| 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. |
| X | asserts | that.... |
| contends |
| maintains |
| argues |
| claims |
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| It | has been | asserted | that.... |
| is | contended |
| could be | maintained |
| might be | argued |
| may be | claimed |
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| It is the | assertion | of X that .... |
| contention |
| argument |
| claim |
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| One of the | assertions | in support of | Y is that.... |
| in favour of |
| contentions | supporting |
| for |
| arguments | opposing |
| against |
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| One | objection to Y is that ... |
| A common |
| A frequently heard |
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| 2. | Expand or develop that opposing position. Attach a problematising phrase to each further opposing argument to make it appear debatable and possibly untrue.
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| It is | also | argued | that .... |
| claimed |
| asserted |
| further | maintained |
| contended |
| said |
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.... so this argument goes ..... |
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| This position goes on to further | argue | that .... |
| contend |
| claim |
| maintain |
| assert |
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| 3. | Signal that you are shifting to arguments that support your main premise ...
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| ... 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 |
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| 4. | Expand and develop the arguments on this paragraph topic that support your main premise
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Moreover, | ...... |
| In addtion, |
| Furthermore, |
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