For this assignment, you will write the first page of your argumentative research paper. The first paragraph will introduce the paper and should show your interest in your topic, or why the topic is controversial, newsworthy, or important. First, start with an engaging “hook” that draws the reader into the introduction. Then, transition to describing your personal connection and/or interest in the topic and why the topic is relevant now. Consider why you chose the topic and what you knew about it before you started research. Be sure to keep this information as well as the rest of the paper in the third person.
Make sure the last sentence of the introduction paragraph is the thesis statement. This is necessary to show readers the argument you plan on presenting to your audience, the controversial argument you are presenting will present in the paper, and give your reasoning for why you believe what you do the claim is true. (Remember from the lectures in Week 1 that your thesis statement should be an explicit one – that is, tell us your claim and 3 reasons that support the claim. A strong thesis statement is critical to a successful argumentative paper, and if you have that in place now, you will find the structure of the paper will progress smoothly).
For the rest of the page, explain for readers who may have no idea what your topic is about. Think, what does my reader need to know before I start my argument? Focus on facts.
