Above all indicates that the last point is the most important. Conclusion (not necessarily the last point in a list, but as the beginning of the last paragraph, to show that the argument is coming to an end, or you are summarizing it).
In conclusion, To sum up
These are markers indicating that you have reached this stage of the argument.
Taking everything into account, All things considered, All in all.
These indicate that you are summarizing all the points made and reaching a conclusion, whether or not the points listed agree.
In brief, In short, In a word (the last two more conversational).
These indicate that you are going to summarise the points made briefly, and should only be used if you are brief.
2 Examples
When you wish to give an example of what you mean in making a point, use:
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3 Contrast
In some cases, you may want to conduct your argument not by making a list of points that all point in the same direction but by contrasting the opinions of one group with another. This can be done very simply by writing but instead of and or by using concession clauses with although, in spite of etc.
In written argument, the most common connecters to indicate a point that to some extent contradicts or limits a previous statement are:
However, Nevertheless, All the same, At the same time
After all is used to indicate a strong argument against the previous point that appears not to have been considered:
e.g. I am surprised you haven’t invited Joan to go on holiday with you. After all, she is your sister.
On the other hand is used in balanced arguments (see below) but often appears alone simply to indicate an alternative point of view:
e.g. Most people seem to think that the spread of tourism in the area has done a lot of harm. On the other hand, it has cured the unemployment problem here.
In contrast is used to indicate that the alternative point of view that follows is in direct contrast to what has gone before:
e.g. Ecologists are very critical of the spread of tourism in the area. In contrast, hotel managers are all in favour of it.
4 Balance
The connecters used for contrast tend to favour the second point raised at the expense of the first. When presenting both sides of an argument as equal, it is best to use On the one hand, … and On the other hand.
5 Cause and effect
Because of … and Owing to … indicate why something has taken place or is being proposed Due to … is also used in this context, but, strictly speaking, should only be used as a compliment to the verb be. Compare:
e.g. The flight was cancelled because of the fog.
The cancellation of the flight was due to the fog.
When a reason or reasons have been given, the argument can continue with For this reason, For these reasons, As a result, In consequence, Consequently.
That is why is more conversational, Therefore and Thus are more formal.
For one reason or another is used when the speaker does not know the reason.
B. Establishing Facts
This usually appears in contrast to appearance, what seems to be true or is believed to be true. Here are two ways of contrasting appearance and fact:
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e.g. At first sight (on the face of it), the village seems unspoiled, but in fact it has been completely altered. The village is apparently unspoiled, but actually it has been completely altered.
More emphatic forms of In fact are The fact is that … and The fact of the mater is that …
As a matter of fact means ‘In fact, although it may surprise you …’.
e.g. It’s not the first time I’ve visited this island. As a matter of fact, I was born here.
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