Resource 6: 'Argument' phrases

 Background information / subject knowledge for teacher

Argument phrases

We maintain that …

Our reasons for saying this are as follows: Firstly, … Secondly, … Finally and most importantly, …

In the (newspaper name), of (date), (name of person) writes … OR (name of author), in his book (name of book), says … This shows that … OR This proves that …

Some say that … But we believe …

Our experience has shown …

Assessment questions

• Does the letter start by stating the case, or argument, clearly?
• Does it present arguments supporting this statement?
• Does it include some information that relates it to local circumstances or events and gives it a human touch?
• Does it present the case once more, conclusively, in the last paragraph?
• Is it well structured, divided into paragraphs, each with a main idea?
• Is it accurate, with no grammar, spelling or punctuation errors?