Argumentative Writing Basics

The following transitional phrases/words are used to...

The first reason

First of all

Secondly

Finally

One reason

Another reason

In addition

• introduce evidence

• introduce a claim

• introduce a counterclaim

• conclude

The following transitional phrases/words are used to...

In fact

According to

For example

For instance

Studies show

Research shows

• introduce a claim

• introduce a counterclaim

• introduce evidence

• conclude

The following transitional phrases/words are used to...

Critics argue that….

Others may say…but I argue…

A common argument against this position is...but…

It’s easy to think...but when you look at the facts…

While some researchers say...nevertheless…

• introduce a counterclaim

• introduce evidence

• introduce a claim

• conclude

"Dogs are better pets than cats" is an example of a...

• reason

• evidence

• claim

• rebuttal

"Dogs can help keep people active" is an example of...

• a claim

• a reason

• evidence

• rebuttal

Another word for claim is...

• clam

• fact

• opinion

• essay

A possible claim can be...

• Harriet Tubman

• Women on money

• Women should be on the face of money

• Women

The following transitional phrases/words are used to....

This means

This shows

This proves

This illustrates

• To sum it up

• To introduce a counterclaim

• To extend with a connection

• Explain a quote or information you have paraphrased.

The following phrases are used to...

This reminds me of

I read another

This makes me think

I’ve had a similar experience

I am reminded of

I remember

I never knew

I wonder

• to introduce a claim

• to extend with a connection or reaction

• to introduce evidence

• to sum it up

The following phrases are used to...

To summarize

To sum up

All in all

In summary

To wrap up

Simply stated

• introduce evidence

• extend with a connection

• sum it up

• introduce a counterclaim