INTRODUCTION, CONCLUSION, AND
BODY PARAGRAPHS
The Argumentative Essay
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Start with a hook—begin your introduction with a sentence that
gets the reader interested in the topic.
 Quote
 Personal anecdote
 Surprising fact or statistic
 Interesting question
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Set the context—provide general information about the main idea,
explaining the situation so the reader can make sense of the topic
and the claims you make and support.
State why the main idea is important—tell the reader why he or
she should care and keep reading.
Include your thesis.
Purdue OWL
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Do not include:
 Evidence/support for your argument—this belongs in the body of your essay.
 Explicit announcements of what you will be arguing:
 “I am going to prove that…”
BODY PARAGRAPHS
1. An argument from the opposing side
2. Your first claim
3. Your second claim
4. Your third claim
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
Transition sentence—assure smooth reading as your move from one
paragraph to the next.
Topic sentence—tell the reader what you will be discussing
throughout the paragraph (a claim from the opposing side).
Evidence—provide evidence (and warrants) that someone arguing
against you might provide.
 Don’t forget in-text citations!
Refutation—indicate that you are going to refute this side of the
argument throughout the rest of your essay.
Purdue OWL
BODY PARAGRAPHS 2-4
Transition sentence—assure smooth reading as your move from one
paragraph to the next.
Topic sentence—tell the reader what you will be discussing
throughout the paragraph (your claim).
Evidence and analysis—support your claim with specific evidence
and warrants that tie the evidence back into your claim.
 Don’t forget in-text citations!
Purdue OWL
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH
Restate thesis.
Highlight strengths in your argument.
Restate weaknesses in opposing side’s argument.
Wrap up your essay.
 Reiterate why your argument is important.
 Call to action.
 Make your essay sound like it’s over.
Purdue OWL