ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

WRITING THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

There are different ways of writing the opening paragraph (introduction) to an

argumentative essay. The general aim is however, to trap the reader’s attention and force
them to read through your argument. One such way is to grab the reader’s attention
through a headline followed by one or two rhetorical questions which serve to make the
reader more contemplative.

The introduction does three basic things: 1. It grabs the reader’s interest through the
headline and the rhetorical questions. 2. It tells the reader which side you are on and: 3. It
states the three points, (premises) you are going to develop in paragraphs two three and
four. Below is an example of this kind of introduction. The topic of the essay being
argued is:

General premise: Mothers should be held criminally responsible for acts of crime
committed by their juveniles. How far do you agree with this statement.

PARENTS HURL STONES AS POLICE TRY TO ARREST THEIR JUVENILES

Is it right for parents to prevent the police from doing their duty? What must our society
do to ensure that adolescent children conform to the rule of law? I am a strong supporter
of the view that: Mothers should be held criminally responsible for acts of crime
committed by their juveniles. The three ideas underpinning my support are that: The
society cannot accept mediocrity in the upbringing of children on the part of the family.
Secondly, that with the right to have children comes the responsibility of preparing these
children to live as fully rounded citizens of the society and finally, that, the society
should not waste resources to teach in schools what parents should be teaching at home.

Above is the complete introduction. Paragraph two will develop the first of the three
ideas presented in the introduction. Paragraph three will develop the second point
presented in the introduction while paragraph four will develop the final point presented
in the introduction. Any idea not stated in the introduction cannot be developed in the
body of the essay. A paragraph develops a single idea either by explaining, justifying or
clarifying the premise it is developing. The sentences which follow the premise will do
one of those three things.

To explain means to make something easily understandable, especially by giving a clear

and detailed account of it or to justify or attempt to justify oneself by giving reasons for
one’s actions. To clarify means to make or become clear or easy to understand especially
through the use of examples or illustrations. .