1. Argumentative Writing: Effective Introductions Copyright © 2015 by Write Score LLC

2. Review: Elements of Argumentative Writing  Claim (versus thesis)  Logic (versus emotion in persuasive writing) – based on evidence  Explanation of how evidence supports the claim

3. 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.

4. Argumentative Writing Persuasive Writing

5. Your introduction should include the following: a hook (or grabber) to get the audience’s attention a thesis (claim) 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.

6. Argumentative Writing: Sample #1 Assume the student sample on the following page was written after the student read about whether or not zoos are good places for animals. Note the three parts of the introduction.

7. In Africa, wild giraffes and lions graze and hunt with miles of space to roam. There are no metal bars keeping them in an enclosed area. They are surrounded by other wildlife, fresh air, and natural habitat. Zoos, on the other hand, are little more than prisons, and the animals are the prisoners. Zoo animals deserve more space to roam, the ability to hunt and graze freely, and surroundings that are natural. Argumentative Writing: An Example Introduction

8. Argumentative Writing: Sample #2 Now, take a look at the next sample on the same topic (zoos). Identify the three parts of the introduction.

9. Argumentative Writing: An Example Introduction Most people will never see elephants, kangaroos, or komodo dragons in the wild. For many of us, traveling to these animals’ native countries is simply not a possibility. Zoos make it possible for people like me to experience the beauty of these wonderful creatures. Thanks to zoos, people can learn about animals, see them firsthand, and gain a greater appreciation for the natural world.

10. Writing an Introduction: We’ll use several things to write our introductions: 1) Handout: Drafting the Introduction 2) Article: The Advantages of Year-Round School 3) Article: The Disadvantages of Year-Round School

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

12. Brainstorm possibilities for a hook/grabber. 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. Draft your introduction. Capture their attention, state your claim, and summarize how you will prove your claim.

13. Peer Checklist:

14. Now, read through the articles about year-round schooling. Using the handout as a guide, complete a draft of an introduction.