Lesson 3: Structuring Academic Arguments & Essays
Building a Coherent Argument
A strong academic essay needs more than good ideas; it needs a solid structure1. Think of it like building a house: each idea is a room, and you need hallways and doors to connect them smoothly. In writing, these connections are made with special "signposting" words and phrases. They create cohesion2, guiding your reader through your argument3 from one point to the next. Mastering these is essential for clear and persuasive writing.
Key Phrases for Essay Structure
Let's group these powerful phrases by their function in an essay.
1. To Introduce a Point
- Phrases: Firstly, ... / To begin with, ... / The first point to consider is...
- Use: To signal the beginning of your first main idea.
2. To Add a Supporting Point
- Phrases: Furthermore, ... / Moreover, ... / In addition, ...
- Use: To add another piece of information that supports your previous point.
3. To Show Contrast
- Phrases: However, ... / On the other hand, ... / In contrast, ...
- Use: To introduce an opposing or different perspective.
4. To Show a Result
- Phrases: Therefore, ... / As a result, ... / Consequently, ...
- Use: To show that the next idea is a logical consequence of the previous one.
5. To Conclude
- Phrases: In conclusion, ... / To summarize, ... / In summary, ...
- Use: To signal the end of your essay and summarize the main points.
Example: Improving a Paragraph
See how structuring words transform a series of simple sentences into a strong, cohesive academic paragraph.
BEFORE (Weak Structure):
Tourism in Kampot is good. It creates jobs. It can be bad for the environment. The government needs to do something. This will protect the area.
AFTER (Strong Structure):
To begin with, tourism in Kampot is highly beneficial for the local economy as it creates numerous jobs. However, an unregulated tourism industry can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Therefore, it is essential for the government to implement sustainable policies. As a result, the unique natural beauty of the region can be protected for future generations.
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. Which word is best for introducing an opposite idea? "He is very rich; ________, he is not very happy."
- a) Moreover
- b) Therefore
- c) However
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) However
2. Which phrase is best to show a result? "He studied hard for the exam. ________, he received the top score."
- a) As a result
- b) In addition
- c) On the other hand
Click to see the answer
Answer: a) As a result
3. You want to add another supporting reason. Which word should you use? "The city is a great place to live because of its parks. ________, it has an excellent public transport system."
- a) In conclusion
- b) In contrast
- c) Furthermore
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) Furthermore
edit Your Mission
- Connect the Sentences: In your notebook, combine these two sentences using an appropriate structuring word: "The internet makes communication easier. It can also be a source of misinformation."
- Build a Mini-Argument: Write a short paragraph (2-3 sentences) about the advantages of learning English. Start your first sentence with "Firstly," and your second sentence with "In addition,".
- Paragraph Planning: Choose a topic (e.g., "The benefits of exercise"). Plan a short paragraph. Write down your first point, a contrasting point, and a result. Use a structuring word from the lesson for each part.
book Lesson Glossary
- Structure (noun) - Khmer: រចនាសម្ព័ន្ធ (rɔɔ-chɑ-naa-sɑm-pʰuən) - The way that the parts of something are arranged or organized. ↩
- Cohesion (noun) - Khmer: ការផ្សារភ្ជាប់ (kaa pʰsaa-chɔəp) - The action or fact of forming a united whole; the quality of being logical and consistent. ↩
- Argument (noun) - Khmer: ការលើកហេតុផល (kaa ləək het-pʰɑl) - A set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong. ↩