Slide 1: Title - ARGUMENT
Presenter 1 (P1): Hey everyone! Quick question - when you hear the word "argument,"
what comes to mind?
Presenter 2 (P2): Maybe yelling, slamming doors, or a heated debate with your sibling
over who ate the last cookie?
P1: Totally relatable - but that's not the kind of argument we're talking about today.
P2: Today, we're learning about the type of argument that actually helps you think
better, speak clearly, and even win debates without shouting - logical arguments!
P1: That's right. Arguments in the academic and logical sense - the kind we use in
essays, debates, and even in daily decision-making.
Slide 2: What Is an Argument?
P2: So, what is an argument really?
P1: An argument is when you give reasons - called premises - to support a claim, which
we call a conclusion.
P2: Let's be clear: this is not about being loud or aggressive. In fact, a good argument is
calm, structured, and makes sense.
P1: The goal isn't to defeat someone - it's to convince them by showing that your
conclusion is supported by solid evidence and reasoning.
P2: If your reasons are clear and your thinking is logical, people are much more likely to
listen - and maybe even agree with you.
Slide 3: Parts of an Argument
P1: Alright, let’s break it down. Every argument has two basic parts: premises and a
conclusion.
P2: Premises are the foundation — the statements or facts that support your conclusion.
P1: And the conclusion is the point you're trying to prove — what you want your
audience to believe, based on those facts.
P2: Here’s a tip: one premise usually isn’t enough. You want multiple premises that work
together to support your conclusion strongly.
P1: Think of it like this — if your argument was a sandwich, the conclusion is the
delicious filling, and the premises are the bread holding everything together.
Slide 4: Example – Sunscreen
P2: Let’s see it in action. Here's a simple real-life example:
Premise 1: Overexposure to UV rays can damage your skin.
Premise 2: Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays.
Conclusion: Therefore, wearing sunscreen helps prevent skin damage.
P1: Boom — you’ve got yourself a logical argument! The premises lead directly to the
conclusion.
P2: And the best part? No yelling involved.
Slide 5: Deductive Arguments
P1: Now let’s get into the types of arguments, starting with Deductive reasoning.
P2: This is the most precise kind. A deductive argument starts with general truths and
draws a specific, guaranteed conclusion.
P1:
So if the premises are true, the conclusion has to be true. There’s no guessing here.
P2: Let’s try a solid example:
Premise 1: All mammals have lungs.
Premise 2: A dolphin is a mammal.
Conclusion: Therefore, a dolphin has lungs.
P1: That works perfectly! We’re starting with a broad rule — mammals have lungs —
and applying it to a specific case — dolphins.
P2: If both premises are true, the conclusion must be true. That’s the power of deductive
logic — no loopholes.
Slide 6: Inductive Arguments
P2: Next up: Inductive reasoning.
P1: Inductive arguments work differently. Instead of starting with a general truth, they
begin with specific observations and try to make a general conclusion.
P2: Think about it like this: You see something happen over and over again, and you
predict it will happen again in the future.
P1: Here’s an example:
Observation 1: Every summer for the past five years has been hotter than the
last.
Conclusion: Summers are getting hotter.
P2: That sounds pretty reasonable, right? But it’s not guaranteed. Maybe next summer
won’t be hotter.
P1: Exactly. Inductive arguments are probable, not certain. They're still useful — they
help us notice trends and make predictions.
Slide 7: Abductive Arguments
P1: Now let’s talk about the third type — Abductive reasoning.
P2: Abductive reasoning is all about making the best possible guess based on the
information you have — even if it's incomplete.
P1: Here’s how it works: You wake up and hear birds chirping outside your window.
P2: You think: “There must be birds outside.”
P1: That’s your conclusion — based on a clue.
P2: But wait — what if someone is playing birdsong on a speaker?
P1: That’s possible, sure. But the most likely, simplest explanation is that there are
birds outside. That’s abductive reasoning!
P2: It’s like being a detective — looking at clues and coming to the most reasonable
explanation.
Slide 8: Why Learn This?
P2: Okay, so now you're probably thinking — “Why do I need to know this?”
P1: Great question. Arguments are everywhere. In your writing, your reading, the news,
social media — even in everyday conversations.
P2: When you understand how arguments work, you can:
Spot weak reasoning
Avoid falling for fake news or manipulation
Speak and write more persuasively
P1: Plus, it helps in school — especially in essays, debates, and critical thinking classes.
P2: And honestly? It’s a life skill. Whether you're negotiating with your parents or
applying for a job, clear thinking wins.
Quick Recap
P1:
Let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve learned today:
P2:
An argument is a set of reasons (premises) that support a conclusion.
Premises are facts or observations.
Conclusions are what you want others to believe.
There are 3 main types of arguments:
o Deductive – 100% true if the premises are true
o Inductive – Based on patterns, likely but not certain
o Abductive – Best explanation based on limited info
P1: And remember — strong arguments make you a better thinker, writer, and speaker.
Slide 10: Thank You!
P2: That's a wrap! Thanks for listening and learning with us.
P1: Now you're officially ready to build strong, logical arguments. Just remember - use
your brain, not your volume.
P2: And the next time someone says "Let's argue," maybe you'll say, "Sure! But only if
we use proper premises and logical reasoning."
Both: Thanks, everyone!