Argumentative Writing:Effective Introductions

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Review:Elements of Argumentative Writing

Claim (versus thesis) Logic (versus emotion in persuasive writing) –

based on evidence Explanation of how evidence supports the claim Counterclaims

Claim Thesis:A Thesis is a statement that explains, supports, or clarifies a main point.

A Claim is a statement that is always debatable. Claims are used in argumentative writing.

Argumentative Writing

Persuasive Writing

A persuasive paper often relies on EMOTION.

An argumentative paper has to rely on LOGIC.

Evidence must be factual.

An argumentative paper must present the opposing viewpoint (a counterclaim) starting

in grade 7.

Counterclaims:

Your introduction should include the following:

• a hook (or grabber) to get the audience’s attention• a thesis (claim)• a mention of a counterclaim• an overview of how the claim will be proven

Argumentative Writing: The Introduction

NOTE: The introduction doesn’t have to be in this order, but these are important elements that should be part of the beginning of your essay.

Argumentative Writing:Sample #1

Assume the student sample on the following page was written on the following prompt:

Write an argument about whether children as young as ten years old should have and use cell phones.

Note the four parts of the introduction.

When my little sister was in fourth grade last year, she said almost half of her classmates had their own cell phones - smartphones to be exact. These are nine and ten year olds!

Hook

Mentions opposing side

Highlights how the paper will

address the claim

The claim

Some parents want their kids to be able to get in touch easily, but there are several problems with kids having cell phones. One issue is that most kids who are ten or eleven don’t have the will power to keep the phone from being a distraction. Another problem is the potential safety issue with social media, potential bullying, and Internet content. Due to these and other issues, kids as young as ten should not have and use smartphones.

Argumentative Writing: An Example Introduction

Argumentative Writing:Sample #2

Now, take a look at the next sample on the same topic (smartphone use among kids).

Identify the four parts of the introduction.

Once when I was on a flight to my dad’s house, a little boy on the plane was using his phone to play games and watch a movie. For that child, his smartphone saved the day during a long flight.

Where is the Hook?

Some people don’t think kids should have smartphones,

The claim?

but I disagree.

Where is the mention of the opposing side? Smartphones let

children keep in touch with relatives and provide learning opportunities.

Where is the information that will address the

claim?

Argumentative Writing: An Example Introduction

Writing an Introduction:

We’ll use several things to write our introductions:

1) Handout: Drafting the Introduction2) Article: Benefits of Running Barefoot3) Article: Problems with Running Barefoot

1. What is the debatable topic?

2. Name two sides to the argument. SIDE 1: SIDE 2:

3. What evidence supports each? SIDE 1: SIDE 2:

4. Which do YOU agree with and why? (Remember, these reasons have to be based

on LOGIC not emotion)

First, look at the Handout - Argumentative Writing: Drafting The Introduction

Brainstorm possibilities for a hook/grabber. What is unique about this topic? What interesting facts or statistics do you know? Any true stories to connect?

Draft your introduction. Capture their attention, state your claim, and summarize how you will prove your claim.

Effective Ineffective Notes/Comments

Hook

Claim

Addresses Counterclaim

Summary of Evidence

Peer Checklist:

Now, read through the articles.

Using the handout as a guide, complete a draft of an introduction.