Conjunctions, Propositions, and Argumentative Texts
Understanding Conjunctions and Propositions
A conjunction is a grammatical category that is used to join two or more units together. Conjunctions are crucial for creating compound sentences with relative pronouns, which are what we call links. A proposition is each of the sentences that are linked by means of a link and form a complex sentence.
There are three main types of compound sentences:
- Coordinated: These sentences have no syntactic dependency relations between the propositions that form them.
- Subordinate: In these sentences, one proposition plays a syntactic function within another. There is a dependency of some propositions on others.
- Juxtaposed: These are compound sentences in which the propositions are not joined by a link but are placed next to each other. They can have a relationship of coordination or subordination.
Reasoning and Argumentation
Reasoning involves defending an idea by giving reasons that justify it and explaining one’s perspective so that others may share it. It is present in everyday life, in many communication situations where someone tries to justify their thinking or behavior, affecting the actions of others. For there to be an argument, the person using the argument must have the purpose of convincing and influencing the beliefs or thinking of the recipient.
Parts of an Argument
- Purpose: The topic to be addressed.
- Thesis: The opinion of the issuer.
- Argument: The reason or evidence to defend the thesis.
Structure of an Argument
- Deductive: Stating an opinion and then providing reasons.
- Inductive: Giving reasons and then stating the opinion.
Types of Argumentative Texts
Media
- Paper: The author expresses feelings about a current theme.
- Advertising: Uses persuasive language to persuade and influence the receiver.
- Editorial: Expresses the opinion of the newspaper in general.
Oral Texts
- Debate: A formal discussion between several people, directed by a moderator.
- Address: A statement of reasons to an auditorium.
Administrative Documents
- Instance: A document to request something from a public administration.
- Claim: A claim for damages received.
- Appeal: Used to avoid an effective sanction.
How to Defend an Idea
- Data: Use figures for detailed information.
- Events: Use events as evidence.
- Authority: Use citations in direct or indirect assertions of persons or institutions of prestige.
- Other sources of authority: Custom, majority opinion, proverbs, and maxims.
Instance
An instance is a document used to request something from Public Administration. It is also an expository-argumentative text. It consists of:
- Header: Personal information.
- Body: Includes the exposition (what is being explained) and the request (what is being asked for).
- Closing: Indicates to whom it is directed.
Debate
A debate is a formal discussion led by a moderator between two or more people who bring different perspectives on the same topic. The purpose is to explore a topic in depth through the exchange of views, often involving political and ethical issues, and presenting arguments to convince the audience.
Rules of a Debate
- Set the topic.
- Ensure clarity of presentation.
- Listen to others.
- Respect others’ opinions and turns.
- Do not interrupt conversations.
In the farewell speech, the moderator summarizes the most important points of the debate, and each participant summarizes the conclusion they have reached.