what goes in an argumentative essay introduction

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Introduction

• Getting started
• Define your assignment
• Brainstorming
• Choosing a position
• Exploring the internet
• Exploring background information
• Narrowing/broadening your topic

Creative introductions

Structure of an introduction, sample introduction.

• Thesis statement
• Supporting paragraphs
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It is helpful if you can think of the introduction as a brief guide to your paper. The introduction of your paper should tell the reader:

• the context or focus of your paper—in other words,  what it is about .
• the key areas your paper will cover (and in what order).
• the controlling argument, and what conclusion has been reached—this is generally the thesis statement.

The length of an introduction may vary . It is usually one paragraph long in a five-paragraph essay. In a research paper, it may take more than one paragraph or even more than one page to introduce the subject.

In reports, introductory information can be provided in the Executive Summary section. Report introductions should tell readers:

• what problem you are addressing
• how you have addressed it
• what your findings and recommendations are

Introductions should be interesting and catchy and should make the reader want to continue reading the written composition.  

Consider using the following strategies to engage readers:

• start with presenting a dilemma, a paradox, or an unusual comparison
• tell a brief story
• raise a question that needs a solution
• use a striking quotation
• question a universal truth
• provide startling statistics

Remember that while you want to hook the audience, you do not want to spend too long introducing the topic.  Be brief, focus on the subject, and remember to state the relevance and importance of the subject throughout the introduction.

• starting an introduction with a dictionary definition (i.e. Webster defines happiness as...)
• starting with a trite statement (i.e. The Internet is vital to everyday life.)
• announcing the purpose in a formal way (i.e. In this paper I will...)
• stating facts or statistics without substantiation (i.e. Millions of people every year rely on landlines...)

The following steps outline the general structure of an introduction:

• Begin with some brief background or contextual information that provides a focus for your paper.
• This paper provides a brief summary of…
• This paper outlines…
• This paper compares...
• Articulate what the controlling argument of your paper is, and what conclusion has been reached—this is generally, the thesis statement. It is often placed at the end of your introduction paragraph; however, it can also be placed towards the beginning. Include it where it sits most comfortably to you.

     It is said that what goes around, comes around.  Aristotle and the Stoics were ancient philosophers during the Hellenistic period, who argued that there was a direct link between an ethical life and happiness.  This paper explores the relationship between an ethical life and happiness.  It compares the predominant theories of the Stoics and Aristotle, highlighting the differences between the two schools of thought.  This paper also examines the complexities of the pursuit of happiness.  This paper argues that while an ethical life can certainly contribute to happiness, it does not guarantee it, as there are external circumstances beyond the control of an individual that have the ability to adversely impact happiness.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how to write a strong introduction for an argumentative essay.

I'm currently working on an argumentative essay and I'm unsure of how to start it off. Does anyone have any tips or examples of great introductions for argumentative essays? It would be super helpful to see what's worked for others.

A strong introduction for an argumentative essay should have three main elements: a hook, background information, and a clear thesis statement. Here's a breakdown of each element:

1. Hook: The hook is the first sentence (or two) of your intro, designed to grab your reader's attention. You could begin with a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, a bold statement, or even an anecdote related to your topic. The goal is to pique your reader's interest and make them want to continue reading.

For example, if your essay is about the importance of adopting renewable energy, your hook might be a shocking statistic about the environmental impact of non-renewable energy sources.

2. Background information: After the hook, provide some background information about your topic without going into too much detail. This should help your reader better understand the context of your argument. You could mention any relevant historical events, current trends, or different perspectives on your issue.

Continuing with the renewable energy example, you might mention the rapid growth of renewable technologies, the ongoing debate surrounding government energy policies, and the growing concern for environmental sustainability.

3. Thesis statement: The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of your introduction. It should be a clear, concise, and specific statement of your main argument or position. Your thesis should outline the topic, your stance, and the main points you'll be discussing in your essay.

For the renewable energy essay, a thesis statement might be: "Adopting renewable energy sources is essential for addressing climate change, improving public health, and ensuring long-term economic stability."

Here's a sample introduction based on the above strategy:

"Did you know that the burning of fossil fuels contributes to 75% of global carbon emissions? As the world faces the realities of climate change, the need for renewable energy sources has never been more urgent. With technological advancements making renewable energy more accessible and affordable, society is at a critical juncture in determining our planet's future. This essay will argue that adopting renewable energy sources is essential in addressing climate change, improving public health, and ensuring long-term economic stability."

Remember to keep your introduction concise and engaging. By using these strategies, you'll create a strong foundation for your argumentative essay and pique your readers' interest from the very beginning. Good luck!

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