Last updated: October 20, 2026
These verbs help you report other people’s views and make your own position clear. They work with any IELTS Writing Task 2 topic and give your Speaking Part 3 opinions a more precise, academic tone.
Each word below has a short meaning and an example sentence written for IELTS. The first six are the core words from our IELTS academic vocabulary list, and the other 24 build your range further. Use them in your essays and in your Speaking Part 3 answers.
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Core Verbs for Presenting an Argument Words
Start with these six. They come up again and again in IELTS questions on this topic.
Contend
To state firmly that something is true.
- Critics contend that standardised tests measure memory, not ability.
Acknowledge
To accept that something is true.
- I acknowledge that online learning is convenient, but it lacks personal contact.
Undermine
To make something weaker or less effective.
- Cheap flights may undermine efforts to cut emissions.
Outweigh
To be greater or more important than something else.
- In my view, the benefits of tourism outweigh the drawbacks.
Exacerbate
To make a problem worse.
- Building more roads may exacerbate traffic rather than reduce it.
Advocate
To publicly support an idea.
- Many doctors advocate a tax on sugary drinks.
24 More Verbs for Presenting an Argument Words
Once you know the core words, these help you add precision and avoid repeating yourself.
Assert
To state firmly that something is true.
- Some experts assert that homework has little value for young children.
Maintain
To keep saying that something is true.
- Supporters maintain that tourism benefits local people.
Dispute
To argue that something is not true or correct.
- Few people dispute the need for cleaner energy.
Refute
To prove that an argument or claim is wrong.
- Recent studies refute the idea that video games cause violence.
Concede
To admit that something is true, often unwillingly.
- I concede that public transport is not always convenient.
Emphasise
To show that something is especially important.
- It is worth emphasising that the costs are only short term.
Justify
To show that something is reasonable or right.
- Such high ticket prices are difficult to justify.
Challenge
To question whether something is true or right.
- Many scientists challenge this view.
Support
To agree with an idea and help show it is true.
- The evidence strongly supports a ban on smoking in public places.
Oppose
To disagree with a plan or idea.
- Local residents oppose the new airport.
Highlight
To draw attention to something.
- The report highlights the risks of social media for teenagers.
Suggest
To put forward an idea or show that something may be true.
- These results suggest that larger classes harm learning.
Illustrate
To show something clearly with an example.
- This case illustrates how technology can isolate people.
Claim
To say that something is true without proving it.
- Some people claim that money brings happiness.
Counter
To respond with an opposing argument.
- Others counter that experience matters more than qualifications.
Reinforce
To make an idea or feeling stronger.
- Advertising can reinforce unrealistic ideas about beauty.
Question
To express doubt about whether something is true or useful.
- Many parents question the value of standardised tests.
Propose
To suggest a plan or idea formally.
- I would propose a tax on frequent flyers.
Argue
To give reasons for or against an idea.
- Some people argue that zoos protect endangered animals.
Recognise
To accept that something is true or important.
- We must recognise that real change takes time.
Doubt
To feel uncertain that something is true or will happen.
- I doubt that a complete ban would be effective.
Favour
To prefer or support one option.
- Most young people favour flexible working hours.
Dismiss
To decide that an idea is not worth considering.
- Critics dismiss the plan as unrealistic.
Underline
To emphasise that something is important.
- These figures underline the need for urgent action.
Using These Words in IELTS Writing
Lexical Resource is a quarter of your Writing band. Examiners look for a range of topic words used accurately and in natural combinations, not for the longest words you know.
- Use a few well, not many badly. Three or four precise words in an essay are worth more than ten forced ones.
- Learn the word with its partners. Note the collocations in each example sentence, such as the verb that goes with a noun.
- Paraphrase the question. Topic words help you restate the question in your introduction without copying it.
Try these words in a real IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
For natural word pairs on this topic, see our IELTS collocations by topic, and to connect your ideas, our IELTS linking words.
Using These Words in IELTS Speaking Part 3
Lexical Resource also counts for a quarter of your Speaking band. Part 3 is where these words fit best: the examiner asks abstract questions about society, causes, and the future, and a precise topic word shows the range that band 7 and above require. In Part 1, everyday words usually sound more natural.
- Use the word in your own sentence. Memorised phrases are easy for examiners to spot.
- Keep the tone conversational. Mix academic words with natural spoken phrases such as “I’d say” and “on top of that”.
- Support every word with an example. A topic word followed by a real example is what develops a Part 3 answer.
Sample Part 3 answer
I would maintain that it is, although I acknowledge that there is far too much of it. Without advertising, new businesses would struggle to compete with famous brands. Some people argue that adverts encourage us to buy things we don’t need, and I wouldn’t dismiss that point. Still, I’d say the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, as long as adverts are honest.
The words in bold are from this page. Notice that each one is part of a natural spoken sentence, followed by a reason or an example.
Practise using these words in a real IELTS Speaking Part 3 answer:
For more questions and the answer patterns that fit them, see our IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions.
More IELTS Academic Vocabulary
Each page has 30 words with examples. For the six core words of every topic on one page, see our IELTS academic vocabulary list.
Education Environment Technology Health Work and the Economy Society and Government Culture and Globalisation Cause and Effect Describing Data
Frequently Asked Questions
helpWhich verbs should I use to present an argument in IELTS Writing?expand_moreexpand_less
Use reporting verbs such as contend, maintain, argue, and claim for other people’s views, and acknowledge, concede, and outweigh to give your own position. They make your argument clearer and more academic.
helpCan I use argument verbs in IELTS Speaking?expand_moreexpand_less
Yes, in Part 3, where you give and defend opinions. Verbs such as argue, acknowledge, and doubt sound natural in speech, while more formal ones such as contend are better kept for writing.
helpHow do I remember presenting an argument vocabulary for IELTS?expand_moreexpand_less
Learn each word with an example sentence and the words it is usually used with, review the list a few times a week, and use three or four of the words in every practice essay and Speaking Part 3 answer until they feel natural.