Writing the introductory

paragraph
 • Controversy
• Argument-premise
• Counterargument
• Claim
• Take sides/take the side of/ take a
Argumentative stand/stance/position
• Refutation- rebuttal
writing • Opposition-opposing sides-opponents
terminology • Proponents -supporters
• Pro argument
• Con argument
• evidence-support
• conclusion
Types of introduction
Types of introduction
The funnel approach
The turnabout
The dramatic entrance
The relevant quotation
 Sample thesis statements
1. School uniforms may be an upfront cost for families, but they eradicate the visual differences in income between students and provide
a more egalitarian atmosphere at school.
2. Magazines have done a lot in the last five years to include a more diverse group of models, but there is still a long way to go to
promote a healthy woman's body image collectively as a culture.
3. Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower women. However, putting women in a swimsuit on a stage while
simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an impossible question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the
amusement of men. Therefore, we should stop televising beauty pageants.
4. Because our education system needs reform, we should vote for candidates who are willing to make the necessary changes.
5. A vegan diet, while a healthy and ethical way to consume food, indicates a position of privilege. It also limits you to other cultural
food experiences if you travel around the world.
6. City council members should be term limited to prevent one group or party from maintaining control indefinitely.
7. While some pundits have framed a four-year college education as something necessary for adult success, this notion should not be
treated as a given.
8. Rather than encouraging all students to attend four-year colleges, we should instead emphasize the validity of two-year colleges,
technical schools, and trade schools as well.
9. Assisted suicide should be legal and doctors should have the ability to make sure their patients have the end-of-life care that they
want to receive.
10. A degree from a university provides invaluable lessons on life and a future career, but not every high school student should be
encouraged to attend a university directly after graduation. Some students may benefit from a trade school or a "gap year" where
they can think more intensely about what it is they want to do for a career and how they can accomplish this.
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Write the introductory paragraph to an argumentative
essay arguing for/against the following issue:

Should teachers be friends with students?

❖ Instructions:
1)Choose a type of intro that suits the topic.
2)Think of a catchy hook!
3) Create a bridge to connect the hook to the thesis statement.
4) Your thesis statement is the answer to the “should” question.