Building Solid Arguments: The Importance of Argumentative Operators

Objectives

1. Understand that argumentative operators are words or expressions that help structure an argument.

2. Establish logical relationships between ideas using argumentative operators.

3. Verify the application of argumentative operators in different types of texts.

Contextualization

Argumentative operators are essential tools in constructing effective arguments. Imagine a lawyer defending their client in court, a journalist writing a report, or even a marketing professional creating an advertising campaign. In all these cases, the ability to structure arguments logically and convincingly is crucial. Argumentative operators are the words and expressions that connect ideas, facilitating the reader's or listener's understanding and persuasion. For example, in a debate, expressions such as 'therefore', 'however', and 'in addition' are used to link viewpoints and strengthen the argumentation.

Relevance of the Theme

In today's context, the ability to build cohesive and convincing arguments is highly valued in various sectors of the job market. Professionals who master argumentation are more effective in defending their ideas, persuading audiences, and achieving their goals. Lawyers, journalists, advertisers, and scientists, for example, use argumentative operators to make their communications clearer and more persuasive. Therefore, understanding and correctly applying these operators is a fundamental skill for both academic life and professional success.

Definition of Argumentative Operators

Argumentative operators are words or expressions that help structure an argument, establishing logical relationships between ideas. They are essential for building cohesive and coherent texts, allowing the author to connect thoughts clearly and organized.

• They are fundamental in building logical arguments.

• They facilitate reader or listener comprehension and persuasion.

• They contribute to textual cohesion and coherence.

Types of Argumentative Operators

There are various types of argumentative operators, each with a specific function. For example, addition operators ('in addition', 'also'), contrast operators ('on the other hand', 'however'), and conclusion operators ('therefore', 'thus'). Knowing the different types and their functions is essential for using them appropriately in different contexts.

• Addition operators: add information.

• Contrast operators: present opposing or complementary ideas.

• Conclusion operators: conclude a reasoning or argument.

Function of Argumentative Operators in Texts

Argumentative operators serve the function of connecting ideas within a text, ensuring that the transition between them is smooth and logical. They help guide the reader through the author's reasoning, making the argument more convincing and easy to follow.

• Connect ideas logically.

• Guide the reader through the author's reasoning.

• Increase the clarity and persuasion of the text.

Practical Applications

• In a business presentation, argumentative operators help connect different points and persuade the audience.
• In academic articles, they are used to structure the discussion and present conclusions clearly.
• In advertising campaigns, argumentative operators are essential for building a cohesive and convincing message.

Key Terms

• Argumentative Operators: Words or expressions that structure arguments.

• Textual Cohesion: A property of a text in which the parts are well connected.

• Persuasion: The act of convincing someone to believe or do something.

Questions

• How can the use of argumentative operators improve clarity and persuasion in your school writings?

• How might the absence of argumentative operators impact the cohesion of a text?

• Think of an everyday situation where the use of argumentative operators would help defend your point of view. Describe how you would use these tools.

Conclusion

To Reflect

Argumentative operators are fundamental components for constructing cohesive and convincing texts. They allow ideas to be connected logically, facilitating the reader's or listener's understanding and persuasion. Throughout this lesson, we explored how these operators are used in different contexts, from debates and speeches to academic texts and advertising campaigns. Reflecting on the importance of argumentative operators helps us to value clarity and cohesion in our daily communications, enhancing our ability to argue effectively and persuasively.

Mini Challenge - Practical Challenge: Improving Textual Cohesion

In this mini-challenge, you will practice using argumentative operators in a small text, improving the cohesion and clarity of your argument.

• Write a paragraph on a topic of your choice, without using argumentative operators.
• Review the paragraph and identify points where argumentative operators could be inserted to improve cohesion and clarity.
• Rewrite the paragraph, inserting at least five different argumentative operators.
• Compare the original version with the revised one and notice how the argumentative operators impacted the clarity and persuasion of the text.