Presenting Arguments For and Against an Issue

Often it is quite important to present the arguments BOTH FOR and AGAINST a claim which means trying to be objective and seeing both sides of an issue. Here are some helpful phrases you can use to do that:

 

1. This (that) of course has its negatives as well as its positives ……………………………………………….

2. Don’t forget about the other side of the problem..........................................................................

3. Let’s look at the whole problem from a realistic point of view...........................................................................

4. On the plus side, it is …………………………………………………………

5. However, for every plus there is a minus………...

6. I think the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages ….……………………………………………………...

What is more,

8. That’s very good, but you’ve got to take into account the fact that ……………………………………………

9. You can’t deny that...................................................

10. On the one hand it is................., on the other hand it is.......................................................................................

TV or not TV?

 

A wife insists that the family should get rid of their TV set because TV is a bad influence, and she doesn’t want her children growing up around it. Her husband is arguing with her. These are their arguments:

A G A I N S T	F O R
1. TV news is superficial. That’s       why people get a distorted view of the world.	1. TV offers educational programmes to all levels of viewer age and interest.
2. TV exposes children to violence and bad language.	2. TV informs people of current events.
3. TV commercials are offensive.	3. TV commercials keep people informed of new products.
4. Many children who often         watch TV may not be able to   distinguish between fantasy and reality.	4. TV provides entertainment.
5. TV sets families apart.	5. TV keeps company to lonely people.

                                                

Now try to argue both sides of the issue. Look at both lists and choose two or three of the strongest points from each. You may use other arguments that you think of yourself. Use the phrases above.

Does Television ‘Know Its Place’?

The question of whether television violence leads to real life violence is not settled, although many prominent people have expressed opinions on the subject. I. McEdwin, the author of many books on political affairs, international relation, and philosophy, says the following:

‘It appears that the children spend more time in front of their TVs than in the classroom. Their heads are full of TV – but that’s all, just TV. The violence they witness is TV violence, sufficient to itself. It does not brutalize them to the point where they cannot grieve the loss of a pet, for example. Children, like everyone else, know the difference between TV and life. TV knows its place. It imparts nothing but itself; it has its own rules, its own language, its own priorities. Besides, children do not remember much from television programmes beyond how good or bad it was.’

(http://118.51.201/bol/default.cfm)

 

   

 Answer the following questions.

 

1. According to the author ‘Children are not affected by television violence’. Discuss whether television is really as ineffectual as the author believes. Think of your own arguments against the author’s viewpoint.

 

TV or the Written Word?

 

Here’s one person’s opinion: ‘Literature has a long history and a secure position in the world. Millions of people read books in their spare time for enjoyment. Whatever c inema, video, TV industry might now say, television will never have the influence on people that the invention of the written word has had. The book – this set of sheets bound into a volume - is always near at hand. It is portable and unbreakable. You don’t have to buy batteries for the book, it is endlessly reusable, it works in planes and trains. Books can be stored indefinitely, and – the most wonderful of all – books can be our best friends!’

 

Answer the following questions.

1. Do you agree with the claim that television will never have the influence on people that the invention of the written word has had?

2. What are some other advantages of books over television?

 

Terrible or Terrific?

This is what a British theatre-goer says: ‘ The first night is any new show’s most important performance. Why? For one very simple reason – it’s the one which the CRITICS come to see. Their reviews will tell the general public whether the theatre latest production is TERRIFIC or TERRIBLE! – A TRIUMPH or a DISASTER! So when the lights go down and the curtain goes up on a first night, it’s no wonder that the atmosphere in the theatre is usually electric. Very few people will go near a theatre carrying a play or musical that has been ‘banned’ by the majority of critics. So, it is one of the strange things about theatre that a first-night audience will clasp and cause a number of curtain calls with little regard to the quality of the play and their own feelings.’

(http://118.51.201/bol/default.cfm)