MAKING
STRONG
ARGUMENTS
WHAT MAKES A STRONG ARGUMENT?
From Opinion to Argument
An opinion is a belief. It's what you think or feel.
Example: "I think dogs are the best pets."
An argument is a statement supported by facts or reasons.
It's why others should agree with you.
Example: "Dogs are the best pets because they are scientifically proven to reduce
stress."
A strong argument is convincing.
It's built on a solid foundation that's hard to knock down.
INTRODUCING THE CER STRUCTURE
The Foundation of Every Argument: CER
1. C = Claim: Your main point or position. It's what you are trying to prove.
2. E = Evidence: The facts, data, or examples that support your claim. It's the proof.
3. R = Reasoning: The explanation that links your evidence back to your claim. It's the
"why and how" your evidence proves your point.
THE CLAIM (THE WHAT)
C is for Claim
Definition: A clear, concise statement that takes a position on an issue.
Characteristics:
It's debatable; someone could disagree with it.
It's focused; it makes a single point.
Example:
Weak Claim: It's bad to be late. (Too general)
Strong Claim: Students should be required to wear uniforms because it improves
discipline. (Debatable and focused)
Activity Prompt: "Let's brainstorm! What are some strong claims we could make about
school topics?" (e.g., banning homework, longer lunch breaks).
Technology
School School Day in the
Homework Structure Classroom
LANGUAGE FOR THE CLAIM
The Claim is your main point. State it clearly and confidently.
•"We believe that..."
•"The government should..."
•"Students ought to..."
•"This House would..."
•"The most effective solution is..."
•"It is imperative that.../ im'perətiv / = essential/ urgent ”
Example: This House would ban all homework for primary school students.
(The "This House would" format is common in formal debate.)
THE EVIDENCE (THE PROOF)
E is for Evidence
Definition: The facts, data, expert opinions, or examples that back up your claim.
Types of Evidence:
Statistics: 85% of teachers say uniforms reduce bullying.
Expert Testimony: Dr. Jane Smith, a leading sociologist, argues that uniforms
create a more focused learning environment.
Examples/Case Studies: Schools that have implemented uniform policies have
reported a 20% decrease in disciplinary issues.
Characteristics:
It must be credible and relevant.
It should be specific and not vague. Activity Prompt: "What kind of evidence
would you need to support the claim: 'Social media is harmful to teenagers'?"
LANGUAGE FOR THE EVIDENCE
The Evidence is the proof. Introduce your facts, data, or examples using a clear signal
phrase.
•"According to a study from..."
•"Research shows that..."
•"For instance, we can look at..."
•"A recent survey found that..."
•"Experts such as [Name] state that..."
•"The data from [Source] indicates..."
Example: A recent study from the University of Oxford found that students who do
not receive homework are 25% more likely to engage in after-school activities,
which are proven to boost mental health. (This is specific data with a source.)
THE REASONING (THE WHY)
Heading: R is for Reasoning
Definition: The explanation that logically connects your evidence to your claim. This is
the most crucial part!
How to Reason:
Explain the evidence: Tell your audience what the statistic or quote actually
means.
Connect to the claim: Explain how this evidence proves your main point.
Explain the impact: Why is this point important? What is the consequence?
LANGUAGE FOR THE REASONING
The Reasoning is the explanation that connects your evidence to your claim. This is
where you explain the "why" and "how."
•"This evidence demonstrates that..."
•"This is significant because..."
•"What this shows is that..."
•"By encouraging these activities, we can see that..."
•"This directly supports our claim that..."
•"Therefore, the clear connection is..."
Example: This demonstrates that banning homework provides a direct benefit to
student well-being, as it frees up time for valuable recreational activities. Therefore,
it is clear that removing this burden on primary students is not only a viable option
but a beneficial one that improves their overall health and happiness. (This connects
the evidence about mental health back to the original claim about banning homework.)
Example:
•Claim: Students should be required to wear uniforms.
•Evidence: A study found that schools with uniforms saw a 20% drop in bullying
incidents.
•Reasoning: This evidence shows that uniforms reduce bullying, as students are no
longer targeted for their clothing choices. A safer environment helps students focus on
their studies instead of social anxieties, which ultimately improves the school's overall
culture and academic performance.
CER IN ACTION (FULL EXAMPLE)
Heading: Putting It All Together Claim: All school cafeterias should offer a vegetarian
option every day. Evidence: The American Heart Association states that a vegetarian
diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30%. Reasoning: Providing
vegetarian meals gives students a healthier option that can set them up for a lifetime of
good habits. This not only benefits students' long-term health but also aligns with the
school's mission to promote overall well-being.
ACTIVITY: THE "BUILD-AN-ARGUMENT" CHALLENGE
Instructions:
1.You will be given a random, fun topic.
2.In groups of 2-3, you have 5 minutes to create a single, strong argument using the
CER structure.
3.Be ready to share your argument with the class!
Example Topics:
•"Cereal is soup."
•"Pineapple belongs on pizza."
•"The plural of LEGO is LEGO."
