HOW TO COME UP WITH ARGUMENTS - EXAMPLES
One of the frequent problems people have both in writing and in speaking during the STANAG 6001 English exam level 3 is coming up with interesting arguments. In the post, you will find 6 practical solutions to this problem.
The point is no one says these arguments must be interesting
It is surely an advantage if they are, but remember that it is a language exam, so do not be afraid to use cliche arguments or obvious statements, as long as you develop and justify them correctly and present logically.
But still there are some topics which might be a problem for you as you have never given them a thought, you do not care or it is something which is not of interest to you.
What to do?
There are some universal solutions you can use to answer any question whether you know a lot about it or not.
Here are some examples.
Topic: What can be done to improve the security of people in big cities?
1. Give a strong opinion and justify it.
Example: In my opinion nothing can be done to improve the security of people in big cities. People in big cities are in constant danger, for example, due to heavy traffic as well as crime. Increasing the number of police officers patrolling the streets won't change anything unless the people themselves change their way of thinking. So, the only way to make cities safer is to change people's mentality, so that they stop thinking only about themselves and take others into account no matter what they do, be it parking responsibly or helping people in need. This is why I believe nothing can be done quickly, because changing it requires education and a huge change in people's attitude to others.
2. Balance your point of view. Show pros and cons. (On the one hand,... On the other hand,...)
Example: There are a few things that can be done to improve the safety of people in big cities. On the one hand, there should be more police patrols in the streets, which would make people feel safer and at the same time deter others from committing crime or driving dangerously. On the other hand, people themselves can change a lot by showing solidarity with people who need help or by remembering about others while they drive or pass by a person in need. In this way, we could both prevent and react to dangerous situations, which should make life in the city much safer.
3. Analyse each factor while you speak.
Example: There are a few aspects of security in big cities. The first one is traffic. This is usually a problems in cities as there are loads of cars and people there. Traffic jams cause difficulties in moving around the city making people irritated and even aggressive. The solution to this problem could be banning private traffic from city centres and building park and ride parking lots around the downtown area or in the suburbs.
Another aspect of security in big cities is crime. Crime seems to be a more dangerous problem in cities as people are more anonymous here. So, it is easier for thieves to come and go unnoticed. It is also connected with the fact that people in big communities are more indifferent to the needs of other people and are more likely to pass by without helping a person in need or danger. To solve this problem, it is necessary to raise people's awareness and sensitivity by organising social campaigns or meeting with the police in local communities.
4. Start with a general statement and develop it by describing an example or giving some (statistical/numerical) data.
Example: Security of people in big cities is a serious problem. Every day, inhabitants of big cities experience more traffic incidents and criminal activity than people living elsewhere. For example, there are many more traffic accidents in cities as the number of people and vehicles is larger than in smaller towns or in the country. Crime is also more frequent here. Thieves can break into flats or cars unnoticed as people don't know each other. In cities there are also more places in which one can be mugged and robbed in the street.
At the same time, there are also more police patrols in the streets and people are more aware of the danger so they can be prepared. I believe, the best way to improve city dwellers' security is to increase their awareness of the problems and educate them about the ways in which they can protect themselves and their property against criminals.
5. Describe a problem and its consequences.
Example: The problem of security in big cities is mainly connected with huge traffic. In cities, there are many people and vehicles. Consequently, there are more chances of an accident. Additionally, traffic jams make it really hard to reach your destination and parking is a nightmare, which also makes people angry and irritated increasing the possibility of violence. The best solution to this problem is to ban traffic from city centres. As a result, not only will there be fewer cars, but people will be also less likely to get stuck in a traffic jam and moving around will be faster and less stressful. Thanks to that, the number of accidents should diminish.
6. Describe one side of the issue. Then contrast it with an opposite point of view.
Example: Some people say that the biggest problem with security in cities is connected with crime. The anonymity of big communities makes it easier for criminals to break into houses and steal cars, and the omnipresent crowd makes it a paradise for pickpockets. Consequently, the only way to stop this is to make people aware that their indifference can turn against them, and that being helpful and vigilant as well as caring about other people will be beneficial for everybody, apart from criminals of course as it will make their life harder.
In contrast, others believe that heavy traffic, traffic jams, parking problems are the things that make life in the city unsafe. Crowded streets are more likely to be the scene of a traffic accident, road rage, violence. So, it is not the crime which should be dealt with in the first place, but rather getting rid of private traffic from city centres.
As you can see, the arguments neither have to be original nor innovative. Just make sure you justify your point of view.
Do you find these techniques useful? If you like this post, please share your opinion in the comment below.
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Thank you for your recommendations and tips! They are very useful!
Thank you, Alexandra!