Arguing Constructively--Not Destructively!

January 29, 2008 / by southwesterngrad

This is the third time I have had to restart this post. Blogster keeps deleting it and returning to my dashboard. Boy! Am I sick of these "bugs"!

All right! As I was trying to state: In the future I will only respond to attacks on my posts in the following format. I will place the format here and under "My Links". Furthermore, if anyone responding to me will not agree to debate according to this format, I will immediately remove them from My Friends list. I am sick of this amateurish and potentially dangerous "name calling". It WILL STOP on my website TODAY!!!

Debate Rules for Use in American English

Definition of Argument:

1. To put forth reasons for or against; debate.
2. To prove or attempt to prove by reasoning.
3. To give evidence of your reasoning.
4. To persuade or influence, as by presenting reasons.

Synonyms of Argument:

Argue, quarrel, wrangle, squabble, haggle, and bicker.

These verbs are compared as they mean to dispute.

Argue This implies intent to persuade an adversary in debate.
Quarrel This stresses animosity and estrangement.
Wrangle This refers to loud, contentious argument and squabble to minor argument over a petty or trivial matter.
Haggle This specifies verbal bargaining usually over a price, in a petty way.
Bicker This suggests sharp, recurrent exchange of remarks on a mean or petty level.
Note:
You need to be very polite when disagreeing with someone in English, even someone you know quite well.

Argument Agreement and Disagreement


A. How to Agree Strongly with an Opinion.

1. I couldn't agree more!
2. That's absolutely true!
3 .Absolutely!
4. I agree with your point.
5. I'd go along with you there.
6. I'm with you on that.
7. That's just what I was thinking.
8. That's exactly what I think.
9. That's a good point.
10. That's just how I see it.
11. That's exactly my opinion. 		B. How to Half Agree with an Opinion.

1. Yes, perhaps, however ...
2. Well, yes, but ...
3. Yes, in a way, however ...
4. Hmm, possibly, but ...
5. Yes, I agree up to a point, however ...
6. Well, you have a point there, but ...
7. There's something there, I suppose, however.
8. I guess you could be right, but ...
9. Yes, I suppose so, however ...
10. That's worth thinking about, but ...
C. How to Disagree Politely with an Opinion.

1. I am not so sure.
2. Do you think so?
3. Well, it depends.
4. I'm not so certain.
5. Well, I don't know.
6. Well, I'm not so sure about that.
7. Hmm, I'm not sure you're right.
8. I'm inclined to disagree with that. 		D. How to Disagree Strongly with an Opinion.

1. I disagree.
2. I disagree with your idea.
3. I'm afraid I don't agree.
4. I'm afraid your idea is wrong.
5. I can't agree with you.
6. I wouldn't go along with you there.
7. It's possible you are mistaken about that.

You need to be very polite when disagreeing with someone in English, even someone you know quite well.
With someone you know very well, you can disagree more directly.

Debate Rules and Suggestions

Advice on Debating with Others

 
  1. Avoid the use of Never.
  2. Avoid the use of Always.
  3. Refrain from saying you are wrong.
  4. You can say your idea is mistaken.
  5. Don't disagree with obvious truths.
  6. Attack the idea not the person.
  7. Use many rather than most.
  8. Avoid exaggeration.
  9. Use some rather than many.
  10. The use of often allows for exceptions.
  11. The use of generally allows for exceptions.
  1. Quote sources and numbers.
  2. If it is just an opinion, admit it.
  3. Do not present opinion as facts.
  4. Smile when disagreeing.
  5. Stress the positive.
  6. You do not need to win every battle to win the war.
  7. Concede minor or trivial points.
  8. Avoid bickering, quarreling, and wrangling.
  9. Watch your tone of voice.
  10. Don't win a debate and lose a friend.
  11. Keep your perspective - You're just debating.

You need to be very polite when disagreeing with someone in English, even someone you know quite well.

This material appears as part of a Guide to Teachers in the book CLEAR ENGLISH by Paul and Bernice Noll, both longtime English instructors. Additional information may be obtained here:

Clear English for Oral Communications

By Paul and Bernice Noll

To Purchase this Book

This book can be purchased from the Nolls. $25 (USD) plus $5 shipping costs in USA ($9 to Canada).

This book delivered in loose page format. This allows teachers to copy individual pages for their students. Book is in letter format (8.5 by 11). Book now has 196 pages.

mail box Contact us at: pn@paulnoll.web trackingcom


4 comments on Arguing Constructively--Not Destructively!

  • angiedw said 6 months ago
    I am so sorry that you have felt the need to post this. I must be a dingbat. I haven't noticed any recriminations. However, I did visit a blog that was pretty blatant. I just haven't gone back. I come here to learn and enjoy not to cause dissention.
  • southwesterngrad said 6 months ago
    As did I, but a problem arose, so I just don't want to have to deal with the issues this caused.
  • donnamg said 6 months ago
    I sometimes do fail at proper etiquette and rules, but I try to remain aware of manners and respect when communicating with someone, whether we agree on a subject or not.  Becoming excited or animated can and should show emphasis of a point, a fact, or a victory, but should never become rude, insulting, mean, arrogant, obnoxious, threatening, or violent.  It's a shame that you even had to make this a post because one would hope that people would automatically have some recognition of decent behavior in a debate.
  • southwesterngrad said 6 months ago
    Unfortunately, that has not been the case, so I just want to set the record straight and have it in writing in the event another such incident arises in the future.

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