smg10e_ch19

Sentence Strategies for Argument

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Writers in college courses, in the community, and in the workplace argue to persuade others, so you are likely to write sentences that assert and support a position or that respond to alternative positions and concede or refute objections. Sentence strategies like these may provide a jumping-off point for articulating your thoughts. Of course, you will probably want to rework the sentences they inspire.

To Assert a Position

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When [issue/event] happens, most people think , but I think because .
[People] focus on [X], which is characterized by , and they don’t even notice [Y], which is characterized by .
Although many people take for granted, [list individuals/groups] oppose it on the grounds that .
Whereas supporters of have argued that , opponents such as [list individuals/groups] contend that .
Though others may view it as a matter of , for me, the issue hinges on .
According to , what’s at stake in this issue is . For me, however, what is most important is .
On this issue, X and Y say . Although I understand and to some degree sympathize with their point of view, this is ultimately a question of . What’s at stake is not but . Therefore, we must .
This issue is dividing our community. Some people argue . Others contend . And still others believe . It is in all of our interests to , however, because .
Conventional wisdom is that . But I take a different view: .
[Subject] has many good qualities, including and ; however, the pluses do not outweigh its one major drawback, namely that .
[Subject] is a brilliant embodiment of [genre or category], especially notable for its superb and thorough .
Because I admire [another artist’s other work], I expected [subject] to be . But I was [disappointed/surprised] by because .
Many complain about but do nothing because solving it seems [too hard/too costly].

To Support a Position

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What makes [problematic/praiseworthy] is .
Because , I [support/oppose] .
Studies such as have shown that [problem] mostly affects [name group(s)].
Studies by X, Y, and Z show that [solution] has worked in , , and .
The reasons for may surprise you, such as , , and .
The cause(s) of [subject] may be [surprising/alarming/disturbing/amazing], but they are clear: [state cause(s) and provide evidence].
[Cause] plays a [surprising/alarming/disturbing/amazing] role in [our lives/our families/ our communities/our workplaces]: It [does/is/provides] [describe role].
For many years, [name group] has believed that . Now there is research supporting this claim, but not for the reasons you may think. It’s not that has been causing this phenomenon but .
Researchers studying have shown a causal connection between [my causes] and [my subject]. They claim [quote/paraphrase/summarize information from source] (cite source).
A large number of people have been polled on this question, and it appears that was an important factor in their decision to .
Reliable research by shows .

To Refute an Opposing Position

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One problem with [opposing view] is that .
Some claim [opposing view], but in reality .
My opponents cite research to support their argument, but the credibility of that research is questionable because .
This argument seems plausible because it is consistent with our preconceptions. Nevertheless, evidence shows .
Activists insist . Still, in spite of their good intentions, would [take away a basic right/make things even worse].
X and Y think this issue is about . But what is really at stake here is .
Proponents object to my argument on the grounds that . However, they are confusing results with causes. What I am arguing is .
Polls show that most people favor , but an opinion’s popularity does not make it true or right.
Though most would agree that is true, it does not necessarily follow that .
One common complaint is . In recent years, however, .
Some people think we can’t afford to do [name solution], but it would only cost $ [insert dollar amount] to put my solution in place compared to $ , the cost of [doing nothing/implementing an alternative solution].
Although it might take [months/years] to implement this solution, it would actually take longer to implement [alternative solution].
Some may suggest that I favor this solution because I would benefit personally; however, the fact is we would all benefit because .
Some may claim that this solution has been tried and hasn’t worked. But research shows that [explain how my solution differs from past experiments in several important ways]: , , and (list differences).
X, reviewer for , claims that . But I agree with Y, reviewer for , who argues that .
Some people think [subject] is [alternative judgment] because of , , and [reasons]. Although it is easy to see why they might make this argument, the evidence does not back it up: [explanation].
Reviewers have remarked that [subject] is a pale imitation of [comparable subject]. I disagree. Whereas [comparable subject] is , [subject] is .
This [subject] has generated criticism for its supposed . But [subject] is not . Instead, it is .
A recent study of [subject] showed that .

To Concede an Objection

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I agree that .
is certainly an important factor.
To be sure, is true.
Granted, must be taken into consideration.
Some people argue that . I understand this reservation, and therefore, I think we should .
A common concern about this issue is . That’s why my argument focuses on [this other aspect] of the issue.
I agree with those who [claim X/object on X grounds]; therefore, instead of [option A], I think we should pursue [option B].
If seems too [time-consuming/expensive], let’s try .
Where is a concern, I think [name alternative] should be followed.
Although is the best way to deal with a problem like this, under [describe special circumstances], I agree that should be done.
Indeed, the more hard-core [name enthusiasts] may carp that [subject] is not sufficiently [shortcomings].
The one justifiable criticism that could be made against [subject] is .
As some critics have pointed out, [subject] does follow the tried-and-true formula of .

To Concede and Refute an Objection

may be true for X but not for Y.
Although , I think .
X and Y insist that . Nevertheless, in spite of their good intentions, .
I agree that is important, but so is .
I agree that is important, but my opponents need to consider .
On the one hand, I accept X’s argument that , but on the other hand, I still think is ultimately more important because .
As some critics have pointed out, [subject] does follow the tried-and-true formula of . Still, the [director/writer/artist] is using the formula effectively to .
The objection that [subject] can be caused by things other than [my cause] may be true. But there is strong evidence showing that [my cause] played a central role by .
Those who disagree about often see it as a choice between and . But both are important. We don’t have to choose between them because .