2.3 Writer's Workshop: Persuasive Argument: Writer's Notebook: Opening

2.3 Writer's Workshop: Persuasive Argument

One way to convince people about something is to write a persuasive argument. A typical persuasive argument contains a powerful opening, a body with supporting reasons, and a convincing conclusion. In this lesson, we will focus on the opening.

Open Strongly

The opening of a persuasive argument is where you introduce the topic and state your position (point of view) on it. It should “grab” your reader’s attention and make him or her want to read on.

Here is an Example:

Did you ever wonder who made those designer jeans and fancy running shoes you’re wearing? If you found out it was a child working for pennies a day in a smelly, crowded factory, rather than going to school, would you still buy those clothes? I doubt it very much. Child labour is a serious problem in some parts of the world. We need to shop carefully so we don’t support businesses that employ child workers.

As you can see, the opening of a persuasive argument catches your interest and introduces an important issue. It also includes the author’s position on the issue. Evidence to support that position will come in later paragraphs.