Argument/Persuasive
Introduction
How to write a persuasive intro!
Standard
ELACC8W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear
reasons and relevant evidence.
a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s)
from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons
and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence,
demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify
the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and
evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from
and supports the argument presented.
What is persuasive writing?
• Persuasive writing is writing for the purpose of
making and supporting an argument with
specific claims, reasons, examples, and details.
Persuasive
Expository
• Makes an argument • Describes an idea
for or against an idea Sample Controlling
Sample Controlling
Idea: My peers and I
Idea: I believe that we
have agreed on a plan
must bring in fast food
restaurants to ensure
that students are
purchasing lunches.
of bringing in several
select fast food
restaurants in order to
chane the way we view
our food service.
Important
• You must select a stance and stick with it. You
may not argue both sides (that changes it to a
comparison/contrast expository essay)
• Pick a side and stick with it
What goes in the intro?
• Attention Grabber: Gives your reader a
reason to be interested in reading your
argument
• Controlling idea: shows your reader the
argument you are making for or against
your topic.
Attention Grabber Strategies
Grab your reader’s interest with:
• An interesting fact
• A startling statistic
• A quotation
• An anecdote
• A scenario
• A consideration
• A question
• A statement of wonder
SOMETHING to provoke thought and interest on
your topic!
Controlling idea
The statement or series of statements that
shows your reader the argument you are
making about your topic. It shows the topic
and your opinion on it.
Ex. I believe that our school needs a food court.
You May Also…
• Distinguish the claim from alternate or
opposing claims OR recognize an opposing
View Point
• This means that you acknowledge that there
are other view points, but reassure the
audience that yours is the one to go along
with.
• This needs to happen SOMEWHERE in your
paper. You may save it for the body pr
conclusion if you wish
Good Intro!
Imagine a school with no gross cafeteria
food. Students would be excited to eat every
day! Instead of cafeterias, I believe that our
school should have a food court. Having food
courts would provide lots of great food
options for students, it would decrease
problems at school, and it would also increase
student attendance.
Good Intro!
Dear Mr. Chapel,
I know that you are very busy, but I would
appreciate a moment of your attention. I am
concerned about rumors that I have heard
about our music program disappearing from
school. I believe that the music program
should not be cut from our school. The music
program does great things for kids.
DO NOT
• Say: Hi, hello, hey, etc.
• Say: My Name is
• Say: Today I am going to talk about/today I will
write about/let me tell you about/the
following reasons will convince you…
• Use informal register or disrespectful language
• Complain
• Insert erroneous details
• Give away too much
INEFFECTIVE INTRO
Hi, my name is Hanna, and I have
something to say about the dress code. It
should not be so strict. I’m going to tell you
the reasons why it shouldn’t.
INEFFECTIVE
We should be allowed to have gum in
school. It would make kids pay better
attention. Also do better on tests.
INEFFECTIVE
I think fighting is very bad. People
shouldn’t do it. Here’s why.
Standard
ELACC8W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear
reasons and relevant evidence.
a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s)
from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons
and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence,
demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify
the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and
evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from
and supports the argument presented.