Vocabulary: Academic & Formal Vocabulary (B2) - Lesson 3: Structuring Academic Arguments & Essays

Lesson 3: Structuring Academic Arguments & Essays Building a Coherent Argument A strong academic essay needs more than good ideas; it needs a solid structure 1 . 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 cohesion 2 , guiding your reader through your argument 3 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 ha…