How To Debate Confidently Using Pros And Cons In English

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In this live English conversation, we discuss how to debate confidently using pros and cons in English. This is advanced English listening and conversation practice. If you want to learn about having debates in English, then learning about pros and cons will help you win an argument in English!

How To Debate Confidently Using Pros And Cons In English

Pro - to be for something, talking about the advantages of something

Con - to be against something, talking about the disadvantages of something

Clearly state your argument but don’t throw it out there.

Be sure you can back it up with supporting arguments. 

Have at least three supporting sentences you can use.

What could you include in a supporting argument:

  • Statistics
  • Numbers
  • Graphics
  • Anecdotal evidence 
  • Historical data
  • Scientific data
  • Research-based evidence

Expressions of pros and cons:

You can say something has both its pros and cons.

For example, being a Ph.D. student has both its pros and cons.

Entrepreneurship has both its pros and cons.

On one hand, it’s (talk about great things), on the other hand (talk about shortcomings).

You can weigh up the pros and cons before making an important decision about something.

For example, we weighed up the pros and cons before closing on this house. Meaning, before buying this house.

Sam weighed up the pros and cons before deciding to take the job in Australia. 

Taking into consideration both sides of the argument. Both the pros and cons.

You can debate the pros and cons of something.

For example, Judy and Tom debated the pros and cons of starting a tourism business.

We were debating whether we should start something new in this line of work.