Vocabulary for Argumentative Writing

Vocabulary for Argumentative Writing
When we write an argumentative essay, our opinions carry more weight if we look at both sides of the issue.
In other words, we acknowledge our opponents’ views but try to convince the reader that our own argument is stronger. Our essay would be extremely dull if we used the words supporters and opponents all the way through. Similarly, it would be unimpressive if we only used the verb say to refer to people’s opinions. The tables below contain lists of useful alternatives. Study them and then do the gap-fill task that follows.

+
-
Other ways to say that …
Supporters
Opponents
Argue
claim maintain assert contend allege insist suggest point out
Proponents
Opponents

Those in favor of …
Those opposed to …

Defenders of …
Critics of …

Advocates of …
Objectors

Pro-… (e.g. Pro-abortionists)
Anti-… (e.g. Anti-abortionists)

Premise Indicator words
Conclusion indicator words
For
Because
In view of
This is implied by
Given
As inasmuch as
Whereas
in that may be inferred from seeing that for the reason that assuming that as shown by therefore, It follows that…
This shows that…
Thus,
Hence,
Consequently,
My conclusion is…
We may conclude…
It follows that…
It means that…
Implies that…
As a result …
So,
Accordingly,

Transitional Words
To Show:
Use these Expressions:

Addition
In addition, also, too, besides, equally important, furthermore, moreover, additionally, further

Comparison/similarity
In the same way, likewise, similarly

Concession
Granted, naturally, of course

Contrast/Exception
In contrast, however, instead, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, nevertheless, still, yet

Emphasis
Of course, certainly, indeed, in fact, even so, truly

Example
For example, for instance, as an illustration, a case in point, namely, specifically, to illustrate, in fact

Generality
In general, for the most part, as a general rule, on the whole,