H4 P3 - Lesson 2 : Introduction

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

Argumentative

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 (road map).

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

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

• The opinion statement is usually the final sentence of the introduction.
• The opinion statement takes a side of an issue. 
• The opinion statement is never a questions.
• The statement is often expressed with the modal verb should (not)).
• The thesis statement does not have personal emphasis (do not use 'I' or 'we' or 'you').

The opinion statement 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 opinion statement does not have personal emphasis (do not use  I, we, or you).

Correct: Television has no beneficial effect upon a child’s development.

 Wrong: I believe television has no beneficial effect upon a child’s development.

 Wrong: We don’t think television has any beneficial effect upon a child’s development.

Wrong: You should not let children watch television because it has no benefits.

Example 1 of an introductory paragraph with  statement:

A difficult problem that is facing society today is euthanasia, another word for 'mercy killing'. Thousands of people are  terminally 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. These people suffer even though it is not necessary. 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, another word for mercy killing.
2. These people suffer even though it is not necessary.
3. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.
4. They are kept alive in artificial ways.

Example 2 of an introductory paragraph with thesis statement:

Every day, terminally ill patients suffer terribly and beg to die. 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. These people suffer even though it is not necessary. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.

What's the thesis statement in this introductory paragraph?

1. These people suffere even though it is not necessary.
2. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.
3. Every day, terminally ill patients suffer terribly and beg to die.
4. They are kept alive in artificial ways.

Example 3 of an introductory paragraph with thesis statement:

John is 38 years old and he has been suffering from pancreatic cancer for more than 8 months. He has no strength left to eat and is tube fed. He needs pain relief 24 hours a day, and wants only one thing: euthanasia. Most legal systems do not allow doctors to end their patients’ lives. These people suffere even though it is not necessary. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.

What's the thesis statement in this introductory paragraph?

1. Fatally ill patients should be given the choice to legally end their lives.
2. Most legal systems do not allow doctors to end their patients’ lives.
3. John is 38 years old and he has been suffering from pancreatic cancer for more than 8 months.
4. He has no strength left to eat and is tube fed.

Here's a recap of how to 

structure the introduction of an 

article of opinion.

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

• marriage

• exams

• taxes

• computers

• smoking

• TV vs computer

• online news vs newspapers

• killing animals for fur

Upload this introduction in 

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