Adult Lit SLd/L2.4 Support opinions and arguments with evidence
For a list of resources that cover this specific curriculum element SCROLL DOWN
Adult Literacy>Speaking & Listening>Engage in Discussion
SLd/L2.4 Support opinions and arguments with evidence
| Component skill and knowledge and understanding. Adults should be taught to: |
Example of application and level | Sample activities |
| Understand that productive discussion involves making valid and convincing points, not browbeating people to accept own view | Put forward a well-supported point at a meeting (e.g. of a parents’ association, pressure group, as a representative of an interest group, such as union, claimants, residents | Study video training clips to identify the difference between convincing people and wearing them down. Drawing on own experience, discuss implications of people ‘agreeing’ with others without beingconvinced. Identify the sorts of discussion where use of reliable evidence is particularly important(e.g. when trying to arrive at a decision that will have consequences for others). Make a list of dos and don’ts for making well-supported points (e.g. DO: refer to at least one example/fact/statistic, consider general implications of a particular point; DON’T: use loud voice or aggressive mannerisms to try to persuade listeners, hector, keep repeating same point in hope of convincing eventually). |
| Know how to research information for a discussion | Use ‘mini case studies’ to raise awareness of the difference between assertion and supported points. Group is given a situation to look at from various standpoints, each person representing one; people have five minutes to decide on points they want to make. Use teacher as observer to evaluate how well people use evidence in support of their views. Discuss tactics that convince and those that irritate/provoke opposition. | |
| Use factual information and knowledge to support views and arguments | Use this experience to hold an extended discussion for which people research information beforehand to use as supporting evidence. |
Source: Department for Education and Skills (2001) Adult Literacy core curriculum. London DfES.
Related Adult ESOL curriculum elements: ESOL Sd/L2.2c Express views, opinions, feelings, wishes and ESOL Sd/L2.4a Support opinions and arguments with evidence
Related Functional Skills English links: FE L1.5 Express opinions and arguments and support them with evidence [note this is Level 1] and FE L2.6 Express opinions and arguments and support them with relevant and persuasive evidence
Related GCSE English links: GCSE English Spoken Language AO7 Formal presentation skills
