Not all points and evidence are made equal. While the essay writer’s job is to compare and contrast points fairly and objectively, they also have to assign weight to stronger arguments.
Also, some points are worth emphasising to aid comparisons. At some point, you’ll probably need to re-highlight key information from earlier to interweave your arguments.
For example, you may need to highlight a piece of information, in which case you can say, “Specifically…” You may also need to weigh one argument against another with “Nevertheless” or “Nonetheless”.
Here’s some vocabulary to help you emphasise your points:
- To reiterate
- To emphasise
- Needless to say
- Specifically
- Significantly
- Especially
- Notably
- Importantly
- Nonetheless
- Nevertheless
- Thus
Many of these words can help you develop a point. For example, you can introduce a point or argument with “For instance” and then discuss the core of the point before homing in on the most relevant concept using “Specifically”.
“For instance, X describes the negative effect of urbanisation of the rural landscape. Specifically, he highlights the decline of rural industries and the erosion of traditional rural institutions.”
