R38: Following the writer's argument

Passage 3 is often an argument. The writer isn't just describing facts. They're trying to convince you of something. They present other people's views, agree with some, reject others, and reach a conclusion. Questions about the writer's purpose, attitude and opinion test whether you can follow this journey.

Why this matters

Yes/No/Not Given, "the writer's main purpose", and "the writer's attitude" questions all depend on understanding the argument. These are often the hardest questions in the test, and they're common in Passage 3. Getting them right is a big part of band 8.

The shape of an argument

Most argument passages follow a pattern like this:

1. The topic and a common belief. "Many people believe that..."
2. The writer's challenge. "However, this view ignores..."
3. Evidence. Studies, examples, data.
4. A fair point from the other side. "Admittedly..." or "It is true that..."
5. The writer's reply. "Nevertheless..." or "Even so..."
6. The conclusion. "Therefore..." or "In short..."

If you can label each paragraph with one of these jobs, you understand the argument.

Reporting verbs show attitude

The verb a writer uses to report someone's view often shows what the writer thinks of it.

"Smith shows that..." suggests the writer accepts it. "Smith claims that..." suggests the writer may not.

Concession words

Writers often admit a point before rejecting it. This is called concession. Don't mistake the admitted point for the writer's main view.

Admittedly, while it is true that, granted, of course... however / but / nevertheless / yet

The main view comes after the second word.

A worked example

It is often claimed that social media has made young people lonelier. Admittedly, some surveys show a rise in reported loneliness since smartphones became common. Yet these surveys rarely prove that social media is the cause. In fact, several studies suggest that young people who use social media to keep in touch with friends feel more connected, not less. The real issue, therefore, may be how social media is used, not whether it is used.

What is the writer's main point?

• A. Social media causes loneliness.
• B. Surveys about loneliness are useless.
• C. The effect of social media depends on how people use it.
• D. Young people should stop using smartphones.

• A is the common claim the writer challenges. Notice "it is often claimed".
• B goes too far. The writer says the surveys don't prove cause, not that they're useless.
• D is not mentioned.

Try it yourself

In the passage above, find:

1. The concession word.
2. The word that shows the writer's reply.
3. The word that introduces the conclusion.

Honest note

Some writers are balanced and don't take a strong side. Then the answer to "the writer's view" might be something like "the evidence is mixed". Don't force an opinion that isn't there.

Your task today

Read one opinion article. Label each paragraph with its job from the six-step shape.