Argumentative Essay: Introduction
Your introduction is the first thing your reader will see – so it must be attention-grabbing
yet informative! Like any paragraph your intro should be at least 4-6 complete
sentences. Your introduction needs to include the following 3 parts:
3 Parts of an Introduction
1. Hook
2. Background Information
3. Thesis Statement
Hook
The hook is the first line (or lines!) of your essay – it should “hook” your reader!
To get you started…
• dialogue (speaking)
• internal monologue (thinking)
• sound words (BANG!)
• string of adjectives
• scary, exciting, or intense
moment
• riddle or question to ponder
• question, or string of questions
• simile or metaphor
• strong feelings or emotions
• list or repetitive phrase
Background Information
The background information is a short description of your topic. In this section, you
should include any information that your reader needs to understand your topic. For
example, you may need to define unfamiliar terms.
Example: Despite popular belief, year-round school does not mean that students
will go to school all year without break. With year-round school, instead of a long
break during the summer months, students will have shorter breaks spread
throughout the year.
Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement identifies the focus of your essay. Think of it as a road map – it
shows where your essay is going!
Subject + Opinion + Supporting Reasons
Subject: The topic of your essay
Example: Sneaking food into the movies
