Structure of Paragraphs

Stage 1 Give the most general statement about the opposing
position on this topic.Attach a problematising phrase to the
statement to make it appear debatable and
possibly untrue.

X asserts/contends/maintains/argues/claims that...

it has been/is/could be/might be/may be
asserted/contended/maintained/claimed that....

It is the assertion/contention/argument/claim of X that...

One of the assertions/contentions/arguments
in support of/in favour of/ Y is that ...

One of the contentions supporting/ for Y is that...
One of the arguments opposing/against Y is that...

One/a common/ a frequently heard objections to Y is that...

State 2.Expand or develop that opposing position.
Attach a problematizing phrase to each further opposing argument
to make it appear debatable and possibly untrue.

It is also argued/claimed/asserted that...
It is further maintained/contained/said that...

... so this argument goes...

This position goes on to further argue/contend/claim/
maintain/ assert that...

3 Signal that you are shifting to arguments that support
your main conclusion ...

However,...

... and begin with a general supporting argument on the topic
of the paragraph drawn (preferably) from an authoritative
published source.

as X explains/ states/shows .....

4 Expand and develop the arguments on this paragraph topic
that support your main conclusion.

Moreover, ...
In addition, ...
Furthermore, ...

( Adapted from Bill Daly )

Read Dave's Kees IELTS Writing Master