The Importance of the Introduction By the end of today… … you should be able to write an argumentative, informative, and eye- catching introduction.

Today we will be discussing requirements for an effective introduction that you will use in your argumentative essay  You will be expected to include these effective introduction strategies in your argumentative drafts.

Beginning Activity  Review the example introductions. Can you identify what makes these introductions effective?

Today: The Importance of Introductions What do you think makes up an effective introduction?

Garbage floats in the water. Names are spray-painted on rocks. Seagulls fly with empty chip and snack bags in their beaks. This is not the way we want our beach to look. So far, the solution is to ban children under the age of 18 from the beach unless an adult is with them. I think it’s great that you care so much about the well-being of our town’s beach, but the banning of children is not the best solution to this problem.

The four steps to an effective introduction: 1. Catches the Audience’s Eye 2. Comments on the current situation 3. Comments on the history of the situation (if possible) 4. Clearly states the position

Garbage floats in the water. Names are spray-painted on rocks. Seagulls fly with empty chip and snack bags in their beaks. This is not the way the public wants their beach to look. So far, the solution is to ban children under the age of 18 from the beach unless an adult is with them. It is great that many care so much about the well- being of our town’s beach, but the banning of children is not the best solution to this problem. Picture Painted Catches Audience’s Attention COMMENTS ON CURRENT SITUATION Clearly States Claim

The four steps to an effective introduction: 1. Catches the Audience’s Eye 2. Comments on the current situation 3. Comments on the history of the situation (if possible) 4. Clearly states the position

Some Ways to Catch the Audience’s Attention:  Description  Anecdote  Quotation  News  Background

Introduction Example 1: Description Introduction It is March in Alaska. The ocean-side environment is full of life and death. Man and animal share this domain but not in peace. The surrounding ice flows, instead of being cold and white, are steaming from the remains of gutted carcasses and stained red. Bloody Ice ?

1. Description  A visual picture of the scene

Example Anecdote Introduction Last month, Aisha Azmi, a 24-year- old teaching assistant at school in northern England, was suspended from work for refusing to remove the full-face veil that she wears. The school said that Azmi’s students, most of whom are not native English-speakers, were having trouble understanding her without being able to see her face and mouth. From Behind the Veil Debate ?

2. Anecdote  Anecdote: a brief story dealing with the issue or situation

Example Quotation Introduction It was “the most severe test of the Constitution since the Civil War,” according to historian Taylor Branch. Fifty years ago, in September 1957, nine black students tried to enter all-white Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, after a federal court ordered the school district to integrate. Upfront Magazine 1957 The Integration of Central High ?

3. Quotation  A voice not your own that speaks to or exemplifies the problem or issue.

Example News Introduction Every day, eight American children and teenagers die from gun violence. More than 29,000 people are killed by guns in the U.S. each year. One major reason for these deaths is easy access to guns. Debate: Is it Too Easy to Get A Gun in America? ?

4. News  The who-what-where-when-why of the issue

Example Background Introduction For years, students have whined that their book reports, math problems and science projects were pointless. Now, several authors, and even some parents, agree that homework isn’t worth much, at least for early grade- schoolers. From Is Homework a Waste of Time? ?

5. Background Introduction:  History of the issue or situation

The four steps to an effective introduction: 1. Catches the Audience’s Eye 2. Comments on the current situation 3. Comments on the history of the situation (if possible) 4. Clearly states the position √

2. Comments on the current situation  “So far, the solution is to ban children under the age of 18 from the beach unless an adult is with them.”

Garbage floats in the water. Names are spray-painted on rocks. Seagulls fly with empty chip and snack bags in their beaks. This is not the way we want our beach to look. So far, the solution is to ban children under the age of 18 from the beach unless an adult is with them. I think it’s great that you care so much about the well-being of our town’s beach, but the banning of children is not the best solution to this problem.

3. Comments on the history of the situation (if possible)  “For years parents have been letting kids stay at home during the week for the slightest hint of a cold or simply because they missed the bus. However, there is a better way to do it…

4. Clearly state your position!  Make sure your reader is aware of what your argumentative position is before you move into your body paragraphs.  Some would say this is the most important part of your argumentative essay.  This is your purpose for writing : be clear!

Drafting  Write your argumentative draft’s introduction using the criteria discussed today.  Your goal is to effectively write an introduction that not only catches the audience’s eye, but clearly presents your claim.