Style & Phrasing - CU Scarborough - Academic Skills - LibGuides at Coventry University

The Language of Argument

Use markers to signal to your reader points in your argument.

Discourse markers for referring within your argument

firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally
in conclusion, to sum up, to conclude
for instance; for example; in particular
as mentioned earlier

Discourse Markers for Expressing Similarities and Differences

English includes a range of linking devices for expressing relations of similarity or difference between views and other ideas.

ie. Jones (2018) argues that Brexit will be an economic disaster for the UK (p.24). On the other hand, Smith (2018) maintains that the UK will thrive outside the EU (p.15).

Similarity	Difference
similarly in addition in the same way also moreover likewise	but even though however whereas nevertheless although while despite by contrast conversely

Verbs

All verbs differ in meaning and cannot be used interchangeably.

Argue - indicates your judgment that the author’s conclusion is based on evidence and reasoning.

Demonstrate - indicates your judgment that the researchers’ evidence and reasoning are so convincing that no other conclusion is possible.

Infers - to draw a conclusion from evidence or reasoning, rather than the source stating an explicit statement.

Variations in of Verbs: Sentence Structure

Be aware of the variations of how verbs are used in sentences.

Pattern 1: reporting verb + that + subject + verb

I.e Da Souza (2011) argues that previous researchers have misinterpreted the data (p. 267).

Pattern 2: reporting verb + somebody/something + as + noun/gerund/adjective

I.e Jones(2017) describes the findings as resting on irrefutable evidence (p.32).

Hedging Terms

Use hedging terms to express certainty and uncertainty in your text.

Degree of Certainty	Modal Verbs	Modal Adverbs	Hedging Verbs	Hedging Nouns
Strong	will, must,	certainly, definitely, clearly	believe, assume, think	assumption
Moderate	should, can, would	probably, likely	suggest, recommend	probability
Hesitant	might, may, could	occasionally, possibly	seems, appears	possibility