Argumentative

Writing:
Effective
Introductions

Copyright 2015 by Write Score LL

Review:
Elements of Argumentative
Writing

Claim (versus thesis)

Logic (versus emotion in persuasive

writing) based on evidence

Explanation of how evidence supports

the claim

Claim

Thesis:

A Thesis is a
statement that
explains, supports, or
clarifies a main point.

A Claim is a statement
that is always debatable.
Claims are used in
argumentative writing.

Argumentative Writing
Persuasive Writing
A persuasive paper
often relies on
EMOTION.
An argumentative
paper has to rely on
LOGIC. Evidence must
be factual.

Argumentative Writing:
The Introduction

Your introduction should include the

following:
a hook (or grabber) to get the audiences
attention
C
LA
a thesis (claim)
IM
an overview of how the claim will be
NOTE: The introduction doesnt have to
proven
be in this order, but these are important

elements that should be part of the

beginning of your essay.

Argumentative Writing:
Sample #1

Assume the student sample on the

ollowing page was written after the
tudent read about whether or not
zoos
re good places for animals.
Note the three parts of the introduction.

Argumentative Writing:
An Example Introduction
In Africa, wild giraffes and lions graze
and hunt with miles of space to roam.
ook
H
There are no metal bars keeping them in
The
an enclosed area. They are surrounded by
claim
other wildlife,
air,other
and natural
Zoos,fresh
on the
hand, are
habitat.
little more than prisons, and the animals
Highlights
Zoo
animals
deserve more space to
are the
prisoners.
how the
roam, the ability to hunt and graze
paper will
freely, and surroundings that are
natural.
address

the claim

Argumentative Writing:
Sample #2
Now, take a look at the next sample on the
same topic (zoos).
Identify the three parts of the
introduction.

Argumentative Writing:
An Example Introduction
Where
Most people will never see elephants,
is the
kangaroos, or komodo dragons in the wild.
For many of us, traveling to these
Hook?
animals native countries
is simply
not a
Zoos make
it possible
The
possibility.
for people like me to experience the
claim?
beauty of these wonderful
creatures.
Thanks
to zoos,
people can learn about animals, see
Where is
them firsthand, and gain a greater
the
appreciation for the natural world.
informati
on
that will
address t
he
claim?

Writing an Introduction:
Well use several things to write our
introductions:
1)

Handout: Drafting the Introduction

2)

Article: The Advantages of Year-Round

School

3)

Article: The Disadvantages of Year-Round

School

First, look at the Handout Argumentative Writing: Drafting The

What is the debatable topic? What is the
Introduction
topic you will be writing about?
Which do YOU agree with? This will be your
claim.
Why do you favor this side? What evidence
from YOUR KNOWLEDGE supports your
claim?
What evidence from the TEXT supports
your claim?

Brainstorm possibilities for a

hook/grabber. What is unique
about this topic? What
interesting facts or statistics do
you know? Any true stories to
connect?
Draft your introduction. Capture their
attention, state your claim, and
summarize how you will prove your
claim.

Peer
Checklist:
Effective Ineffective
Hook
Claim
Summary of
Evidence

Notes/Comments

Now, read through the

articles about year-round
schooling.
Using the handout as a
guide, complete a draft of
an introduction.