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Using Conditionals in Arguments

Conditionals are sentence structures that express possible situations and their consequences, enhancing persuasive writing and speaking. They help show logical relationships, predict outcomes, and introduce counterarguments, with various types including zero, first, second, third, and mixed conditionals. Effective use of conditionals can link evidence to consequences and clarify reasoning, making them essential in debates, essays, and public speaking.

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27 views12 pages

Using Conditionals in Arguments

Conditionals are sentence structures that express possible situations and their consequences, enhancing persuasive writing and speaking. They help show logical relationships, predict outcomes, and introduce counterarguments, with various types including zero, first, second, third, and mixed conditionals. Effective use of conditionals can link evidence to consequences and clarify reasoning, making them essential in debates, essays, and public speaking.

Uploaded by

ethylmaecastillomallari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Using Conditionals in Expressing

Arguments
How 'If' Statements Strengthen
Persuasive Writing and Speaking
What Are Conditionals?
• Conditionals are sentence structures used to
express a possible situation and its
consequence.
• Example: If it rains, the event will be canceled.
Why Use Conditionals in
Arguments?
• - Show logical relationships
• - Predict outcomes
• - Propose alternatives
• - Introduce counterarguments
• - Add nuance and complexity
Types of Conditionals (Overview)
• Zero Conditional: If + present → present —
general truths
• First Conditional: If + present → will + base
verb — likely outcomes
• Second Conditional: If + past → would + base
verb — hypotheticals
• Third Conditional: If + past perfect → would
have + past participle — past regrets
• Mixed Conditional: Combines time frames —
past affecting present
Zero & First Conditionals in
Arguments
• Zero Conditional Example: If water reaches
100°C, it boils.
• → Used for factual claims.
• First Conditional Example: If we invest in
public transport, cities will become more
livable.
• → Used for likely outcomes or predictions.
Second & Third Conditionals
• Second Conditional Example: If I were the
mayor, I would ban plastic bags.
• → Used for hypothetical suggestions.
• Third Conditional Example: If the company
had acted sooner, it would have avoided
bankruptcy.
• → Used to critique past actions.
Mixed Conditionals
• Example: If she had studied medicine, she
would be a doctor now.
• → Combines past condition with present
result.
Using Conditionals Effectively
• - Link evidence to consequences
• - Make your reasoning clear
• - Use to explore alternatives
• - Address opposing views (e.g., Even if...)
• - Avoid overuse for stronger impact
Examples in Argument Writing
• Topic: Should college be free?
• - If college were free, more people would
pursue higher education.
• - Even if tuition is reduced, living costs remain
a barrier.
• - If the government had prioritized education,
this debate might be unnecessary.
Practice Activity
• Instructions:
• Choose a topic (e.g., climate change, school
uniforms, technology in education).
• Write one sentence using each type of
conditional to support an argument.
Final Thoughts
• - Conditionals enhance persuasive power
• - Help structure cause-effect reasoning
• - Essential for debate, essay writing, and
public speaking
Questions / Discussion
• Prompt: How have you used conditionals in
your writing or speaking?

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