9 ENGLISH: TERM 4 The Art of Persuasion
Building an argument

Supporting points
Watch the video in which comedian Bill Cosby explains his thoughts on how his parents behave now that they are grandparents. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt33zqib2qk)

The main point Cosby makes is that his parents have softened greatly compared to when he was a boy.

What are the supporting points Cosby makes to prove his main point?

Bill Cosby was stating that his grandparents are evil.
As he said his kid’s grandmother is only nice because she is trying to get into heaven.
Every time his granddad never gave him money but he gave his grandparents gave him kids money.
He says his parents are funny people “I have never seen such a turnaround in my life”.

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What was an example of Cosby using hyperbole (dramatic exaggeration) to make his point more effectively? He says that my grandfather had to wake up every day at 4:00am and walked to school without shoes up hull in five feet of snow
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What was an example of Cosby using quotes to demonstrate his point more clearly?
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Gathering supporting points
Take the time to explore both sides of an argument in order to build a strong case for the side that you want to support. By taking into consideration points which challenge your position, you can construct a solid, ‘hole-proof’ argument which is difficult to oppose.

Topic: The weekend should be three days long
Points supporting the topic Points challenging the topic
1.more social time You don’t get enough school time
2.more time to do assignments On a average school day you would have to do more work to fill in the Friday that you’re at home.
3.it would be a benefit if you work out of school More time at school
4.more family time Pay is decreased for teachers
5.more time to eat food School days will go for long

Next step…
 Choose one side of the argument to develop.
 Highlight the strongest three points of your chosen side.
 Over the page, develop these points into detailed arguments.

INTRODUCTION

Provide a short background or history of topic to demonstrate its significance. I strongly believe that the weekends should be extended to a three days because it is simply the right thing to do. I think of all the times you’ve had to cut a holiday short. Having to go to bed early so you can wake up the next day to organise your kids and drive them to school.

Clearly state the side of the argument you are taking. If everyone had a three day weekend the world would simply move smoothly. Just imagine waking up to less stressful mornings full of

Introduce the three supporting points you have chosen from the previous page. ………………………………………………………………………………………..
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SUPPORTING POINT 1

Make a strong statement out of the first supporting point. ………………………………………………………………………………………..
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Explain your point very clearly. Elaborate on your meaning. ………………………………………………………………………………………..
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Use a hypothetical example to demonstrate your point ‘in action’. ………………………………………………………………………………………..
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SUPPORTING POINT 2

Make a strong statement out of the 2nd supporting point. ………………………………………………………………………………………..
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Explain your point very clearly. Elaborate