Justifying a position in English : complete course

ByVocaVerb
Justifying a position in English [B2] — VocaVerb

What Does It Mean to Justify a Position in English?

When you justify a position in English, you explain why you think something is true or correct. You give reasons, examples, and logic to support your opinion. It is not just about saying what you think — it is about showing why your point of view makes sense.

Simple Examples to Get Started

  • ‘I think remote work is better because people are more productive at home.’
  • ‘In my opinion, learning English is essential. It opens doors to better job opportunities.’
  • ‘I believe public transport should be free. The reason is that it reduces pollution significantly.’

Notice the pattern: an opinion + a reason. This is the basic structure of justifying a position.

Key Elements of Justifying a Position in English

To justify a position well, you need to use different tools. Let us look at the main components.

1. Expressing Your Opinion

Before giving reasons, you need to state your position clearly. Here are useful phrases:

  • ‘I think that…’
  • ‘In my opinion…’
  • ‘I believe…’
  • ‘From my point of view…’
  • ‘It seems to me that…’

Example: ‘From my point of view, cities need more green spaces.’

2. Giving Reasons and Justifications

After stating your opinion, you explain why. Use these linking words and phrases:

Purpose Useful Expressions Example
Give a reason because, since, as ‘I support this idea because it saves money.’
Add more reasons furthermore, in addition, also ‘Furthermore, it is better for the environment.’
Show a result therefore, as a result, so ‘As a result, more people use bicycles.’
Introduce evidence studies show, research suggests ‘Studies show that exercise reduces stress.’

3. Acknowledging Other Points of View

Strong arguments also consider other perspectives. This makes your position more convincing. Use phrases like:

  • ‘Some people argue that… However, I believe…’
  • ‘It is true that… but on the other hand…’
  • ‘While some may disagree, the evidence suggests…’

Example: ‘It is true that cars are convenient. However, they cause serious environmental damage.’

Why Justifying Your Position Matters

Being able to explain your opinion is a key communication skill. Here is why it is so important:

  • It makes you sound more confident and credible.
  • People are more likely to agree with you when you give clear reasons.
  • It helps in academic writing, job interviews, and everyday conversations.
  • It shows that you have thought carefully about a topic, not just reacted emotionally.

In English-speaking cultures, simply saying ‘I like this’ or ‘This is wrong’ is often not enough. You are expected to back up your ideas with logic and evidence.

Comparison with Other Languages

Justifying a position exists in all languages, but the way it is done can vary. Here is a quick comparison:

Language Common Structure Example
English Opinion + reason + evidence + concession ‘I think… because… Studies show… However…’
French Opinion + argument + nuance ‘Je pense que… car… Certes… mais…’
Spanish Opinion + cause + contrast ‘Creo que… porque… Aunque…’

One key difference: English often uses impersonal phrases like ‘It is clear that…’ or ‘Research suggests…’ to sound more objective. French and Spanish tend to use more personal expressions. In English, especially in formal or written contexts, stepping back from ‘I’ and using neutral language adds weight to your argument.

A Full Example

Here is a short paragraph that justifies a position clearly and completely:

‘In my opinion, social media has a negative impact on teenagers. First, studies show that excessive screen time is linked to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, young people often compare themselves to unrealistic images online, which damages their self-esteem. It is true that social media can help people stay connected. However, the psychological risks outweigh the benefits. Therefore, parents and schools should set clear limits on social media use.’

Let us break it down:

  • Opinion stated: ‘In my opinion, social media has a negative impact…’
  • Reason 1 with evidence: ‘Studies show that…’
  • Reason 2: ‘Young people often compare themselves…’
  • Concession: ‘It is true that… However…’
  • Conclusion: ‘Therefore, parents and schools should…’

Key Takeaways

  • Justifying a position means giving clear reasons for your opinion.
  • Always use linking words like because, therefore, however, furthermore to connect your ideas.
  • Acknowledging other viewpoints makes your argument stronger, not weaker.
  • In English, using neutral or impersonal expressions adds credibility to your position.
  • Practice this skill in writing and speaking — it will make a big difference in how you communicate.

Sources

  • Thornbury, S. (2005). How to Teach Speaking. Pearson Longman.
  • Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Council of Europe (2020). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment. Cambridge University Press.

To practise what you learned in this lesson:

Practice exercises · Crossword puzzle

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