Three basic levels of arguing.

There are as many levels of argument as there are human situations. Here are three common ones.

Passive-aggressive.
This common low-level argument form is frequent in relationship and sentimental TV fare. 

Distinctive characteristics are the level, tone and repeated beginning, middle and end structure. As is often the case the dialogue is call and answer as each character speaks nearly the same amount of words, syllables as the other. There is a ping-pong equality to it. 

This is also typical in other genres.

Keeping the ping-pong analogy passive-aggressive would be played something like this: Hit, hit, (aggressive) drop or put the ball down (passive). Pick the ball up, hit, hit.

It’s the dropping the ball, or the deliberate and fake putting the ball down that gives passive-aggressive its distinctive argument character. ‘I’m not arguing anymore. I’m above that.’

You want to make your point, argue, needle, (aggressive) but you want to pretend you’re not doing that, so you end it. You put the ball down or drop it with bridge phrases like, ‘Anyways.’ ‘Whatever.’ ‘Forget it.’ (passive).

Then, either character picks the ball up and hit, hit, drop it - again. It’s your burning need to win that won’t let you stop.

Argument.
This is when you’re in full, normal argument state. Blood is up, voice is connected and you’re committed to argue it out. You don’t drop the ball or go back. It ends either by someone leaving or with a final, clinching point.

Again, as in all beats, the two of you sing the same song. The rhythm, tone, volume, length of line all echo each other showing your agreement that you’re now arguing. You make agreements with your partner and they’re usually unspoken, but absolutely clear.

This middle level of argument will not end in divorce or death. Part of the overall agreement at this level is that you’ll both continue your relationship. An apology may or may not be made afterwards.

Lovers have the right to say anything to each other in the heat of the moment. 

Lose it.
The phrase is apt as your character no longer has control of your conscious mind but, rather, has lost it. Lost that control.

The argument now becomes more physical than mental. The pure emotion, the energy, the heightened breathing - all physical forces fueling the size of the argument and the content.

This argument can lead to divorce, violence or death. Uncontrolled acts. The control is lost.

As an actor you need lots of breath to play there. Straining your throat is an early mistake.

It’s like being blind.

Rage.
Once it’s all out it ends – you can’t continue at such a high level for long.

As always in our acting, we don’t want to be acting in grey, but in sharp, well-thought out colours. General actor’s arguing is grey.

What level is the argument of your scene?