1. Argumentative Writing and Transition Words

2. Argumentative Writing
Express your opinion on a topic
Support your opinion with strong logic and evidence

3. Argumentative Essay Structure
5 paragraph essay structure
Introduction
Body paragraph #1
Body paragraph #2
Body paragraph #3
Address the opposing side (then “shut it down”)
Conclusion

4. Transition Words
Create links and connections between ideas in your essay
Can help the reader understand the logic of your argument

5. Types of Transition Words
Agreement/Addition/Similarity
Examples/Support/Emphasis
Effect/Result/Consequence
Opposition/Limitation/Contradiction
Conclusion/Summary/Restatement

6. Agreement/Addition/Similarity
This type of transition word supports your opinion
Will likely be found at the beginning of each supporting body paragraph
Serve as a way to further your argument

7. Agreement/Addition/Similarity
Examples:
Moreover
Similarly
Furthermore
Additionally
First, second, third

8. Examples/Support/Emphasis
Used to support the main topic of each body paragraph
Used to introduce specific evidence and examples
Emphasizes important points of your argument

9. Examples/Support/Emphasis
Such as
For example
In particular
For one thing
Another key point
These words are often found within the paragraphs...not necessarily at the beginning of the paragraph.

10. Effect/Result/Consequence
Signal cause/effect relationships
Signal reason/result relationships
Signal cause/consequence relationships
Can be used to support your argument and/or address the opposing side

11. Effect/Result/Consequence
Examples:
As a result
Thus
Consequently
Therefore

12. Opposition/Limitation/Contradiction
***Used to address the opposing side
Particularly, its limitations and negative aspects
Can also be used to address a limitation of your own argument (this will add credibility because you acknowledge that your argument is not perfect).

13. Opposition/Limitation/Contradiction
Examples:
In contrast
On the contrary
Even though
Whereas
Regardless
However

14. Conclusion/Summary/Restatement
Can be used at the end of each paragraph (especially body paragraphs) to restate the main point of the paragraph
Can also be used at the beginning of the conclusion paragraph
To connect the essay together
To summarize the main points of the entire essay

15. Conclusion/Summary/Restatement
Examples:
For the most part
In conclusion
Overall
As shown (above)