How to write a persuasive introduction
The goal of writing a
persuasive essay is to persuade or convince the reader to believe something. Persuasion is about forcing others to
think along your lines.
Why is the introduction so important?
The introductory paragraph is perhaps the most important paragraph in the essay because it is the first and possibly last chance to make an impact on the reader. It should clearly express the subject of the essay as well as the writer’s position.
What do you need in an introduction paragraph?
1. Attention Catcher (Persuasive technique)
2. Contention (State your opinion)
3. Preview of main points (List your arguments)
Attention Catcher – You immediately want to persuade the reader to agree with your point of view, so you need a punchy line to get their attention. Which example if better?
Example - Do you think students should have to wear uniforms?
Example - Do you think students should be forced to wear pants when it is over 100 degrees?
Contention - A Contention is a clearly worded statement telling readers exactly what the writer intends to do in the essay. After gaining the reader’s interest, clearly state the position of your essay, as in the following example:
Example - Do you think students should be forced to wear pants when it is over 100 degrees? Of course not. Students should not have to wear uniforms.
Preview of Main Points - The preview briefly states the main points that will be argued in the essay. The preview is not where the arguments are developed. The preview merely summarizes each point in as few words as possible. Each body paragraph should have one main point. All of the main points should be concisely stated in the preview.
EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
TOPIC: Students should be allowed to wear their sports uniform at school everyday.
90% of students prefer to wear their sports uniform rather than the regular school uniform. Students should be allowed to choose when to wear their sports uniform to school. Do you think that students should be foreced to wear a uniform they do not feel comfortable in?. This is because the sport’s uniform looks just as good as the school uniform, sport’s uniforms allow students to play sport at lunchtime and sport’s uniforms are cheaper to buy than full school uniform.
Does this contain an attention catcher? Does it provide an opinion? Have I listed my arguments?
Why is the introduction so important?
The introductory paragraph is perhaps the most important paragraph in the essay because it is the first and possibly last chance to make an impact on the reader. It should clearly express the subject of the essay as well as the writer’s position.
What do you need in an introduction paragraph?
1. Attention Catcher (Persuasive technique)
2. Contention (State your opinion)
3. Preview of main points (List your arguments)
Attention Catcher – You immediately want to persuade the reader to agree with your point of view, so you need a punchy line to get their attention. Which example if better?
Example - Do you think students should have to wear uniforms?
Example - Do you think students should be forced to wear pants when it is over 100 degrees?
Contention - A Contention is a clearly worded statement telling readers exactly what the writer intends to do in the essay. After gaining the reader’s interest, clearly state the position of your essay, as in the following example:
Example - Do you think students should be forced to wear pants when it is over 100 degrees? Of course not. Students should not have to wear uniforms.
Preview of Main Points - The preview briefly states the main points that will be argued in the essay. The preview is not where the arguments are developed. The preview merely summarizes each point in as few words as possible. Each body paragraph should have one main point. All of the main points should be concisely stated in the preview.
EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
TOPIC: Students should be allowed to wear their sports uniform at school everyday.
90% of students prefer to wear their sports uniform rather than the regular school uniform. Students should be allowed to choose when to wear their sports uniform to school. Do you think that students should be foreced to wear a uniform they do not feel comfortable in?. This is because the sport’s uniform looks just as good as the school uniform, sport’s uniforms allow students to play sport at lunchtime and sport’s uniforms are cheaper to buy than full school uniform.
Does this contain an attention catcher? Does it provide an opinion? Have I listed my arguments?
NOW IT's YOUR TURN
TASK 1: Let's practice your attention catchers and persuasive techniques to immediately grab the readers attention. Open up the following document and begin to practice. Remember you need to convince someone to agree with you......HINT: Persuasive techniques - Rhetorical questions, modality, anecdote (Story), statistic, strong words, inclusive language.
creating-persuasive-attention-catchers.pdf | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: |
TASK 2: Now you have had a go at writing your attention catchers it is time to write an ENTIRE introduction. Use the handout to help plan your argument. Your topic is:
Students should not be allowed to bring their iPads outside.
Students should not be allowed to bring their iPads outside.