Argumentative Essay - Introduction

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4,6

Argumentative

Block 3

What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?

1. to compare and contrast two different or similar things.
2. to convince the reader by using logic and evidence
3. to answer a question through research of the relevant literature
4. to analyze a piece of literature from different angles

Introduction

1. Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.” 
2. Give an overview of the argument.
   
3. Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.

1. Grab the reader’s attention by using a “hook.” 

Begin the introductory paragraph with a broad, general statement about the paper’s topic or even a question. Try to make it interesting and catchy to encourage your reader to want more information. Remember that the first few sentences give the reader the first impression of your essay; it is extremely important that you make a good first impression.

2. Give an overview of the argument.

This part of the introduction bridges the opening statement with the thesis statement.

3. Close with a thesis statement that reveals the position to be argued.

• The thesis statement is usually the final sentence of the introduction.
• The thesis statement is an independent sentence. It does not refer to other points or words mentioned earlier in the introduction. By reading this single sentence, your reader should know exactly what you will argue in your essay. 
• The argumentative thesis takes a side of an issue. It is often expressed with the modal verb should (not)).
• The thesis statement does not have personal emphasis (the use of I or we).

The thesis statement is an independent sentence. It does not refer to other points or words mentioned earlier in the introduction. By reading this single sentence, your reader should know exactly what you will argue in your essay. 

The thesis statement is an independent sentence. It does not refer to other points or words mentioned earlier in the introduction. 

Correct: Body scanners should be used at all international      airports.

  

 Wrong: Because of this, body scanners should be used at all international airports.

 Wrong: Therefore, body scanners should be used at all international airports.

    

The argumentative thesis takes a side of an issue. It is often expressed with the modal verb should (not)).

For example:

•   Governments should ban further construction of nuclear       power plants.
•    Mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.
  
•    Smoking should be banned in all public places.
  

The thesis statement does not have personal emphasis (the use of I or we).

Correct: Mobile phones should not be allowed in schools. 

 Wrong: I believe mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.
 Wrong: We don’t think mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.

Example of an introductory paragraph with thesis statement:

A difficult problem that is facing society today is euthanasia, which is another word for mercy killing. Thousands of people are mortally ill because of an incurable disease. They are kept alive in artificial ways. They have no chance to recover completely, but most legal systems do not allow doctors to end their patients’ lives. Why should all these people suffer if they don’t have to? Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.

What's the thesis statement in this introductory paragraph?

1. A difficult problem that is facing society today is euthanasia, which is another word for mercy killing.
2. Why should all these people suffer if they don’t have to?
3. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.
4. They are kept alive in artificial ways.

Now you write an introduction (60-80 words) about one of these three topics:

• computers

• smoking

•  online news vs newspapers

Time 10 minutes

Take a picture of your introduction and post it here.

Assessing the introductions yourselves

Do the introductions meet the following requirements?

• Attention Grabber?
  
  
• Additional information?
  
  
• Thesis statement?

Attention grabber?

Is your interest piqued? Do you want to keep on reading?

Additional information?

Does this part contain relevant information without giving too much away?

Thesis statement?

• The thesis statement is usually the final sentence of the introduction.
  
• The thesis statement is an independent sentence. It does not refer to other points or words mentioned earlier in the introduction. By reading this single sentence, your reader should know exactly what you will argue in your essay.
  
• The argumentative thesis takes a side of an issue. It is often expressed with the modal verb should (not)).
  
• The thesis statement does not have personal emphasis (the use of I or we).

Break-out rooms

In groups of 3/4 you will have a look at each other's introductions and fill in the tables.

Time: 10 minutes

Take a picture of feedback tables and upload here.

More questions?

Unfortunately the group is too large to give you individual feedback. However, if you still have questions / comments etc., do NOT hestitate to send me an email.