Introduction: Constructing and Supporting Your Views

Beyond simply stating an opinion, B2 level requires you to develop arguments (argumenten ontwikkelen) and effectively defend your opinions (meningen verdedigen). This means supporting your claims with reasons, evidence, or examples, structuring your argument logically, anticipating counterarguments, and using appropriate language to sound convincing yet reasonable.

This skill is crucial for debates, discussions, persuasive writing (essays, emails), and expressing yourself clearly in situations where viewpoints differ.

Key Components of Developing an Argument

1. Clear Stance (Duidelijk Standpunt): State your main opinion or position clearly, often near the beginning.

• Use phrases like: Ik ben van mening dat..., Mijn standpunt is dat..., Ik ben ervan overtuigd dat...

1. Supporting Reasons (Ondersteunende Redenen): Provide logical reasons why you hold that opinion. Introduce reasons with linking words.

• Ten eerste, ... Ten tweede, ... Ten slotte, ... (Firstly, secondly, finally)
• Een belangrijk argument is dat... (An important argument is that...)
• De belangrijkste reden hiervoor is... (The main reason for this is...)
• Use conjunctions of reason: omdat, want, aangezien, namelijk.
• Ik vind dat we meer moeten investeren in duurzaamheid, omdat klimaatverandering een serieuze bedreiging vormt.

1. Evidence and Examples (Bewijs en Voorbeelden): Back up your reasons with facts, statistics, examples, or personal experiences (where appropriate).

• Bijvoorbeeld,... / Zoals... (For example / Such as)
• Uit onderzoek blijkt dat... (Research shows that...)
• Denk maar aan... (Just think of...)
• Een goed voorbeeld hiervan is... (A good example of this is...)

1. Logical Structure (Logische Structuur): Organize your points coherently. Start with your main point, present reasons and evidence systematically, and end with a conclusion.

• Use discourse markers for structure: Bovendien, Daarnaast (Moreover, Additionally), Vervolgens (Subsequently), Kortom (In short).

1. Addressing Counterarguments (Tegenargumenten Weerleggen): A strong argument acknowledges opposing views and explains why your position is stronger.

• Sommige mensen zeggen dat..., maar ik denk dat... (Some people say that..., but I think that...)
• Hoewel [tegenargument], toch ben ik van mening dat... (Although [counterargument], I am nevertheless of the opinion that...)
• Het argument dat... klopt niet helemaal, omdat... (The argument that... isn't entirely correct, because...)
• Je zou kunnen zeggen dat..., echter... (You could say that..., however...)

1. Concluding Statement (Conclusie): Briefly summarize your main point and argument.

• Daarom ben ik van mening dat... (Therefore, I am of the opinion that...)
• Al met al / Kortom, het is duidelijk dat... (All in all / In short, it is clear that...)
• Op basis van deze argumenten concludeer ik dat... (Based on these arguments, I conclude that...)

Language for Persuasion and Argumentation

• Strong Stance: Ik ben er vast van overtuigd dat..., Het lijdt geen twijfel dat... (There is no doubt that...)
• Cautious Stance: Het lijkt erop dat..., Mogelijk..., Ik neig ernaar te denken dat... (I tend to think that...)
• Emphasizing Points: Vooral, met name, in het bijzonder (Especially, particularly)
• Showing Cause/Effect: Daardoor, als gevolg daarvan, dit leidt tot... (This leads to...)
• Contrasting: Echter, desalniettemin, in tegenstelling tot (in contrast to), enerzijds... anderzijds

Defending Opinions in Discussion

• Listen Actively: Understand the other person's point before responding.
• Stay Calm and Polite: Even if you strongly disagree.
• Refer Back: Je zei net dat..., maar... (You just said that..., but...)
• Ask Clarifying Questions: Ensure you understand their argument (Bedoel je daarmee dat...?).
• Focus on Arguments, Not the Person: Avoid personal attacks.
• Concede Minor Points (if applicable): Daar heb je misschien een punt, maar het algemene beeld is toch... (You might have a point there, but the overall picture is still...)
• Agree to Disagree: Sometimes consensus isn't possible: Laten we het hierbij houden. (Let's leave it at that.) / We verschillen hierover duidelijk van mening. (We clearly disagree on this.)

Developing arguments and defending opinions effectively at B2 level involves structuring your thoughts logically, supporting your claims with reasons and evidence, anticipating counterarguments, and using appropriate persuasive and structural language. Practice outlining arguments on various topics and engaging in discussions where you respectfully defend your point of view.