Introductory Paragraphs

The introductory paragraph is the first-paragraph in the persuasive essay. Introductory paragraphs should have three parts: 

• 1. Attention-catcher

  2. Thesis

  3. Preview

The introductory paragraph should clearly express the subject of the essay as well as the writer’s position. Also, previewing your main points will show readers that the paper has been thoughtfully composed rather than free formed. Every introductory paragraph should begin with an attention catcher.

Attention Catchers

The attention catcher or lead should be the first sentence in the persuasive essay. It is the writer’s first chance to make an impression on the reader. A good attention catcher is angled in a way that immediately pushes the reader toward the writer’s position.

Example of a Weak Attention Catcher

Do you think students should have to wear uniforms?

Notice that this question is open-ended and does not provide an opinion. We do not know which side the writer is arguing. This should not be the case. The writer’s position should be clear before they even mention it based on the strength of their attention catcher.

Example of a Strong Attention Catcher

Do you think students should be forced to wear pants when it is over 100 degrees?

This example is much stronger because the writer’s position is clear from the first line. They ask a question to which they already know the answer. Persuasion is about forcing others to think along your lines. 

Attention Catching Techniques

• Asking a Question: People are conditioned to think about questions because answers are often expected of them. When you ask a question in your paper, readers are more likely to consider your ideas. As with any attention catcher, you’ll want to take your time making a good one that begins persuading your audience immediately.

• Quotation: A wise person once said, “No matter what you’re trying to say, someone else has probably said it better.” In most cases this statement is true. Using an appropriate quote is a classy way to start off your essay. Just be sure that the quote is connected to your topic in some easily identifiable way.

• Anecdote: An anecdote is a short story. Beginning your essay with an anecdote that is clearly related to your topic is another great way to get the reader’s attention and briefly demonstrate your descriptive writing ability. Stay on Point: as with everything in your paper, your attention catcher, especially if it is an anecdote, should be related to your topic and position. Remember that you are writing a persuasive essay and your anecdote should be limited to a few sentences.

• Startling Fact or Statistic: Did you know that two out of three persuasive essays do not begin with a proper attention catcher? Using a startling fact or statistic is another great way to grab the reader’s interest, assuming that you can locate just such a fact.

• Imaginative Scenario: Picture this! You have forty-five minutes to write an essay and you need an attention catcher fast. What do you do? One way to do this is to create an imaginative scenario such as the one that I just described. Immerse your reader in an example of the problem and show them why they should care. Use descriptive writing and sensory details to either positively or negatively charge your writing; however, as with telling anecdotes, be careful not to stray off mode. Remember that your main purpose is to write arguments not to tell stories.