 Result

3. Which phrase highlights your STRONGEST reason?

Think of the red tag 📕

The main reason is (that) ... 📕 Priority

4. Which phrase adds MORE reasons?

Another reason is (that) ... 📘 Addition

5. Which phrase wraps up your argument?

That's why ... 📓 Conclusion

Guided Practice

👨‍🏫 I DO — Watch how I build a strong argument

Topic: "Should schools teach financial skills like budgeting?"

📝 Model answer (uses all 5 phrases)

I think schools should definitely teach financial skills. The main reason is that young people need to understand money before they start working. For example, many teenagers don't know how to save money or make a budget. Another reason is that parents don't always teach this at home. This means children grow up without important life skills. That's why I believe schools should include this in the curriculum.

☝️ Notice: I used all 5 strengtheners: The main reason is → For example → Another reason is → This means → That's why

👥 WE DO — Let's build this together

Topic: "Is it better to live in a city or the countryside?"

I'll give you the structure — you choose from the word bank to fill in the ideas.

💬 Ideas you can use:

there are more jobs everything is close hospitals and schools are nearby the countryside is quieter you can earn more money many people move to cities

Sentence 1 — Use "The main reason is...":

I think city life is better. The main reason is (that) (choose from word bank)

👆 Try first, then click to see a possible answer

"I think city life is better. The main reason is that there are more jobs."

Sentence 2 — Use "For example, ...":

For example, (a concrete example)

👆 Try first, then click

"For example, hospitals and schools are nearby."

Sentence 3 — Use "Another reason is..." + "That's why...":

Another reason is (that) . That's why

👆 Try first, then click

"Another reason is that you can earn more money. That's why many people move to cities."

🎤 YOU DO — Your turn alone!

Topic: "Should everyone learn to cook basic meals?"

Build a full argument using at least 4 of the 5 phrases. The word bank is here to help.

💬 Ideas you can use (or use your own!):

it's cheaper than eating out you know what's in your food home cooking is healthier cooking is an important life skill many young people can only make toast you save money every week everyone should learn basic cooking

📋 Your 5 phrases:

The main reason is... For example, ... Another reason is... This means... That's why...

I think everyone should learn to cook. The main reason is...

For example, ...

Another reason is...

This means...

That's why...

✅ Click to see an example answer (only AFTER you've tried!)

"I think everyone should learn to cook. The main reason is that home cooking is healthier. For example, you know what's in your food. Another reason is that it's cheaper than eating out. This means you save money every week. That's why everyone should learn basic cooking."

Mixed Practice

Now the challenge: I give you the topic and tell you WHICH phrase to use — you make the sentence. Say it out loud!

📋 Your 5 phrases (choose the right one each time):

For example, ... This means... The main reason is... Another reason is... That's why...

1. 📱 "Social media is addictive." — Add an example

Which phrase gives a concrete example?

✅ "Social media is addictive. For example, many people check their phone more than 100 times a day."

2. 🏋️ "Exercise has many health benefits." — Show the result

Which phrase shows the consequence?

✅ "Exercise has many health benefits. This means you can live a longer and happier life."

3. 🎓 "University is worth the cost." — Give your main reason

Which phrase highlights the strongest argument?

✅ "I think university is worth it. The main reason is that you learn skills that help you get a better job."

4. 🐶 "Having a pet is great for children." — Add another reason

You already gave one reason. Now add more!

✅ "Having a pet teaches children responsibility. Another reason is that pets help children feel less lonely."

5. 🌍 "We need to protect the environment." — Give a conclusion

Which phrase wraps up your argument?

✅ "Climate change is getting worse and pollution is a big problem. That's why we all need to change our habits."

6. 💰 "Learning to manage money is important." — Use 2 phrases together

Try combining a reason + result or example + conclusion

✅ "The main reason is that many people get into debt because they don't understand budgeting. This means they have problems later in life."

Combining phrases makes your argument even stronger!

🔀 Now without help — Which phrase is best?

I give you the situation. You decide WHICH phrase to use AND make the sentence.

7. You said "travelling is educational." Now give evidence to support this.

Best phrase: For example, ... (evidence needs examples!)

✅ "For example, when you travel you learn about different cultures and practise new languages."

8. You gave two strong reasons. Now finish your argument.

Best phrase: That's why ... (time to conclude!)

✅ "That's why I strongly believe everyone should travel at least once a year."

Explain It Yourself

🧠 In your own words, explain the difference between these 3 types of phrase:

1. "For example" vs "This means" — what's different?

2. "The main reason" vs "Another reason" — when do you use each?

3. "That's why" — where does this go in your argument?

Explain as if teaching a friend who doesn't know these phrases.

📋 The Full Argument Formula

Opinion → Main reason → Example → Another reason → Result → Conclusion

"I think... The main reason is... For example, ... Another reason is... This means... That's why..."

🎤 Create Your Own Arguments

Choose 2 of these topics. For each one, build a FULL argument using the formula above.

A. "Is it important to learn a second language?"

💬 Ideas:

travel better jobs brain health connect with people understand other cultures

B. "Should we work from home or go to the office?"

💬 Ideas:

save time less stress social contact flexible schedule harder to concentrate

C. "Are video games good or bad for young people?"

💬 Ideas:

problem solving too much screen time teamwork online addictive fun and relaxing

Free Speaking: Debate Time

Give your opinion on these topics. Speak for at least 45 seconds on each one. Use as many reason strengtheners as you can!

Speaking Timer

3:00

1. 📱 Should social media have age limits?

💬 Vocabulary help:

children dangerous mental health cyberbullying parents safety

Starter: "I think social media should/shouldn't have age limits. The main reason is..."

2. 🏢 Is it better to rent or buy a home?

💬 Vocabulary help:

flexibility expensive investment save money freedom responsibility

3. 📅 Should companies allow 4-day work weeks?

💬 Vocabulary help:

productivity work-life balance rest less stress enough time happier employees

4. 🌍 Your choice! Pick any topic and give a strong opinion.

Ideas: university costs, public transport, vegetarian diets, technology in schools...

Goal: Give well-reasoned opinions, not just feelings! Try to use at least 3 phrases per topic.

Recall Zone

Spaced Repetition: Previous Lessons

Try to answer from memory BEFORE clicking to reveal!

From Lesson 1 (Buying Time): What are 3 phrases to give yourself thinking time?

"Let me think..." / "That's a good question..." / "Well..." / "I'd say..."

From Lesson 5 (Recall Challenge 1): What are the 5 sequencing words for telling a story?

So → First → Then/After that → Suddenly → In the end

From Lesson 7 (Comparing Things): What are the 3 comparison structures?

1. [A] is [comparative] than [B]

2. [A] is not as [adjective] as [B]

3. [A] is similar to / different from [B]

From Lesson 7 (Comparing Things): What are the 4 rules for making comparative adjectives?

Rule 1: Short words → add -er (cheap → cheaper)

Rule 2: -y words → change to -ier (easy → easier)

Rule 3: Long words → more + word (more expensive)

Rule 4: Irregulars → good/better, bad/worse

🎤 Integration Challenge

Combine skills from previous lessons WITH today's reason strengtheners:

Compare two careers (e.g., doctor vs teacher). Give your opinion on which is more rewarding, with strong reasons.

✅ Use a time-buyer (Lesson 1): "Well, let me think..."

✅ Use a comparison (Lesson 7): "Being a doctor is more stressful than..."

✅ Use at least 3 reason strengtheners (today!)

💬 Vocabulary help:

more rewarding harder better paid more stressful more important longer hours

💡 Click to see a model answer (try first!)

"Well, let me think... I think teaching is more rewarding than being a doctor. The main reason is that teachers help children grow. For example, a good teacher can change a child's life. Another reason is that teachers get long holidays. This means they have more time for family. That's why I'd choose teaching, even though doctors earn more."

Self-Check

🧠 Final Retrieval — From Memory!

Cover everything. Can you answer these?

1. Name all 5 reason strengthener phrases from memory

Think: example, result, priority, addition, conclusion

1. For example, ... 📗 Example

2. This means (that) ... 📙 Result

3. The main reason is (that) ... 📕 Priority

4. Another reason is (that) ... 📘 Addition

5. That's why ... 📓 Conclusion

2. What's the full argument formula? (the order of the phrases)

Opinion → ??? → ??? → ??? → ??? → ???

Opinion → Main reason → Example → Another reason → Result → Conclusion

"I think... The main reason is... For example,... Another reason is... This means... That's why..."

3. What's the difference between "For example" and "This means"?

For example = gives a concrete, real example to PROVE your point

This means = shows the RESULT or consequence of what you said

4. Give a 30-second opinion on "Should homework be banned?" using at least 3 phrases — from memory!

Don't look back! Just try your best.

Any answer using 3+ phrases correctly is great! Check: Did you include a reason, an example, and a conclusion?

e.g. "I think homework should be banned. The main reason is that children need time to play. For example, studies show that free time helps creativity. That's why I believe schools should stop giving homework." ✅

📋 "I Can..." Statement

I can support my opinions with examples, multiple reasons, and clear conclusions using 5 reason strengthener phrases.

How confident do you feel?

🤔 Metacognition

Think about today's lesson:

Which activity helped you learn the most? The phrase table? The sentence builders? The free speaking?

There's no right answer — this helps us plan what works best for you.

📅 Future Recall: These 5 reason strengtheners should reappear in Lessons 11, 15, and 22 for spaced repetition.

← Lesson 7 Lesson 9 →