1. INTRODUCING YOUR WRITTEN ARGUMENT

2. How to write an introduction
Today we will focusing on writing the introduction to your essay.
We know that many people find beginnings and endings difficult. In fact, many people skip the introduction and write their body paragraphs first and then come back to their introduction.
However you approach writing your introduction, today you will learn some tips to help you write a strong introduction. This will be a quick lesson to give you enough time to introduce and write your argument today.

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTION TO AN ARGUMENT
1. The argument writer is FAIR. To be fair, your introduction should include the background of the different perspectives involved around the issue. This will give the reader the bog picture and a sense of what is coming.
2. The argument writer in CLEAR. You need to let your reader know exactly what your position is by stating a claim that is strong, clear, and precise.
3. The argument writer in STRATEGIC. You should know the position you are going to take and the path you are going to take to support your position. You can emphasize the points you are going to make in your argument.

4. Example of an introduction: Look for evidence that is introduction is 1. Fair 2. clear 3. strategic
Forcing middle schoolers to try out for competitive sports is hotly contested because people hold varying opinions on the issue. Some people argue that tryouts are a time-honored, traditional way to select the best athletes for a middle school team. Others argue, however, that tryouts for competitive sports exclude kids from participating on a team, cause students undue stress, and can lead to unhealthy practices. This paper will argue that tryouts for middle schoolers should be discontinued in favor of other measures.

5. Here are some common ways that argument writers might begin an argument. Each one clearly states the claim and conveys some of the debate surrounding the topic. Each one places the claim in greater context.

6. Writing a conclusion can sometimes be as challenging as writing an introduction. TO CONCLUDE ARGUMENT WRITING, you should…
1. Acknowledge the debate around the argument.
2. RePHRASE your claim. (NOT restate)
3. Discuss one or more of the following:
Significance – End by explain why this topic is so vitally important. Why does it matter?
Alternatives – End by explain what people should be doing differently. Why is the current way of thinking flawed? Offer a solution to the problem.

7. DISCUSS THE STRNEGTHS AND WEAKNESS OF THEse Sample conclusions
Conclusion 1: “As you can see, middle school tryouts for competitive sports should end. Join the drama club instead.”
Conclusion 2: “The issue of middle school tryouts is a complex one. There is no doubt that tryouts are in some ways are a historical tradition. But simply because something has been the tradition doesn’t make it right. The best traditions are not those that have been around the longest, but those that make everyone feel a part of them. And by definition, tryouts exclude some members of the school. It should be a priority for our school to allow anyone and everyone to join our teams. A good first step is to help develop our intramural programs. If you are interested, note the ‘End Sports Tryouts’ flyer on the front hall bulletin board.”
Conclusion 3: “In summary, middle school tryouts for competitive sports should be abolished. They are absolutely, 100%, wrong. They cause stress, unhealthy habits, and exclusion among peers. In today’s world, these problems are only the beginning, leading to students being medicated for depression, becoming suicidal, and needing ADHD medication. Try joining an intramural team instead, and boycott all sports tryouts.”

8. TODAY’s TaSKS FLASH DRAFT!!
1. USE THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTION.
2. DRAFT OR CHECK YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS USING THE BOXES AND BULLETS STRATEGY AND THE CHECKLIST ON YOUR NOTE SHEET.
3. DRAFT YOUR CONCLUSION. TO CONCLUDE ARGUMENT WRITING, YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR NOTE SHEET.

9. Checklist for Creating Body Paragraphs Start at the bottom – you are climbing a mountain
____ 8. Mini-break!!
____7. End your body paragraph by referring back to your claim and reason.
____ 6. Give and explain another piece of evidence (In addition [evidence c] . . .).
____ 5. Explain how that evidence supports your reason (This is important because . . .).
____ 4. Give another piece of evidence (Also [evidence b] . . .).
____ 3. Explain how that evidence supports your reason (This shows that . . .).
____ 2. Give the first piece of evidence (For example [evidence a] . . .).
____ 1. Write the first topic sentence (One reason I think [claim] is that . . .).