ARGUMENTATIVE TEXTS

The main purpose of argumentative essays is trying to convince the reader of your own
point of view. This is why identifying very clearly the main idea or ideas that will be
defended is a crucial aspect in this type of essay.

TO EXPRESS YOUR OWN OPINION

As far as I know
As I see
I consider
I agree that
I firmly believe that
I strongly think that
I think
It is my belief

TO INTRODUCE NEW IDEAS OR ASPECTS:

A different aspect would be …

A further common belief is …
Although it may well be argued that …
An even better idea …
As crtics point out …
It has been repeatedly claimed that …
It is often believed that …
Many are those who claim that …
Many people suggested that …
Most people believe that …
No one will have thought of …
Scientists are convinced that …
Some people support the idea …

TO EXEMPLIFY OR HIGHLIGHT A SPECIFIC POINT :

An example of this …
And what’s more …
Another reason to support this idea …
As well as …
Besides, both … and, clearly, furthermore, in addition to this, in other words, indeed,
likewise, moreover, naturally, needless to say, incidentally, consequently, not only …
But also, obviously, that is to say, this implies that, this measn that, we could develop
this theory by adding, we could go even further by mentioning that …

WHEN WE INTEND TO PRESENT A CONTROVERSIAL POINT:

A criticism I should deal with here is …

As this argument is not very convincing …
As, in my opinion, this point has not been made clear enough …
However, …
I cannot belive that …
I find too many weak points …
Many critics have been made …
Nobody could even consider …
Serious doubts can be raised against this …
There may be another explanation for this fact …
This is unlikely because …
To liven this up I will …

EXPRESSING DISAGREEMENT

This is unlikely because,

this is doubtful,
there may be another explanation for this fact,
these views are open to doubt,
serious doubts can be raised against this, however …

TO SHOW THE ADVANTAGES OR DISADVANTAGES OF SOMETHING:

A further advantage …
a mayor advantage, another positive/negative aspect of,
the greatest disadvantage,
the most serious disadvantage,
the strong point of …

TO EXPRESS THE CONSEQUENCE:

For these reasons …

As a result …
Thus, so, consequently, due to the fact that, because,

Format – organization – grammar and mechanics – sentence structure

Choice of title:

ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET

1. Is the main argument clearly expressed?

2. Is the writer giving enough reasons to convince?
3. Are the reasons relevant to the topic?
4. Are facts and opinions clearly differentiated?
5. Use of adequate vocabulary.
6. Is appropriate language to ending your argument used?
7. Is language of refutation adequately used?
8. Is counter - argument introduced by a phrase showing disagreement?
9. Grammar basics: word order, tenses, spelling and punctuation.
10. Overall presentation: margins, legible handwriting …