Writers frequently argue to persuade others, whether they are arguing for an intepretation of a story in a literature class or for an interpretation of sales data to a supervisor. You, too, are likely to assert and support positions, respond to alternatives, and concede or refute objections. Sentence strategies like these may provide a jumping-
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To Assert a Position
When issue/event X 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 X for granted, Groups A, B, and C oppose it on the grounds that _________ .
Whereas supporters of X have argued that _________ , opponents such as A, B, and C contend that _________ .
Though others may view it as a matter of _________ , for me, the issue hinges on _________ .
According to A, what’s at stake in this issue is _________ . For me, however, what is most important is _________ .
On this issue, A and B 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: _________ .
X has many good qualities, including _________ and _________ ; however, the pluses do not outweigh its one major drawback, namely that _________ .
X is a brilliant embodiment of _________ [name genre or category], especially notable for its superb _________ and thorough _________ .
Because I admire A’s other work, I expected X to be _________ . But I was disappointed/surprised by it because _________ .
Many complain about problem X but do nothing because solving it seems too hard/too costly. I think we need to tackle problem X because _________ .
To Support a Position
What makes X problematic/praiseworthy is _________ .
Because _________ , I support/oppose X .
Studies such as _______ have shown that X mostly affects groups A, B, and C because _________ .
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Studies by Professors A and B at University C show that X has worked in cases such as _________ , _________ , and _________ .
The reasons for X may surprise you, such as _________ , _________ , and _________ .
The cause(s) of X may be surprising/alarming/disturbing/amazing, but they are clear: _______ [state cause(s) and provide evidence].
X 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, group A 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 X 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 X was an important factor in their decision to _________ .
Reliable research by Professor A shows _________ .
To Refute an Opposing Position
One problem with position Y is that _________ .
Some claim position Y, but in reality _________ .
My opponents cite research to support position Y, 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, doing ________ would take away a basic right/make things even worse.
A and B 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 X.
Polls show that most people favor Y, but an opinion’s popularity does not make it true or right.
Though most would agree that Y is true, it does not necessarily follow that _________ .
One common complaint is _________ . In recent years, however, _________ .
Some people think we can’t afford to implement solution X but it would only cost $ __________to put my solution in place compared to $ _________ , the cost of doing nothing/implementing an alternative solution.
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Although it might take _________ months/years to implement my solution, it would actually take longer to implement solution Y.
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 my solution differs from past experiments in several important ways: _________ , _________ , and _________ [list differences].
X, reviewer for newspaper A, claims that _________ . But I agree with Y, reviewer for newspaper B, who argues that _________ .
Some people think Y occurs because of _________ , _________ , and _________. Although it is easy to see why they might make this argument, the evidence does not back it up: _________ [explanation].
Reviewers have remarked that X is a pale imitation of Y. I disagree. Whereas Y is _________ , X is _________ .
X has generated criticism for its supposed _________ . But X is not _________ . Instead, it is _________ .
A recent study of X showed that _________ .
To Concede an Objection
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 _________ [name a different aspect] of the issue.
I agree with those who claim X/object on X grounds; therefore, instead of implementing option A, I think we should pursue option B.
If _________ seems too time-
Where _________ is a concern, I think X should be considered because _________ .
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The one justifiable criticism that could be made against X is _________ .
As some critics have pointed out, X does follow the tried-
To Concede and Refute an Objection
Indeed, hard-
_________ may be true for Y but not for X.
Although _________ , I think _________ .
A and B 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 A’s argument that _________ , but on the other hand, I still think X is ultimately more important because _________ .
As some critics have pointed out, X does follow the tried-
The objection that X can be caused by things other than cause Y may be true. But there is strong evidence showing that cause Y played a central role in making X happen by _________ .
Those who disagree about X often see it as a choice between _________ and _________ . But both are important. We don’t have to choose between them because _________ .