Do you know how to argue in English?
Are you confident enough in English that you can argue and defend yourself effectively? Do you know the tricks for engaging in a fair, effective argument? In this lesson, we are going to look at lots of vocabulary, review some grammar tips, and practice roll plays to help you navigate conflict in English like a pro.
Let’s talk about arguing.
1.) What is the difference between an enemy and an opponent?
2.) What are the most common reasons that people argue?
3.) Is conflict a necessary part of life?
4.) What do you consider worth fighting for?
WARM UP
Beginner + (A2-C2)
Feelings and Emotions
Describe a time that you felt this way. What happened to make you feel this way?
High Beginner + (A2-C2)
Idioms
Learn some common expressions for arguments.
Intermediate/Advanced (B1-C2)
3 Ways to Say…
Think of different words to express the same ideas. Can you hit different registers?
1.) I’m sorry.
2.) You are wrong.
3.) Don’t do that again.
4.) Are you mad at me?
5.) We need to talk about something.
6.) I want to go home.
7.) I realize now that what I did was wrong.
8.) I just want to be friends.
9.) I never want to see you again.
10.) Let’s come to an agreement.
VOCABULARY
High Beginner + (A2-C2)
Compound nouns for arguments
Emotions and exaggeration
Intermediate + (B1-C2)
Guilt, blame, or fault? – Commonly confused words
Trust, Confident, or conscious? – Commonly confused words
Own, care, and mind, deal – Gain confidence using these versatile words.
Intermediate/Advanced (B1-C1)
Ten Verbs for Body Language – Learn and practice advanced vocabulary.
Phrasal verbs for Arguments – Learn ten useful phrasal verbs.
How to apologize in English – A lesson about culturally appropriate apologies.
GRAMMAR
Parts of Speech Suffix practice
Suffixes -ant and -ent – Learn how to turn verbs into nouns and adjectives.
Suffixes -ant and -ent Arguments Quiz – Try the quiz!
Suffixes -tion and -sion – Learn how to turn verbs into nouns.
Four Forms of Would Rather – Explanation and examples
Advanced Would Rather Arguments Quiz – A grammar and speaking activity
SPEAKING AND CONVERSATION
Reading and Conversation
Setting Personal Boundaries in English
READING
How to Fight Fair and Win – Reading to practice pronunciation, to see the idioms in action, and as the basis for conversation questions.
HIGH INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
Graham’s Hierarchy of Arguments – The Mind Collection
Game Theory: A Comprehensive Guide by Investopedia
Women aren’t Nags – A well written article about emotional labour
LISTENING
Harvard Negotiator Explains How To Argue – Watch the video and summarize the main points.
