Un ensayo argumentativo no es una opinión con párrafos
The four moves of an academic argument
| Move | What it does | Model sentence |
|---|---|---|
| claim | states your position clearly and debatably | School uniforms reduce bullying less than they claim. |
| evidence | brings a fact, study, quote or data | A 2019 study of 4,000 students found no significant change in bullying reports. |
| reasoning | explains WHY the evidence supports the claim | If reports do not drop after the policy changes, the policy likely changes little in daily status games. |
| counterclaim | concedes the strongest objection and answers it | Uniforms may lower visible inequality, but students replace clothing markers with phones and shoes. |
The five-paragraph machine (and why it is a beginning)
Introduction with a thesis; two body paragraphs, each a claim with evidence and reasoning; a counterclaim paragraph; a conclusion. This structure is teaching you discipline, not art: once it is automatic, real essays break it elegantly. For exams and school assignments, however, it never fails you if each paragraph does one job.
Connectors that make you sound B2
- To add: moreover, furthermore, in addition.
- To contrast: however, nevertheless, by contrast, on the other hand.
- To concede: admittedly, it is true that, while it may be argued that.
- To conclude the case: therefore, thus, on balance, taken together.
Hedging: the academic art of not overclaiming
Native academic writing protects itself: "the data suggest" not "the data prove"; "may" and "tend to" instead of "always". Hedging is not weakness: it is precision. The essay that says "uniforms destroy bullying" has already lost credibility; the one that says "the evidence does not support a meaningful effect" can defend every word.
Which sentence states a proper CLAIM for an argumentative essay?
Hedging (may, suggest, tend to) weakens academic writing and should be avoided.
Write a counterclaim to your own strongest opinion this week, then answer it in two sentences with therefore or on balance.
The hardest homework is disagreeing with yourself
Tu texto se guarda sólo en este dispositivo.
An argument needs claim, evidence, and counterclaim; the concession starts with ; overclaiming hurts your .
Could you draft a counterclaim paragraph in English?
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