INTRODUCTION

First paragraph of the essay

Usually 3 to 5 sentences long
Introduces the essay topic
Clearly gives your opinion
Has a strong thesis statement

In the first sentence we began the introduction with a general statement about the essay topic.
This explains what the essay is going to be about and mentally prepares the reader for the
arguments that will follow. Do not give your opinion in this sentence--this is only a general
statement about the topic.

Then, in the second and third sentences, we contrasted both sides of the argument. it is better
to begin with the side of the argument that you do not agree with. This is more natural in
English, and your essay introduction will develop logically toward the thesis statement.

Our last sentence was the thesis statement: this is where we answered the essay question
and gave our opinion. If somebody reads your thesis sentence, they should be able to answer
these two questions:

 What is the essay about?

 What is your opinion?

Many communities have been debating whether or not police officers should carry
guns. In some situations, guns protect the police officer as well as the public. However,
guns often result in injuries and death. No police officer should ever carry a gun.