1. Argumentative Writing: Effective Introductions
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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
Counterclaims

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
A persuasive paper often relies on EMOTION.
An argumentative paper has to rely on LOGIC. Evidence must be factual.

5. Counterclaims:
An argumentative paper must present the opposing viewpoint (a counterclaim).

6. Argumentative Writing: The Introduction
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
CLAIM
counterclaim
NOTE: An introduction can be more than one paragraph if the content requires.

7. Argumentative Writing:
Sample #1
Assume the student sample on the following page was written after the student read about whether or not students should be required to wear school uniforms.
Note the four parts of the introduction.

8. Mentions opposing side Highlights how the paper will address the claim
You are walking through the mall when you see it. The perfect outfit for the first day of school. The outfit that will help you define who you are and set the tone for the new school year. You are lucky, because you attend a school where students are allowed to wear what they want.
Hook
Some people think that students should be required to wear uniforms to school because they cost less and help to keep kids focused on their school work.
Mentions opposing side
The claim
Uniforms don’t make someone a better student! Uniforms aren’t the answer!
Students should be encouraged to develop their independence by choosing and wearing what they want. Students should be able to choose how much they spend on their clothes. They should be able to create a style that matches their personality!
Highlights how the paper will address the claim

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

10. Where is the Hook? Where is the mention of the opposing side?
Middle school can be a really hard time in a kid’s life. Kids are learning to be more independent and to participate in more social events. Peer pressure to fit in with other kids is huge! School can be really rough; especially if you are someone who can’t afford to have all the things that everyone else has.
Where is the Hook?
Some people think it is important for kids to be able to have choice and express themselves through their clothing.
Where is the mention of the opposing side?
Being safe, developing friendships, and able to focus on your schoolwork is more important than style.
The claim?
Uniforms help make schools safer for students, encourage students to focus more on their studies, and help to eliminate the “have and have nots”.
Where is the information that will address the claim?

11. Writing an Introduction:
We’ll use several things to write our introductions:
Handout: Drafting the Introduction
Article: Students Should Be Required to Take Art Classes
Article: Students Should Not Be Required to Take Art Classes

12. First, look at the Handout -
Argumentative Writing: Drafting The Introduction
What is the debatable topic?
Name two sides to the argument.
SIDE 1:
SIDE 2:
What evidence supports each?
Which do YOU agree with and why?
(Remember, these reasons have to be based on LOGIC not emotion)

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

14. Addresses Counterclaim
Peer Checklist:
Effective
Ineffective
Notes/Comments
Hook
Claim
Addresses Counterclaim
Summary of Evidence

15. Now, read through the articles.
Using the handout as a guide, complete a draft of an introduction.