Template for Introducing an On-Going Debate
Try using these sentence frames to introduce your topic. You may have to adjust the wording of the
sentences for your topic.
When it comes to the topic of ________________________, one controversy has
(topic)
been over ________________________________________________________.
(your specific issue / question)
While some ____________
(verb)
(view / opinion / approach / voice #1)
others _______________
__________________________________________.
(verb)
(view / opinion / approach / voice #2)
Still other ______________
(verb)
_________________________________________,
_________________________________________.
(view / opinion / approach / voice #3)
Mrs. Gallo’s Sample
When it comes to the topic of education, one controversy has been over the best kind of education. While some argue that
public education – particularly top performing schools – offer an excellent and inexpensive option, others find that private
schools offer parents a far better choice. Even among those who agree that private schools offer a better option, there is
disagreement. Some opt for a more traditional approach while others choose a more “progressive” approach. And the
controversy doesn’t end here. Even among “progressives,” some prefer a strict Waldorf approach, others prefer a strict
Montessori approach, and still others prefer a less prescribed, more creative approach.
Verbs to Introduce Ideas and Perspectives
acknowledge
admit
advise
advocate
affirm
agree
argue
ask
assert
assume
believe
bring to light
do not deny
caution
claim
complain
concede
concentrate on
conclude
condone
confess
contend
declare
demonstrate
deplores the
tendency to
disclose
discuss
doubt
celebrate the fact
that
emphasize
endorse
establish
examine
explain
explore
expose
express
feel
find
focus on
give credence to
highlight
identify
illustrate
imply
indicate
insist
maintain
note
observe
point out
prefer
proclaim
propose
question
reason
recognize
recommend
refute the claim
that
remark
remind
report
reveal
say
show
state
stress
suggest
think
uncover
underline
urge
write