USEFUL LANGUAGE FOR DEBATES

PARTIALLY AGREEING
I know what you mean, but...
I hear what you're saying, but...
I see your point, but...
I agree to a certain extent, but...
That´s partly true, but...

CHALLENGING AN ARGUMENT
Yes, but don´t you think …?
Are your really saying that …?
I'm not so sure about that

SETTLING (ENDING) AN ARGUMENT
Maybe we'd better agree to disagree (on that)
It's a complex issue/It's not black and white
There are no easy answers

FORMAL LETTERS/EMAILS

REASONS FOR WRITING
I am writing with regard / reference to / in connection with / in response to ….
I am writing to express (my concern about/disappointment with /disapproval of/ apologies for )….
I would like to draw your attention to /point out ….

INTRODUCING POINTS
(I feel) I must also (dis) agree with ...
I should also like to point out that ….
Your (article) states that ….However, ...

STATING THE PROBLEM
A key challenge that we face is  …..
Not only is this ….. but it is also ….

INFORMING ABOUT SOLUTIONS
What we need to do is ...
What I suggest doing is ...
Only by (ing) ….. can we….

REQUEST FOR ACTION
I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would ...
I look forward to receiving / seeing ...
I trust/very much hope you will ...
I urge you to .....
I call on you to ....
I count on you to ...
I would be grateful if you could ....
This is our chance to ...
Together, we can ....

REMEMBER!!!!
Your formal letters/emails must start with Dear Mr / Ms (surname) and end Yours sincerely if you know the person´s name
Begin Dear Sir / Madam and end Yours faithfully if you don´t know the person's name
Use inversions and cleft sentences