Speaking/Writing Skill Focus: Developing Arguments and Defending Opinions (B2 Level)

At B2 level, you can formulate arguments, present your opinions clearly, and defend your position with relevant points and examples. This goes beyond simply stating what you think; it involves structuring your argument logically and responding to counter-arguments.

Key Abilities for B2 Argumentation:

1. Stating Opinions Clearly:

• Expressing your viewpoint directly (Ik vind dat..., Mijn mening is dat..., Ik ben van mening dat..., Volgens mij..., Persoonlijk denk ik dat...).
• Using modal verbs or adverbs to indicate certainty or caution (Het is duidelijk dat..., Ik ben ervan overtuigd dat..., Het lijkt me dat..., Misschien..., Waarschijnlijk...).

1. Providing Reasons and Justification:

• Supporting your opinion with reasons (omdat, want, aangezien, namelijk).
• Giving evidence or examples (bijvoorbeeld, zoals, neem nou..., een goed voorbeeld hiervan is...).
• Explaining cause and effect (daardoor, als gevolg daarvan, dit leidt tot...).

1. Structuring the Argument:

• Introducing the topic and your main point.
• Presenting supporting points in a logical order (e.g., using ten eerste, ten tweede, bovendien, verder).
• Using linking words to show relationships between ideas (contrast: maar, echter, hoewel, daarentegen; addition: ook, en, bovendien; consequence: dus, daarom, concluderend).
• Concluding by summarizing your position or restating your main point.

1. Acknowledging and Refuting Counter-arguments:

• Showing awareness of other viewpoints (Sommige mensen denken dat..., Er wordt vaak gezegd dat..., Een mogelijk bezwaar is dat...).
• Politely disagreeing or showing the weakness in the opposing view (Hoewel dat misschien waar is, denk ik toch dat..., Dat klopt niet helemaal, omdat..., Ik begrijp dat punt, maar...).
• Presenting your counter-argument clearly.

1. Maintaining a Consistent Stance:

• Ensuring your points logically support your overall opinion.

1. Appropriate Language:

• Using vocabulary suitable for expressing opinions and arguments (see Vocabulary: Abstract Topics, Opinions).
• Maintaining a generally objective or persuasive tone, depending on the context.
• Adjusting formality based on the audience (e.g., discussion with friends vs. formal essay).

Importance for B2:

• Crucial for participating effectively in debates and discussions.
• Necessary for writing persuasive essays, opinion pieces, or formal letters/emails.
• Allows you to express yourself clearly and convincingly in work or study settings.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in the target language.

Learning Strategy:

• Analyze Arguments: Read opinion articles or watch debates and identify the main arguments, supporting points, and counter-arguments.
• Practice Formulating Opinions: Regularly try to formulate your opinion on current events or familiar topics, thinking about why you hold that opinion.
• Learn Argumentative Phrases: Memorize phrases for introducing points, giving reasons, contrasting ideas, and concluding.
• Structure Practice: Practice outlining arguments before speaking or writing.
• Engage in Debates: Participate in class debates or discussion groups where you need to defend a position.
• Write Opinion Pieces: Practice writing short texts expressing and justifying your opinion on a topic.