How to Write an
Introduction to
a Persuasive
Essay
is
Presenter Name and Title
Step 1: The Hook
Your introduction should begin with a “hook” or
an attention grabber to pull-in the reader. A
hook could include an anecdote or short story
that has a point, an epigraph, or quotation, a
statistic, or a rhetorical question.
For the purposes of this essay, please write a
hook that includes an in-text citation.
A Hook Using an Example
Example:
“When a cell phone goes off in the
classroom or a concert, we are irritated,
but at least our lives are not in danger.
When we are on the road, however,
irresponsible cell phone users are more
than irritating: They are putting our
lives at risk.”
A Hook with Statistics
Statistics:
“According to Nellie Mae statistics, in 2004
undergraduates had an average credit limit of
$3,683. Nearly 10% of the students in the
Nellie Mae study carried balances that exceed
these credit limit (Blair, 96). Do we want a
nation of people under twenty with credit
card debt after they graduate college?”
Step Two: The Thesis
The thesis is your overriding statement that
announces the main topic of your essay. In a
research paper, once you have read a variety
of sources, you are ready to form a thesis
statement that answers your research
question.
In a persuasive essay, please use a “should” or
“should not” statement in your thesis.
Research Question to Thesis
Research Question: Should states
regulate the use of cell phones in
moving vehicles?
Thesis Statement: States should
regulate use of cell phones on the road
because many drivers are using the
phones irresponsibly and causing
accidents.
Step Three: Subtopics
Your subtopics are topics that support your
thesis. In a research essay after you have
completed your research, your sub-questions
become your subtopics.
Remember to follow the 2-3-1 format and state
the other side and counter-argument in your
introductory paragraph.
Sub-questions to
Subtopics
Sub-question: How many accidents
have been caused by drivers using cell
phones when they are driving?
Subtopic: According the National
Transportation Association, drivers
using cell phones while driver are 30
times more like to get in an accident
(NTA.gov).
Thesis: Instead of restricting the use of cell phones in moving vehicles, we should
educated the public about the dangers of driving while talking on the phone and
punish them for their negligent and reckless driving
Subtopic 1: (Why you are interested in the subject):
Five years ago my mother was paralyzed in an accident. She was hit by a reckless
driver who was text messaging while he was driving.
Subtopic 2: (Support your side 1 #2): Studies show drivers who are talking on
their cell phone or text messaging while driving pay 40% less attention to the
road conditions.
Subtopic 3: (Support your side 2 #3): The state patrol report since the
invention of cell phone accidents have increased by 35%.
Subtopic 4 (Support your side 3 #1): Scientific studies haven’t proved a link
between use of the cell phone and traffic accidents.
Subtopic 5 (Other Side and Counter-Argument): We need to educate drivers
on using cell phones responsibly and enforce laws on negligent and reckless
driving.
Conclusion (So What?): If the government puts tighter restrictions on cell phone
and text messaging while driving, this will prevent needless injuries such as my
mother faced from a reckless driver.
Let’s Practice:
Please identify the Hook, Thesis, 2-3-1, and
Counter-Argument in this paragraph
When a cell phone goes off in the classroom or a concert, we
are irritated, but at least our lives are not in danger. When
we are on the road, however, irresponsible cell phone
users are more than irritating: They are putting our lives
at risk. Cell phone use should be prohibited while people
are driving because they are more likely to get in an
accident, it causes noise pollution, and it risks the lives of
other people on the road. Other people argue, they can
save time and money by communicating with others while
on the road. However, I will prove why that logic is false.
Introduction with Thesis and
Subtopics
When a cell phone goes off in the classroom or a concert, we
are irritated, but at least our lives are not in danger. When
we are on the road, however, irresponsible cell phone
users are more than irritating: They are putting our lives
at risk. Cell phone use should be prohibited while people
are driving because they are more likely to get in an
accident, it causes noise pollution, and it risks the lives of
other people on the road. Other people argue, they can
save time and money by communicating with others while
on the road. However, I will prove why that logic is false.
KEY
Hook
Thesis
2-3-1
Subtopic 4 (Other Side & Counter-Argument)
Requirements for Draft 1
1. Hook w/in-text citation
2. Thesis with “should” or “should not”
statement
3. 2-3-1 Format
4. Other Side and Counter-Argument
5. Typed
6. Double-Spaced
7. Times New Roman Font
8. MLA Format: Header and Heading
Please Stand for Think on Your
Feet