1. Writing an Essay Introduction
Persuasive Writing

2. Essay Format/Regulations
2 pages, typed.
Double Spaced
Include a header with your last name and page number.
Give your essay a title!
12 point font, Times New Roman
Essay Format/Regulations

3. What is the purpose of an introduction?
The introduction of an essay gives your reader a clear idea of what you will be writing about. You can follow a simple formula to create a clear introduction.
What is the purpose of an introduction?

4. Wait—there’s a formula?
When you become a more experienced writer, you can deviate from the formula a bit and experiment. However, for writers with less practice, it helps to think of an introduction as a formula.
Wait—there’s a formula?

5. Well—what is the formula?!?!?!
You begin with a sentence that captures the reader’s attention. It must relate somehow to what you will be talking about.
Example: “There are some forms of slavery still existing in the world today, but what most people don’t realize is that it is happening across our country daily.”
Would this get your attention?
Well—what is the formula?!?!?!

6. Next, you will take what you have and build on it by getting a little bit more specific about what your topic is.
“There are some forms of slavery still existing in the world today, but what most people don’t realize is that it is happening across our country daily. This particular form of servitude happens in our own schools and classrooms, right under our noses.”
The Formula: Step Two

7. The Formula: Step Three
Next, introduce the issue that you are actually talking about (but don’t state your claim/opinion just yet).
“There are some forms of slavery still existing in the world today, but what most people don’t realize is that it is happening across our country daily. This particular form of servitude happens in our own schools and classrooms, right under our noses. The victims of this crime against humanity are our very own educators of children.”
The Formula: Step Three

8. Next, write a sentence that describes the opposing view on the topic
Next, write a sentence that describes the opposing view on the topic. Don’t give any reasons just yet. Just tell what the opposing viewpoint is.
“There are some forms of slavery still existing in the world today, but what most people don’t realize is that it is happening across our country daily. This particular form of servitude happens in our own schools and classrooms, right under our noses. The victims of this crime against humanity are our very own educators of children. Some people argue that teachers do not deserve higher pay, or that they should be grateful to have a job at all.”
The Formula: Step Four

9. The final step of your introduction will be to end it with your claim in order to lead your reader into the body of your essay that will contain your reasons and evidence.
“There are some forms of slavery still existing in the world today, but what most people don’t realize is that it is happening across our country daily. This particular form of servitude happens in our own schools and classrooms, right under our noses. The victims of this crime against humanity are our very own educators of children. Some people argue that teachers do not deserve higher pay, or that they should be grateful to have a job at all. However, teachers are our nation’s most valuable resource, and they deserve a higher amount of pay.”
The Formula: Step Five