Introducing Written Argument Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: W.8.1.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

When you are creating a piece that not only takes a position but attempts to persuade readers to follow that line of thinking, you need a solid start. This is like an opening statement in a trial. You need to give a little background and present your argument in a logical and persuasive manner. The key I find is in the first two sentences you need something that will hook them. These worksheets help students understand how to start their opening argument.

Introducing Arguments Worksheets To Print:

Let Me Persuade You – Follow this simple recipe to persuading someone.

Expressing Your Opinion – Is there anything you would change in your class?

The Editorial – You get to play the role of newspaper editor.

The Closer – Are you a "closer"? Try to sell as many books as possible.

What Do You Believe? – Best doesn't always mean you are a solid sell.

Write an Editorial – Think of an issue or an event that has been of significance lately.

You Really Should See Things My Way – Write your opinion in the form of a claim (i.e., a law should be passed requiring everyone to brush their teeth six times a day, or cell phone use should not be permitted on public transportation).

The Opinion Piece – An "opinion piece," not surprisingly, expresses an opinion about a topic, and the author's opinion is backed up with reasons, facts and evidence.

Expressing Opinions – Choose from one of the writing prompts provided. What is your opinion on the topic?

Introducing an Argument – Writers sometimes try to convince or persuade others to believe a certain thing or to take some particular action.

The Editorial – The claim should be supported with reasons and evidence. Select one of the topics below.

Writing The Lead – Practice writing leads. Write two different kinds of leads for each thesis statement.

Making Your Opinion Heard – During election years, politicians make a lot of promises about what they will do to make our country better.

Introducing Your Argument: The Lead – The lead is important to the introduction because it captures the attention of the reader.

Introducing Written Arguments – The lead is important to the introduction because it captures the attention of the reader.

How to Introduce Written Arguments


Most creative writing assignments are argumentative. Building a strong argument is a skill every student must learn because it is crucial to one's academic and work-life success. A good argumentative text is factual and interesting to read. An introduction is the most important part of any argumentative text because it is a point where the readers make an opinion about your writing and its contents. Based on that opinion they either carry on with the reading or simply leave it.


There are several ways to introduce your written arguments depending on the nature of the argument and form of the text through which it will be presented. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while introducing your written arguments:


Begin with a Hook and Context


The first statement of your argumentative text must be something that intrigues the readers and evokes their interest in reading. You can either add an informative quote, rhetorical question, or surprising fact relevant to your main argument. This initial statement will hook readers to read more. After the hook, you can give some contextual and general information about your argument to help readers in figuring out the main idea of your writing.


Add A Strong Thesis Statement


After providing some background context and introducing the main idea, you must precisely state your main argument. This precise introduction must be written in the form of a thesis statement that is a simple and clear description of your idea. This thesis statement must be added with great care because it is the essence of every argumentative text.


Do Not Make It Too Descriptive


A good introduction never contains details and explanatory ideas. It is neither too short nor too long. All ideas that substantiate your argument must be in the main body of the text and not in its introduction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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