Tips on Argumentative Essay
Argumentative Essay:
Phrases, expressions, and sentence starters
Useful vocabulary
Transitional phrases/linking words:
Addition
Again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, first, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, second, finally, still, too.
Comparison
Also, in the same way, likewise, similarly.
Concession
Granted, naturally, of course.
Contrast
Although, and yet, at the same time, but at the same time, despite that, even so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, still, though, yet.
Emphasis
Certainly, indeed, in fact, of course
Example or illustration
After all, as an illustration, even, for example, for instance, in fact, that is, to illustrate.
Summary
All in all, altogether, finally, in brief, in short, in conclusion, in summary, to summarize.
Time sequence
After a while, afterward, and then, before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, simultaneously, so far, still, subsequently.
Signposting
Signposting, or signaling, is a way of making your essay text more reader-friendly by providing links between sections and paragraphs, and indicating where you are in the presentation of your argument.
Phrases and expressions used for this purpose include…
"There are three main causes of structural inequality ... The first is ..."
"Having outlined arguments in favour of ..., we now turn to some arguments against ...."
"To summarise ..."
"Before refuting these arguments, mention should be made of ..."
Signalling words and phrases for particular purposes:
Chronological (temporal) sequence
At first, first, firstly, second, secondly, then, next, eventually, in the end, lastly, later, subsequently, at the same time, simultaneously, afterwards, finally
Additive
And, in addition, moreover, besides, above all, further, furthermore, not only … but also, what is
Phrases, expressions, and sentence starters
Useful vocabulary
Transitional phrases/linking words:
Addition
Again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, first, further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, second, finally, still, too.
Comparison
Also, in the same way, likewise, similarly.
Concession
Granted, naturally, of course.
Contrast
Although, and yet, at the same time, but at the same time, despite that, even so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, still, though, yet.
Emphasis
Certainly, indeed, in fact, of course
Example or illustration
After all, as an illustration, even, for example, for instance, in fact, that is, to illustrate.
Summary
All in all, altogether, finally, in brief, in short, in conclusion, in summary, to summarize.
Time sequence
After a while, afterward, and then, before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, simultaneously, so far, still, subsequently.
Signposting
Signposting, or signaling, is a way of making your essay text more reader-friendly by providing links between sections and paragraphs, and indicating where you are in the presentation of your argument.
Phrases and expressions used for this purpose include…
"There are three main causes of structural inequality ... The first is ..."
"Having outlined arguments in favour of ..., we now turn to some arguments against ...."
"To summarise ..."
"Before refuting these arguments, mention should be made of ..."
Signalling words and phrases for particular purposes:
Chronological (temporal) sequence
At first, first, firstly, second, secondly, then, next, eventually, in the end, lastly, later, subsequently, at the same time, simultaneously, afterwards, finally
Additive
And, in addition, moreover, besides, above all, further, furthermore, not only … but also, what is