Turning SOAPStone into an introductory paragraph

For your first draft, go ahead and just introduce each element.  This paragraph introductory phrases like, "The occasion of this article is..." or "His tone is..."

In Malcolm Gladwell’s article “Offensive Play,” the article focuses on the dangers of high-contact sports like football, especially the lasting brain injuries players can suffer. The occasion for the article comes from growing concerns about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and whether it’s right to support sports that cause harm. Gladwell wrote this article in 2009 for readers of The New Yorker, who are usually well-informed and interested in social issues. His purpose is to make people think about the ethics of enjoying football when it puts players’ health at risk, comparing it to other forms of violence, like dogfighting. Gladwell writes as a journalist who uses research and real-life examples to help readers reflect on their own values. His tone is thoughtful and serious, encouraging readers to question how they feel about supporting such a dangerous sport. These elements work together to show how Gladwell wants to change how people think about football and other violent sports.

In your next draft try to create more sophisticated introductory phrases like this paragraph.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s article “Offensive Play,” he dives into the dangers of high-contact sports, exploring the physical and ethical costs of football, a sport that often leaves players with life-altering brain injuries. Sparked by increasing attention to the devastating effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Gladwell’s exploration is set against the backdrop of a growing national conversation about player safety and the morality of violent entertainment. Writing for The New Yorker in 2009, Gladwell addresses readers who are likely thoughtful, educated, and interested in tackling complex social issues. Through his piece, Gladwell aims to spark reflection, asking readers to consider whether their love of football—and violent sports in general—is worth the human cost. As a journalist known for his sharp analysis, Gladwell takes on the role of a storyteller and investigator, blending research, anecdotes, and moral questioning to make his case. His tone is both critical and reflective, guiding readers to reconsider their complicity in the harm caused by supporting dangerous sports. By weaving these elements together, Gladwell creates a compelling argument that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about their favorite pastimes.