Transition logically between claims, evidence, analysis and counterclaims
Key notes :
1. What Is a Logical Transition?
- A logical transition connects ideas smoothly so the reader can follow the writer’s thinking.
- It helps move from one part of an argument to another: claim → evidence → analysis → counterclaim.
2. Parts of an Argumentative Paragraph
- Claim: A statement that shows your position or opinion.
- Evidence: Facts, quotes, or examples that support your claim.
- Analysis: Explains how the evidence supports the claim.
- Counterclaim: The opposite viewpoint, which you respond to or refute.
3. Using Transitions for Clarity and Flow
- Use different types of transition words or phrases to guide your reader:
| Purpose | Transition Words & Phrases |
|---|---|
| To introduce a claim | To begin with, Firstly, It is clear that… |
| To give evidence | For example, According to…, The text states… |
| To analyze | This shows that, This suggests, It means that… |
| To introduce a counterclaim | On the other hand, Some might argue, However… |
| To refute counterclaim | Nevertheless, Even though, This is flawed because… |
4. Example Paragraph with Logical Transitions
Claim:
School uniforms should be mandatory in public schools.
Evidence:
According to a recent study, schools with uniform policies saw a 30% drop in bullying cases.
Analysis:
This suggests that uniforms help create equality among students, reducing the chances of teasing based on clothing.
Counterclaim:
Some people argue that uniforms limit self-expression.
Refutation:
However, students can express themselves in other ways, such as through their hobbies or conversations.
Learn with an example
➡️ Complete the text with the transition that best connects the claim to the evidence that supports it.
Athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs are required to forfeit their medals and titles. _____ cyclist Lance Armstrong, who admitted to using drugs to increase his speed and power, was stripped of all seven of his Tour de France titles.
- On the contrary
- For example
- Admittedly
For example, best connects the claim to the evidence that supports it. This transition indicates that the sentence that follows will provide an illustration or specific example in support of a larger point.
Athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs are required to forfeit their medals and titles. For example, cyclist Lance Armstrong, who admitted to using drugs to increase his speed and power, was stripped of all seven of his Tour de France titles.
By contrast, the other transitions do not show the correct relationship:
x On the contrary suggests that the sentence that follows will move from acknowledging a potential counterclaim to emphasising the writer’s own claim.
x Admittedly suggests that the sentence that follows will introduce a point that could be used to object to the writer’s claim.
➡️ Complete the text with the transition that best connects the two pieces of supporting evidence.
Sports are an excellent way to develop children’s bodies and minds. Regular practices and games build strength, coordination and a lifelong love of physical fitness. ____ participation in sports promotes the development of qualities like teamwork and dedication, which are crucial in childhood and beyond.
- More importantly
- Apparently
- That being said
More importantly best connects the two pieces of supporting evidence. This transition indicates that the sentence that follows will present evidence or analysis that is even more compelling than evidence or analysis already presented.
Sports are an excellent way to develop children’s bodies and minds. Regular practices and games build strength, coordination and a lifelong love of physical fitness. More importantly, participation in sports promotes the development of qualities like teamwork and dedication, which are crucial in childhood and beyond.
By contrast, the other transitions do not show the correct relationship:
x Apparently suggests that the sentence that follows will present speculations or inferences based on evidence presented in a previous sentence.
x That being said suggests that the sentence that follows will move from acknowledging a potential counterclaim to emphasising the writer’s own claim.
➡️ Complete the text with the transition that best connects the supporting evidence to analysis of that evidence.
Anti-smoking television ads targeted at teens appear to be effective. For example, one student says that when she was recently offered a cigarette, she declined not because of a fear of lung cancer or other health consequences, but because she remembered an ad about how tobacco stains teeth. ____ ads that emphasise the dangers smoking poses to appearance or social status are especially likely to resonate with teenagers.
- Apparently
- More importantly
- Regardless
Apparently best connects the supporting evidence to analysis of that evidence. This transition indicates that the sentence that follows will present speculations or inferences based on evidence presented in a previous sentence.
Anti-smoking television ads targeted at teens appear to be effective. For example, one student says that when she was recently offered a cigarette, she declined not because of a fear of lung cancer or other health consequences, but because she remembered an ad about how tobacco stains teeth. Apparently, ads that emphasise the dangers smoking poses to appearance or social status are especially likely to resonate with teenagers.
By contrast, the other transitions do not show the correct relationship:
x More importantly suggests that the sentence that follows will present evidence or analysis that is even more compelling than evidence or analysis already presented.
x Regardless suggests that the sentence that follows will move from acknowledging a potential counterclaim to emphasising the writer’s own claim.
let’s practice!
The practice of genetically modifying food crops comes with significant risks. Farmers who grow genetically modified crops have had to use more pesticides to grow the crops._______, widespread use of these pesticides has led to an increase in resistant pests and weeds.