Good Strategies for Arguments

You should think about structure

Correct – if you structure your argument well, it allows the other person to understand what you're saying and maybe be convinced by it.

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You should say the same thing lots of times

Incorrect – saying the same thing over and over isn't convincing

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You should make sure your ideas are based on facts, not opinion or experience

Correct – opinions are biased and experience isn't true for everyone (only for you).

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You should stick to your points no matter what anyone else says

Incorrect – if the evidence changes, it's important to also change your approach. Sticking to your ideas even when they're wrong doesn't help anyone!

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You should listen carefully to the other side of the argument

Correct – The ability to listen and change your approach is essential to arguing successfully. Arguing is a dialogue not a war!

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You should try to speak the most because that will stop the other side of the argument from having any defense

Incorrect – When you interrupt the other person and stop them from speaking, you are showing that you are not listening to what they have to say properly. At worst, this might suggest you don't understand what they are saying!

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You should be willing to change your mind

Correct – this one is so important. The point of arguments is to find the truth, not to "win". The essential part of that is being able to change your mind in the face of new evidence.

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You should approach the discussion with curiosity, not emotion

Correct – if you are angry, it's hard to pay attention to the details of an argument. Curiosity allows you to ask questions and consider them more impartially. Emotions are helpful in engaging with your audience but the key is to keep it controlled.

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You should make sure your ideas are a mix of opinion and experience

Incorrect – opinions can be based on misinformation or even prejudices that you're not aware of and are a bad starting point for trying to persuade someone else. Experience might be a great teacher but it always comes from your particular viewpoint. Ask yourself if everyone might have had that experience (is it ALWAYS true?) or if it is particular to you?

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

You shouldn’t ask questions

Incorrect – Asking questions is a really helpful way to understand the other person's point of view. We will spend some time looking more carefully at how you can use questions to find out information and control the conversation in the next section.

Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Good Strategies for Arguments

Quiz Summary

Information

Results

Results

Categories

1. Question

2. Question

3. Question

4. Question

5. Question

6. Question

7. Question

8. Question

9. Question

10. Question