Introduction

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 * Introduction **

The introductory paragraph introduces your argument. If it is well written, it will immediately capture and hold the reader’s attention. It will also give appropriate background information about your topic. This is accomplished by utilizing an attention-getter and by focusing on a carefully constructed thesis statement (your topic, your attitude or tone toward the topic and/or audience). This thesis statement must be a clear statement of your argument and will probably occur at the end of the introductory paragraph. The thesis statement should reflect both the position you will argue and the organizational pattern with which you will present and support your argument. Think in terms of the thesis statement as containing both the “what” and the “how” of your paper’s argument.

 What is the argument that I am trying to convince the reader to accept? How will I expect to convince the reader that this argument is sound? Once you have answered these questions, you must synthesize these arguments into a single thesis statement.