E10 M - Build argumentation vocabulary
aiMOOCE10 M - Build argumentation vocabulary
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Einleitung
Mini-Beschreibung: Erweitere Deinen aktiven Wortschatz für comparison, cause, consequence, concession, evidence, opinion und conclusion und nutze ihn in discussion und writing.
Zielgruppe: Klasse 10, Englisch als erste Fremdsprache, Baden-Württemberg, M-Niveau. Der Kurs ist B1-orientiert: English first → understand → respond → analyse → communicate → feedback → revise → transfer. Kurze deutsche Hilfen gibt es nur, wenn sie wirklich nötig sind.
Media start – listen first. Watch the BBC Learning English clip once without pausing. What is the main problem: agreeing, disagreeing or giving evidence? Watch again and note two polite phrases. Then react to one idea with your own sentence.
Safety & ownership: Audio or video recordings are voluntary and stay private unless you actively choose to share them in class. Use only fictional profiles for application/CV practice. Do not upload personal recordings, profiles or drafts to external AI tools without permission. If you use AI support, check claims and sources and keep your own original draft. Do not use cultural stereotypes as evidence.
I-can-Ziele
- I can group argumentation phrases by function.
- I can compare ideas and show cause, consequence and concession.
- I can support a claim with an example or a named source.
- I can give an opinion, react spontaneously and disagree politely.
- I can write a clear B1 opinion paragraph or short text and revise it after feedback.
- I can mediate the main point for a clear purpose and audience instead of translating word for word.
Vorwissen: 60-second check
Complete these aloud: I think … because … / Some people prefer …, but … / This may be true. However, … / So, …. If you can already vary because, but and so, move directly to the vocabulary bank.
Input: Build your argumentation vocabulary
The seven functions
| Function | Useful B1 phrases | Example |
|---|---|---|
| comparison | similarly · in contrast · whereas · compared with | Whereas option A is cheaper, option B is easier to use. |
| cause | because · since · due to | We changed the plan because the room was unavailable. |
| consequence | so · therefore · as a result | The bus was late. As a result, we missed the start. |
| concession | although · even though · however · despite | Although the idea is simple, it could work well. |
| evidence | according to · for example · the text shows · this suggests | According to the survey, most respondents preferred option B. |
| opinion | in my view · I believe · from my point of view · I would argue | In my view, the second proposal is more practical. |
| conclusion | overall · to sum up · in conclusion · for these reasons | Overall, the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages. |
Use a phrase only when its function fits the meaning. A linker is not decoration: it tells the listener or reader how two ideas are connected.
Comparison: see the relationship
Try this pattern: A is …, whereas B is … . Use similarly for a shared point and in contrast for a clear difference.
Cause and consequence: do not mix them
because/since + clause: We stayed inside because it was raining. due to + noun phrase: The event moved inside due to the rain. therefore/as a result + consequence: It was raining. Therefore, the event moved inside.
Concession: show that you can see another side
Listen for although, despite and in spite of. Then build one sentence in which the second idea is surprising: Although …, … . Do not use although … but … in the same structure.
Evidence: claim + support
A strong argument is more than an opinion. Use a source, fact, example or observation that really supports the claim.
Claim: A device-free break could improve face-to-face talk. Evidence: In a fictional class survey, 18 of 28 students chose one device-free break. Link: This suggests that the idea has support in this class.
The survey above is fictional practice data. In real work, name the real source, check whether it is reliable and do not invent evidence.
Opinion and conclusion: be clear, not repetitive
Use in my view or I believe to make your position clear. Save overall, to sum up or in conclusion for the final step. Avoid starting every sentence with I think.
Listening and Viewing
Signposting in natural English
First viewing – gist: What is the purpose of signposting words? Second viewing – notice: Write three markers and label their job: return to topic, add contrast, summarise or change direction. Transfer: Give a 30-second opinion and use two markers naturally.
Pronunciation: stress for clarity
Practise the stressed syllable: com-PAR-i-son, EV-i-dence, CON-se-quence, con-CES-sion, con-CLU-sion, o-PIN-ion. Then put stress on the key meaning words in a whole sentence. The goal is understandability, not accent-free speech.
Reading
Short model: Should every class have one device-free break?
Read once for the position. Read again for the argumentation words.
Many students use their phones during every break. In my view, one device-free break per day could be useful because it creates time for face-to-face conversation. For example, students could play a short game, talk or simply rest without checking messages. According to a fictional class survey, 18 of 28 students supported one device-free break. However, phones are also useful when students need to contact their families. Therefore, a complete ban would be too strict. A better solution could be one clearly announced device-free break and other breaks with normal phone rules. Overall, this plan respects both communication and personal choice.
Analyse: Find one phrase for opinion, cause, evidence, concession, consequence and conclusion. Which sentence answers the counterargument?
Speaking
Discussion: build, react, develop
Discuss: Should school projects always include a short presentation?
Use this three-turn pattern:
- State your position + one reason.
- React to your partner with a concession: I see your point. However, …
- Add support: For example … / According to … and finish with a short conclusion.
Useful spontaneous moves: What makes you say that? · That may be true, but … · I partly agree because … · Could we find a compromise?
Negotiation mini-task
Your fictional class can choose one activity: a workshop, a museum visit or a sports afternoon. Agree on one option. Compare two choices, give one cause, one consequence and one concession, then reach a conclusion.
Writing
Register: formal or informal?
Notice how vocabulary and sentence structure change with the audience. Then rewrite one informal opinion sentence for a formal email.
Write with a simple argument frame
Use Position → reason → evidence/example → concession → response → conclusion.
Exam-style short practice: Choose one statement and write about 100 words. Extended practice: Write an opinion article or formal email of about 160 words. Use at least five different argumentation phrases and one clearly identified example or source reference.
Transfer the same vocabulary to an informal email, report or article. In a fictional application email, support a statement such as I am suitable for this role because … with a specific example. A CV itself stays concise; the reasoning belongs mainly in the accompanying text.
Functional grammar
Linker patterns that matter
| Pattern | Correct example | Common repair |
|---|---|---|
| because + clause | I changed my mind because the evidence was stronger. | Not: because of the evidence was stronger. |
| due to + noun phrase | The meeting changed due to a timetable problem. | Not: due to we had a timetable problem. |
| although + clause | Although I understand the concern, I disagree. | Do not add but to the same two-part structure. |
| despite + noun or -ing form | Despite the cost, the plan has advantages. | Not: despite it is expensive. |
| therefore / as a result | The source is unreliable. Therefore, I would not use it. | Check that the second idea is really a consequence. |
| whereas | A is faster, whereas B is cheaper. | Use it for comparison/contrast, not for cause. |
Mediation
Purpose before wording
German source, fictional: „Die Schulbibliothek möchte testweise bis 17 Uhr öffnen. Einige Schülerinnen und Schüler finden das hilfreich, weil sie dort nach dem Unterricht lernen können. Andere weisen darauf hin, dass dafür genug Betreuungspersonal nötig ist.“
Your English-speaking exchange partner asks: Why is the idea being discussed? Give the main point in 2–3 English sentences. Include one cause and one concession. Do not translate every word; select what your partner needs.
Feedback, error analysis and revision
Two-pass feedback
Pass 1 – meaning: Is the position clear? Do reasons and evidence support it? Is the counterpoint answered? Pass 2 – language: Are the linkers accurate and varied? Is the register right for the audience?
Repair these typical problems:
- According to me → use In my view for your own opinion; use according to for a source.
- Although … but … → choose one concession structure.
- Therefore without a real result → check the logic before keeping it.
- Repeating I think → vary with in my view, I believe, from my point of view.
- Evidence without a source → name the source or clearly label the example as your own.
Keep your first draft. Mark three changes in the revised version and explain which change improved clarity most.
Prüfungsbezug Baden-Württemberg – aktuell geprüft
Stand: 2 October 2026. Für die Realschulabschlussprüfung 2027 in der Pflichtfremdsprache nennt das Kultusministerium fünf schriftliche Teile A–E: listening, text-oriented tasks, vocabulary/grammar in context, thematic language production and methodological skills. Die reine Bearbeitungszeit beträgt 150 Minuten: Teil A etwa 30 Minuten ohne Wörterbuch, danach 20 Minuten Pause, Teile B–E 120 Minuten mit zweisprachigem Wörterbuch. Für D1 werden etwa 100 Wörter erwartet, für D2 etwa 160 Wörter. Die Kommunikationsprüfung umfasst monologisches Sprechen, dialogisches Sprechen und Sprachmittlung, dauert ungefähr 15 Minuten pro Schüler/in, hat keine Vorbereitungszeit und legt Wert auf situations- und partnerbezogene Verständlichkeit. Aktuelle Termine 2027: Kommunikationsprüfung 22 February–2 March 2027, schriftliche Pflichtfremdsprache 3 May 2027.
Offizielle Quellen: Kultusministerium: Abschlussprüfung · Kultusministerium: Prüfungstermine. Prüfe vor Deiner eigenen Prüfung immer noch einmal die aktuellen Angaben Deiner Schule und des Kultusministeriums.
Can-do-Check und Transfer
Rate yourself: secure / partly secure / next step.
- I can choose a linker because of its function, not because it sounds advanced.
- I can compare ideas and show cause, consequence and concession.
- I can distinguish opinion from evidence.
- I can react politely and keep a discussion going.
- I can write a short, structured opinion text for a clear audience.
- I can revise logic, vocabulary and register after feedback.
Transfer challenge: In your next English task, highlight one phrase for each of the seven functions. Replace any repeated linker with a more precise one only if the meaning stays correct.
Folgekurs: E10 M - Structure an opinion text or E10 M - Discuss and negotiate effectively.
Interaktive Aufgaben
Quiz: Teste Dein Wissen
Which phrase mainly shows comparison or contrast? (whereas) (!because) (!therefore) (!according to)
Which word introduces a cause? (because) (!overall) (!however) (!similarly)
Which phrase signals a consequence? (as a result) (!in my view) (!although) (!compared with)
Which linker can introduce a concession? (although) (!therefore) (!because) (!for example)
Which phrase correctly introduces information from a source? (according to the report) (!according to me) (!in conclusion the report) (!whereas the report)
Which phrase clearly gives a personal opinion? (in my view) (!as a result) (!due to) (!according to the survey)
Which phrase is suitable for a conclusion? (to sum up) (!because of) (!for instance of) (!whereas)
Which sentence uses although correctly? (Although the plan is expensive, it has clear benefits.) (!Although the plan is expensive, but it has clear benefits.) (!Although the plan expensive, it has clear benefits.) (!Although because the plan is expensive, it has benefits.)
Which sentence uses evidence responsibly? (According to the named survey, most respondents preferred option B.) (!Everybody knows option B is best.) (!A source probably proves option B is best.) (!According to me, option B is a fact.)
What should you do first when revising an argument? (check whether the ideas and evidence connect logically) (!replace every simple word with a difficult word) (!remove all counterarguments) (!add as many linkers as possible)
Memory
| comparison | whereas |
| cause | because |
| consequence | therefore |
| concession | although |
| evidence | according to the source |
| opinion | in my view |
| conclusion | to sum up |
Drag and Drop
| Ordne die richtigen Begriffe zu. | Thema |
|---|---|
| whereas | comparison |
| since | cause |
| as a result | consequence |
| however | concession |
| overall | conclusion |
Kreuzworträtsel
| whereas | Which linker can contrast two clauses directly? |
| because | Which word can introduce a reason? |
| therefore | Which word can introduce a logical result? |
| although | Which linker can introduce a concession before a clause? |
| evidence | What do you call support for a claim? |
| conclusion | What is the final stage that sums up the position? |
LearningApps
Lückentext
Offene Aufgaben
Leicht
- Wortschatznetz: Create a one-page vocabulary map with the seven functions and two phrases for each.
- Phrase spotting: Find argumentation phrases in a short English text and label their function.
- Mini speaking: Give a 45-second opinion with one cause, one concession and one conclusion.
- Error repair: Rewrite five faulty linker sentences and explain each correction in one short note.
Standard
- Discussion card: Prepare a neutral school-life discussion card and lead a three-minute pair discussion.
- Source check: Compare two short sources on the same non-political topic and decide which evidence is more useful for a specific claim.
- Opinion email: Write a formal email of about 160 words that gives a position, evidence and a polite counterpoint.
- Mediation task: Summarise a short German notice for an English-speaking visitor according to a clear purpose and audience.
Schwer
- Negotiation challenge: Negotiate a group decision without a script and use at least five different argumentation functions.
- Article revision: Write an opinion article, collect peer feedback, then submit a revised version with three explained changes.
- Register switch: Express the same argument once in an informal message and once in a formal email; compare the language choices.
- Evidence audit: Take a draft with three claims and check whether every piece of evidence is relevant, traceable and accurately represented.
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Lernkontrolle
- Argument chain: Build a complete argument from a new prompt using position, reason, evidence, concession, response and conclusion.
- Discussion transfer: In a spontaneous pair discussion, react to an unexpected counterargument and keep the exchange going for at least three turns.
- Source-to-writing: Use a short source to support one claim without copying its wording and clearly mark where the information comes from.
- Register decision: Rewrite the same viewpoint for a friend and for a school organisation, then justify three register choices.
- Mediation transfer: Select only the information an English-speaking visitor needs from a short German text and explain why you omitted the rest.
- Revision reflection: Compare first and revised drafts and identify which change improved logic, clarity or audience fit most.
Lernnachweis
- Du ordnest argumentation vocabulary sicher den sieben Funktionen zu.
- Du verwendest comparison, cause, consequence, concession, evidence, opinion und conclusion in eigenen Äußerungen.
- Du belegst Aussagen mit passenden, überprüften Quellen oder klar gekennzeichneten Beispielen.
- Du kannst diskutieren, verhandeln, spontan reagieren und verständlich sprechen.
- Du verfasst und überarbeitest einen B1-orientierten argumentativen Text adressaten- und situationsgerecht.
- Du vermittelst Inhalte zweck- und adressatengerecht, ohne wortwörtlich zu übersetzen.
- Du dokumentierst Feedback und mindestens eine sinnvolle Überarbeitung.
OERs zum Thema
Weitere geprüfte Lernressourcen: British Council LearnEnglish B1 Speaking · British Council B1 Opinion Essay.
Die eingebetteten Bilder stammen aus Wikimedia Commons; Urheber- und Lizenzangaben stehen jeweils auf der verlinkten Dateiseite. Die Videos stammen von BBC Learning English auf YouTube.
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