Building a Persuasive Argument

Level

C1 · Advanced — 90 minutes.

Learning objectives

By the end of the lesson, students can:

• Develop a multi-stage argument with clear signposting.
• Use concession and counter-argument to strengthen a position.
• Deploy rhetorical devices and precise hedging for effect.

Can-do statement (CEFR C1)

"Can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion."

Target language

• Signposting: It is worth noting that… / This brings me to my central point…
• Concession: Admittedly… / While it is true that…, the fact remains…
• Emphasis & inversion: Not only does X…, but it also… / Rarely do we see…
• Hedging precisely: the evidence suggests, broadly speaking, in all likelihood
• Rhetoric: rhetorical questions, tripling, deliberate understatement

Warm-up (10 min)

Analyse a short excerpt from a persuasive speech. Students identify two devices and the effect each creates.

Presentation (20 min)

1. Map the architecture of a strong argument: claim → evidence → concession → rebuttal → conclusion.
2. Contrast weak hedging ("maybe it's bad") with precise hedging ("the evidence broadly suggests a negative effect").
3. Demonstrate emphatic inversion and discuss when it sounds natural vs. forced.

Practice (25 min)

• Reformulation: upgrade five flat sentences using concession or inversion.
• Analysis: spot the logical weakness in three short arguments and patch it with a rebuttal.

Production (30 min)

Each student prepares and delivers a 3-minute persuasive mini-speech on a motion of their choice, then fields one challenging question and concedes or rebuts it on the spot. Peers give feedback against a rhetoric checklist.

Homework

Write a 250-word argumentative response that includes one concession, one rebuttal and one instance of inversion for emphasis.

Teacher notes

At C1 prioritise precision and naturalness over volume of devices — flag any that feel performative.