argumentative essay vocabulary is not a collection of impressive words; it is a toolkit for making reasoning, register and audience visible. Argumentative vocabulary should make the structure of reasoning visible: claim, evidence, analysis, concession, rebuttal and evaluation. This secondary English owner page starts with the searchable answer students need, then moves through language function, examples, paragraph architecture, diagnosis, retrieval and transfer.

Searches for argumentative essay vocabulary often overlap with O-Level English essay phrases, situational writing formats, oral vocabulary, discursive essay phrases, argumentative vocabulary and Secondary English composition help. Across all of these tasks, the same principle applies: choose language because it performs a job—claiming, qualifying, rebutting, requesting, persuading, evaluating or reflecting—not because it sounds formal.

Build argumentative vocabulary by function. Make a clear claim, support it with evidence or examples, analyse the significance, concede a reasonable opposing point, rebut or limit that point, and evaluate trade-offs. The vocabulary should clarify reasoning, not substitute for it. Use this page with the Singapore Vocabulary Guide and the Top 100 O-Level Vocabulary List for neighbouring secondary vocabulary routes.

Quick Read

• Claim, evidence, analysis, concession, rebuttal, qualification and evaluation.
• Match certainty to evidence.
• Concession recognises; rebuttal responds.
• Examples need analysis.
• Use phrases flexibly across topics.

The short answer

Build argumentative vocabulary by function. Make a clear claim, support it with evidence or examples, analyse the significance, concede a reasonable opposing point, rebut or limit that point, and evaluate trade-offs. The vocabulary should clarify reasoning, not substitute for it.

Argumentative vocabulary bank

Claim

1. This essay argues that…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

2. The central issue is…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

3. A strong case can be made that…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

4. The evidence suggests that…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

5. The more defensible position is…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

6. The key consideration is…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

7. It is reasonable to argue that…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

8. A major concern is…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

9. One important principle is…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

10. The argument rests on…

Function: this expression belongs to claim. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Evidence

11. For example,…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

12. A clear illustration is…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

13. Evidence of this can be seen in…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

14. This is demonstrated by…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

15. One relevant case is…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

16. A useful example comes from…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

17. This pattern is visible when…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

18. Consider the case of…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

19. This can be observed in…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

20. A practical example is…

Function: this expression belongs to evidence. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Analysis

21. This suggests that…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

22. This matters because…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

23. The implication is…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

24. The deeper problem is…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

25. This reveals a tension between…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

26. The example demonstrates…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

27. The effect is significant because…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

28. This can lead to…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

29. The reasoning is strongest when…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

30. What follows is that…

Function: this expression belongs to analysis. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Concession

31. Admittedly,…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

32. It is true that…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

33. Supporters may argue that…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

34. There is some merit in the view that…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

35. A reasonable objection is…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

36. Critics are right to note that…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

37. One limitation of this argument is…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

38. To be fair,…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

39. This concern should not be dismissed.

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

40. The opposing view highlights…

Function: this expression belongs to concession. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Rebuttal

41. However, this overlooks…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

42. Even so,…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

43. That argument is less convincing when…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

44. The limitation is that…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

45. This does not necessarily follow because…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

46. A stronger consideration is…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

47. The claim weakens when…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

48. This assumes that…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

49. Yet the evidence also shows…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

50. The objection matters, but it does not resolve…

Function: this expression belongs to rebuttal. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Qualification

51. to a large extent

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

52. in some contexts

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

53. under certain conditions

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

54. not necessarily

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

55. in many cases

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

56. with important exceptions

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

57. depending on implementation

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

58. where resources allow

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

59. when carefully regulated

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

60. within reasonable limits

Function: this expression belongs to qualification. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Evaluation

61. more significant than

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

62. less persuasive because

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

63. a short-term benefit

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

64. a long-term cost

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

65. an unintended consequence

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

66. a necessary trade-off

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

67. a limited solution

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

68. a sustainable approach

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

69. a disproportionate response

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

70. a realistic compromise

Function: this expression belongs to evaluation. Use it only when that relationship is present. Write one sentence in which it fits, one near-miss where it sounds forced, and one simpler paraphrase. Then place it inside a paragraph so the sentence before creates the need and the sentence after develops the consequence.

Function before formality

Name the move before choosing the phrase. Is the writer making a claim, giving evidence, conceding, rebutting, recommending, evaluating or addressing an audience? This protects students from decorating a paragraph with connectors that do not match the logic.

Apply this to argumentative essay vocabulary: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Precision and register

Formal writing does not require stiffness. Prefer precise verbs, clear nouns and controlled sentence structures. A simple “This suggests…” may be stronger than an inflated phrase if the evidence only supports a cautious inference.

Apply this to argumentative essay vocabulary: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Concession is not surrender

A concession recognises a reasonable opposing point; it does not automatically abandon the thesis. The next sentence should explain the limit, trade-off, condition or stronger counter-consideration.

Apply this to argumentative essay vocabulary: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Evidence and examples

Examples must do analytical work. After naming an example, explain what it shows, why it matters and how it connects to the paragraph claim. Vocabulary such as demonstrates, illustrates, indicates and suggests helps only when the reasoning is actually present.

Apply this to argumentative essay vocabulary: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

The Fencing Method

Fence near-moves: assert versus suggest, criticise versus evaluate, concession versus rebuttal, formal request versus demand. Tone, evidence strength and audience relationship create the boundary.

Apply this to argumentative essay vocabulary: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Paragraph architecture

Build a paragraph as claim → development → evidence/example → analysis → qualification → link. Not every paragraph needs all six in the same order, but the structure helps students see where vocabulary earns its place.

Apply this to argumentative essay vocabulary: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Retrieval

Close the phrase bank and use functional cues: “introduce a concession”, “soften a claim”, “recommend formally”, “give an example”. Retrieve two alternatives and choose the better fit. This is closer to examination production than rereading.

Apply this to argumentative essay vocabulary: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

Transfer

Use the same language move in a different topic and format. A concession should work in technology, education, environment or media. A formal request should work in different situational-writing contexts. Transfer proves ownership.

Apply this to argumentative essay vocabulary: choose three items from the bank, write a paragraph using them for three different functions, then remove the labels and ask another reader to identify what each phrase is doing.

30 examination transfer drills

Drill 1: education

Use one item from this page in a response about education. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 2: technology

Use one item from this page in a response about technology. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 3: environment

Use one item from this page in a response about environment. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 4: social media

Use one item from this page in a response about social media. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 5: sports

Use one item from this page in a response about sports. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 6: public spaces

Use one item from this page in a response about public spaces. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 7: youth

Use one item from this page in a response about youth. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 8: family

Use one item from this page in a response about family. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 9: arts

Use one item from this page in a response about arts. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 10: community

Use one item from this page in a response about community. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 11: education

Use one item from this page in a response about education. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 12: technology

Use one item from this page in a response about technology. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 13: environment

Use one item from this page in a response about environment. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 14: social media

Use one item from this page in a response about social media. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 15: sports

Use one item from this page in a response about sports. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 16: public spaces

Use one item from this page in a response about public spaces. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 17: youth

Use one item from this page in a response about youth. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 18: family

Use one item from this page in a response about family. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 19: arts

Use one item from this page in a response about arts. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 20: community

Use one item from this page in a response about community. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 21: education

Use one item from this page in a response about education. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 22: technology

Use one item from this page in a response about technology. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 23: environment

Use one item from this page in a response about environment. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 24: social media

Use one item from this page in a response about social media. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 25: sports

Use one item from this page in a response about sports. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 26: public spaces

Use one item from this page in a response about public spaces. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 27: youth

Use one item from this page in a response about youth. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 28: family

Use one item from this page in a response about family. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 29: arts

Use one item from this page in a response about arts. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Drill 30: community

Use one item from this page in a response about community. Change the stance or audience and rewrite the sentence. Then simplify the wording without losing the logical relationship. Finally, add one sentence of evidence or example so the language is attached to substance.

Frequently asked questions

Should students memorise model paragraphs?

Use models for structure and language observation, but practise rebuilding the move on fresh topics.

Are sophisticated connectors necessary?

No. Logical accuracy matters more than connector difficulty.

How many phrases should appear in one paragraph?

Only those needed to make relationships explicit. Over-signposting can become mechanical.

Can ‘I think’ be used?

It depends on task and register. Formal argument often benefits from more analytical phrasing, while oral responses can sound natural with first person.

How should parents help?

Ask what each sentence is doing and whether the next sentence develops it.

How should teachers correct vague claims?

Ask what level of certainty the evidence supports and choose the verb accordingly.

How should students revise?

Retrieve phrases by function, then use them on unfamiliar topics.

What shows mastery?

The student can select and adapt language by purpose, audience and evidence strength.

Return to the Singapore Vocabulary Guide for the complete estate.