Presenting and supporting arguments (B2 Vocabulary)

Present a claim as a position, from tentative to confident: one could argue, it can be argued, there is a strong case.

Putting a claim on the table

• Not ""It can be argue that education reduces poverty."" — say ""It can be argued that education reduces poverty."". After can be, use the participle argued; argued marks a claim you will defend, said only states it.
• Try it: Liam: We need a clear position to open the debate with. Diego: Then let's start strong: ___ remote work widens access to good jobs. Which reply frames the opening as a claim to be defended, not a plain statement? (it can be argued that / it can be said that / it is well known that) Answer: it can be argued that — "It can be argued that" frames a point as a position the speaker is ready to defend.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
it can be argued that	/ɪt kən bi ˈɑrɡjud ðæt/	It can be argued that free education does more to reduce poverty than any single policy.
one could argue that	/wʌn kʊd ˈɑrɡju ðæt/	One could argue that technology has made us more connected but less patient.
there is a strong case that	/ðɛr ɪz ə strɔŋ keɪs ðæt/	There is a strong case that later school start times improve attendance.

Backing the claim with evidence

Match your verb to your confidence: the evidence suggests is cautious, further evidence indicates adds support, the evidence clearly supports is strongest.

• Not ""The evidence clearly support this conclusion."" — say ""The evidence clearly supports this conclusion."". Evidence is uncountable, so the verb is singular: supports, suggests, indicates.
• Try it: Matilda: The results are strong, but I don't want to overstate them. Farid: Then hedge it a little: ___ the program lowers dropout rates. Which reply reports the finding carefully rather than as a certainty? (the evidence suggests that / the evidence proves that / the evidence support that) Answer: the evidence suggests that — "The evidence suggests that" reports a finding with the caution Matilda asked for.
• Try it: Sofia: Every study we found points the same way, and the numbers are large. Ethan: Good. Then the report can say the evidence ___ the view that vaccination cut infections. Choose the words for the blank. (clearly supports / suggests / clearly support) Answer: clearly supports — Decisive evidence takes the strongest verb, and uncountable "evidence" takes "supports".

Word	Pronunciation	Example
the evidence suggests that	/ðə ˈɛvɪdəns səˈdʒɛsts ðæt/	The evidence suggests that smaller classes raise attainment, though the effect is modest.
the evidence clearly supports	/ðə ˈɛvɪdəns ˈklɪrli səˈpɔrts/	The evidence clearly supports the claim that early screening saves lives.
further evidence indicates	/ˈfɜrðər ˈɛvɪdəns ˈɪndəˌkeɪts/	Further evidence indicates that the trend held even during the downturn.

Linking the steps of a case

Link a case: given that (accepted fact), while one might argue (other side), contrary to popular belief (common mistake), it follows that (conclusion).

• Not ""It follow that prices will rise."" — say ""It follows that prices will rise."". The subject is it, so the verb keeps its -s: it follows that.
• Try it: Yasmin: Everyone agrees the bus fares went up last year. Lars: Good, start there: ___ fares rose, fewer students can afford the trip. Choose the words for the blank. (Given that / It follows that / Contrary to popular belief) Answer: Given that — "Given that" opens with a fact everyone accepts and leads into the point built on it.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
given that	/ˈɡɪvən ðæt/	Given that the bridge is closed until May, the ferry is our only option.
while one might argue that	/waɪl wʌn maɪt ˈɑrɡju ðæt/	While one might argue that uniforms limit self-expression, they also make mornings calmer.
contrary to popular belief	/ˈkɑntrɛri tu ˈpɑpjələr bɪˈlif/	Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind.
it follows that	/ɪt ˈfɑloʊz ðæt/	If every seat is sold, it follows that latecomers will have to stand.

What are the common mistakes?

Incorrect	Correct	Why
"It can be argue that education reduces poverty."	"It can be argued that education reduces poverty."	After can be, use the participle argued; argued marks a claim you will defend, said only states it.
"The evidence clearly support this conclusion."	"The evidence clearly supports this conclusion."	Evidence is uncountable, so the verb is singular: supports, suggests, indicates.
"It follow that prices will rise."	"It follows that prices will rise."	The subject is it, so the verb keeps its -s: it follows that.