Your research paper gives you the opportunity to practice what you learned about strategies and argument to convince your reader of your opinion (argument). 

• INSTRUCTIONS
• Write a draft of the introduction paragraph to your paper.

Your introduction should include the following elements:

Gain reader’s attention and interest with a hook as the first sentence (an example, brief story, statistic, controversial statement). Notice the first sentence of each article in 4.2.

Brief discussion of the topic you have chosen 

context or background (causes or reasons for the issue/problem)

Explain the controversial aspect of the issue that you will argue.

Give some reasons for the controversy (these reasons come from your sources and you will cite them)

The controversy and reasons should lead to your thesis. 

• In the last sentence of the introduction, state clearly your argument or thesis (put your thesis in bold). 
• Remember, you are arguing to support your thesis/opinion.

Your thesis focuses on some controversy around the topic. 

• Write at least one body paragraph. 

All your body paragraphs give information about your topic. Each paragraph should:

• Expand on the goals and obstacles of the topic.
• Present evidence (quotes, paraphrases) from your sources that supports their position and your argument/position. Give the source (name or website as it is on your Works Cited page).