Sentence Stems

You might find these templates useful when writing your paper. These are just guidelines you can use if you are having trouble coming up with a transition.

Introducing What “They Say”

◦A number of scientists have believed that “X” was the cause of evolution, but recent studies suggest otherwise.

◦In today’s society, it has become common to go against “X” because it goes against American values.

◦In Dr. X’s recent work, he has offered critiques of Y and Z for not seeing the whole picture when conducting their study.

Introducing “Standard Views”

◦Americans today tend to believe that ___________.

◦It is said that _____ is still present in our society.

◦Throughout my life, I have always heard that __________ is the cause for pollution.

◦Many people assume that ___________.

Making What “They Say” Something You Say

◦I’ve always believed that ________.

◦Growing up, I was told that __________ and since then I have always believed it.

Introducing Something Implied or Assumed

◦Even though my parents have not said it directly, their actions have given me the impression that __________.

◦Although no one has said it directly, _____________.

Introducing an Ongoing Debate

◦When talking about X, it is often assumed that _______. Y argues that ________ while Z argues that __________. There are many opinions on this topic, but I believe that __________.

◦The topic of X brings up many opinions, but the main one most people can agree on is ________. Although I agree with this point, I do also believe that ________.

Introducing Summaries and Quotations

◦X ( agrees, disagrees) that ____.

◦X claims ______.

◦X insists that _______.

◦X believes that _______.

◦X argues that ________.

◦X reminds us that _______.

◦Through research X found that ___________.

◦X suggests that __________.

Introducing Quotations

◦X states, “______.”

◦According to X, “_________.”

◦In his book, ______, X states that “______.”

◦In the article, ______, X makes it clear that ________.

Explaining Quotations

◦Basically, X is saying ______.

◦In other words, ________.

◦X’s point is ________.

◦In making this comment, X believes ________.

Disagreeing With Reasons

◦Although X has made valid points, I disagree with him because _____.

◦I disagree with X’s claim that _______ because research has shown that _______.

◦I think X has overlooked important research when making the claim that ________.

Agree- with a Difference

◦I agree that _______, a point that needs emphasizing since so many people believe that ________.

◦Many people say that ________, but I agree with X when he says that _________.

Agreeing and Disagreeing Simultaneously

◦Although X does make valid points, I do disagree with him when he says ________.

◦I have mixed feelings about X’s claim, while he does point out that ________, he forgets to shed light on ________.

◦While X is incorrect when he claims that _______, he is right when he says that ________.

Signaling Who is Saying What

◦X argues that _____.

◦Most people will tell You might find these templates useful when writing your paper. These are just guidelines you can use if you are having trouble coming up with a transition.

◦Throughout my life, I have always heard that __________ is the cause for pollution.

◦Many people assume that ___________.

Embedding Voice Markers

◦X overlooks what I consider an important point about _____.

◦X discusses that ______ in his paper on ______.

◦I completely agree with what X says on the topic about _____.

Entertaining Objections

◦Of course, many will likely (agree, disagree) with the assertion that ______.

◦Some may challenge the view of X because they say ______. However, they are wrong because ______.

Naming your Naysayers

◦Here many feminists would probably object that _____.

◦Many NFL players would certainly argue that ______.

◦Although she seemed to agree with what I said, we can tell she would argue the fact that ______.

Introducing Objections Informally

◦However, does my evidence prove that ______?

◦Impossible. Your evidence must be skewed because ______.

Making Concessions While Still Standing Your Ground

◦Although I will admit that ______, I still believe that _______.

◦While it is proven true that ________, I found that ______.

Indicating Who Cares

◦When first taking a look, teenagers seem to think that ______, but in all actuality they think ________.

◦Recent studies have shed light on ______, while past studies have failed to do so.

◦These findings challenge football naysayers that ______.

Establishing Why Your Claims Matter

◦This matter is important because ______.

◦Ultimately, the findings on X have opened up new research because ______.

Adding Metacommentary

◦In other words _____.

◦My point is ______.

◦What I’m trying to say is _____.

◦In short, _____.

◦Having just argued that ______, let’s turn our attention to ________.