Writing Argumentative Essays

Appendix 1
Language summary: structure of paragraphs in the body of an argumentative essay


X = another writer on this issue Y = a premise
who you are citing


Stage Language to use at this stage
1. Give the most general statement about the opposing position on this topic. Attach a problematising phrase to the statement to make it appear debatable and possibly untrue.
Xassertsthat....
contends
maintains
argues
claims



It has beenasserted that....
iscontended
could bemaintained
might beargued
may beclaimed



It is the assertion of X that ....
contention
argument
claim



One of theassertionsin support of Y is that....
in favour of
contentions supporting
for
arguments opposing
against



One objection to Y is that ...
A common
A frequently heard


2. Expand or develop that opposing position. Attach a problematising phrase to each further opposing argument to make it appear debatable and possibly untrue.
It is also argued that ....
claimed
asserted
further maintained
contended
said



.... so this argument goes .....



This position goes on to further argue that ....
contend
claim
maintain
assert


3. Signal that you are shifting to arguments that support your main premise ...
However, .....


... and begin with a general supporting argument on the topic of the paragraph drawn (preferably) from an authoritative published source
... as X explains ....
states
shows


4. Expand and develop the arguments on this paragraph topic that support your main premise
Moreover,......
In addtion,
Furthermore,



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