Contextualization

Students, we will embark on an exciting journey where we will understand the concept of arguments - the backbone of effective communication. Aren't we always engaged in some form of argument in our daily lives? Be it convincing our parents for that alluring video game or persuading our friends to watch a movie we love! Arguments are everywhere.

Theoretical Introduction

An argument is a series of statements with an aim to persuade that something is (or is not) true. It is a way of making a point by providing reason(s) or evidence(s). A sound argument is one where the provided reasons or evidence logically support the point being made.

The second key concept is a fallacy, an error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid. Recognizing fallacies helps in constructing strong arguments and pointing out weak ones. There are many types of fallacies, such as hasty generalizations, false cause, or appeal to emotion.

Lastly, we come to evidence. Evidence in arguments refers to the facts, examples, or data that we present to support our point. It's like the building blocks that make our argument sturdy. The quality and relevance of the evidence significantly influence the strength of an argument.

Why Are Arguments Important?

Arguments are the currency of our intellectual lives. They are essential in supporting opinions, driving investigations, provoking debates, or even settling disagreements. An awareness of how arguments work can make us more persuasive communicators and critical thinkers.

In a world where information is plentiful, the ability to construct a sound argument and distinguish strong evidence from weak ones is a powerful tool. It helps us navigate through a sea of opinions and viewpoints, enabling us to make better, informed decisions.

Resources

Students can refer to these resources to further broaden their knowledge:

1. "Can You Win this Argument?" A TED-Ed video on arguments.
2. Critical thinking: How to help your students become better learners
3. "A Rulebook for Arguments" by Anthony Weston, an excellent book with practical tips on argumentation.
4. "The Art of Argument" by Aaron Larsen and Joelle Hodge, another helpful guide for understanding and practicing the art of argumentation.
5. Logically Fallacious: The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies, a website dedicated to understanding fallacies.

Practical Activity

Title: The Great Debate

Objective:

To understand and apply the concepts of argumentation, identify fallacies, and corroborate points with evidence in a debate format.

Project Description:

In this project, your group will choose two controversial topics, construct arguments for and against each topic, identify possible fallacies in your arguments, and validate your points with evidence. This activity will culminate in a friendly debate amongst your group, applying the skills you've learnt throughout this project.

Group Formation:

Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Groups of 4 or 5 are ideal as they allow for a balanced debate setting.

Duration:

This project is expected to take around 15 hours to complete. This includes time for research, discussion, argument construction, finding evidence, identifying fallacies, and preparing for the debate.

Necessary Materials:

1. Notebooks or loose paper for drafting arguments
2. Laptops or tablets for research (if available)
3. A timer (can be a phone timer)
4. Access to resources mentioned in the introduction, along with library books or online articles for research

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Choose Your Topics (1-2 Hrs): Brainstorm and select two controversial topics that interest your group. Topics can range from local issues (like school uniform policies) to global matters (like climate change).

2. Research (3-5 Hrs): Gather information on both topics from reliable sources. Make sure to find evidence that can support both sides of each argument.

3. Argument Construction (2-3 Hrs): Construct your arguments for and against each topic. Remember, a good argument provides reason(s) or evidence(s) to the point being made. Each member should prepare at least one argument for or against each topic.

4. Fallacies Identification (1-2 Hrs): Review your arguments and identify any possible fallacies. Work to remove these fallacies and strengthen your arguments.

5. Preparation for the Debate (3-4 Hrs): Organize your arguments and evidence, prepare your opening and closing statements, and decide the order of speakers.

6. The Debate (1-2 Hrs): Hold a friendly debate on each topic. Ensure each member gets a chance to present. Time each member's speech to keep the debate fair and timely.

7. Reflection and Report Writing (3-4 Hrs): Reflect on your performance in the debate, discuss what worked and what didn't, and how you could improve your argumentation skills for the future. Based on this reflection, write your project report.

Deliverable:

At the end of the project, you should submit a written report containing the following topics:

1. Introduction: Contextualize the project, explaining the chosen topics, their relevance, and the objective of the project.

2. Development: Detail the processes of researching, argument construction, fallacy identification, and debate preparation. Discuss the methodology applied and present some of your key arguments and the evidence you used to support them.

3. Conclusions: Reflect on your performance in the debate. Discuss what you learned about arguments, fallacies, and evidence. Also, reflect on your teamwork - the challenges faced and the solutions found.

4. Bibliography: Cite the sources used during your research and the preparation of your arguments.

Remember, your report should not only showcase your understanding of the topic but also reflect your group's journey through this project - the challenges faced, solutions found, and the lessons learned about argumentation and teamwork.