I've been working on my English class assignments and we've moved onto argumentative essays. I need some help crafting a compelling introduction. How should I set up my point of view in the first couple of sentences? Any tips or sample introductions would be super helpful!
An argumentative essay's introduction should serve three main purposes: hook the reader, provide some context, and present your argument—usually in the form of a thesis statement. Think of your introduction as the roadmap to your essay where you outline your journey (your argument), so your readers know where they will be headed.
To hook your reader, consider starting with an interesting fact, a thought-provoking question, or a striking statement related to your topic. Avoid generic statements such as "This has always been a controversial topic..." Instead, try to make it specific and engaging, something like, "Did you know that more than 70% of people agree with...?"
After capturing the reader's attention, provide a brief background or context of the issue you'll be arguing about. This will help your readers understand why the issue is important. Just remember to keep it concise and avoid going too in-depth - your introduction should be a preview, with the 'meat' of the information appearing in your body paragraphs.
The last part of your introduction, your thesis statement, will lay out the argument you will be making. This should be a clear, concise statement that directly answers the question or challenge that your essay is responding to. For example, "Despite arguments to the contrary, evidence demonstrates that [your argument]."
Here's a concrete example, let's say we're writing an argumentative essay on the advantages of solar energy:
"According to the International Energy Agency, the sun is capable of producing over 1,000 times the total world energy consumption every year. Yet, despite this overwhelming potential, solar energy still only accounts for a fraction of global energy production. Solar energy, due to its environmental benefits, abundant supply, and increasing cost-effectiveness, should be a more heavily prioritized and invested in form of energy production."
This introduction hooks the reader with a surprising fact, outlines the current situation, and provides a clear argument for the use of solar energy.
I hope this helps, and best of luck on your essay!
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