Signposts gain importance in the argumentative essay. They enable the readers to follow the writer’s arguments easily.
1. To point out opposing arguments (CONs)
Opponents of this idea claim/maintain that…, those who disagree/are against these
ideas may assert that…, some people may/might disagree and state that …, Some will say that (my thesis) is not true because…, Some will argue…, Those on the other side of the issue may say that…etc.
2. To state specifically why opponents think like that
They put forward this idea because…, they claim that…since…etc.
3. To announce a contrast, a change in direction (transition):
Yet, However, Still, Nevertheless, On the other hand, In contrast, Instead of, On the contrary, Conversely, Notwithstanding, In spite of this.
4. To start refuting the opponents’ argument
*Compromise: prove that their argument is not powerful enough
It’s true that…, While it is true that…, Admittedly…, While that may be the case, (my thesis) is still true because…, That point is true, but it is unimportant because…, they have a point in thinking like that…, to a certain extent, they are right…etc.
*Completely disagree:
After considering this evidence, there is no way one can agree with what they say…, That is not the case…, As we see (bring up new evidence)…, Nevertheless, my point still stands because…, what we are discussing here is not what they are trying to prove…, their argument is irrelevant…, However, that point is not important because… etc.