Hi Everyone, 

I wanted to provide more information about the Introduction in keeping with the conversation we will have in our Discussion Board this week.  The introduction is the broad beginning of the paper that answers three important questions for the reader:

What is this?
Why am I reading it?
What do you want me to do?

You should answer these questions in an informative essay by doing the following:

Set the context — provide general information about the main idea, explaining the situation so the reader can make sense of the topic and the questions you will ask.

State why the main idea is important — tell the reader why s/he should care and keep reading. Your goal is to create a compelling, clear, and educational essay people will want to read and act upon.

State your primary focus — compose a strong statement that indicates what specifically you will discuss in terms of the topic. This statement will identify the issue that will be the *heart* of the essay and will explain how you intend to develop your discussion. This statement will function as the thesis statement.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

By the end of the week, respond to two of your classmates’ submissions using the Peer Response Guidelines below.

Assignment Guidelines:

Use the guide below to start your informal outline of your researched argumentative essay. This guide will help you to make sure that your essay contains all of the usual pieces that an argumentative research essay would contain.

Informal Outline Guide

Part 1: Give a general introduction to the problem, including the thesis statement. The thesis statement should present a clearly defined position on a debatable topic.

Part 2: Present the history of the problem, including, perhaps, past attempts at a solution.

Part 3: Discuss the extent of the problem. Who is affected by it? How bad is it?

Part 4: Indicate what will happen if the problem is not solved.

Part 5: Connect the argument with facts that prove your points. Note the areas of objections and offer concessions if needed.

Part 6: Provide a conclusion, including a restatement of the thesis and summary of the main ideas.

Peer Response Guidelines:

1. Share any observations you have about the thesis statement. Does it present a clearly-defined position on a debatable topic? Is it narrow enough to be supported within the constraints of the paper?

2. Identify opposing points of view that could be addressed to strengthen the central argument. How might the writer accommodate or refute them?

3. Is the outline well-organized? Does it suggest a logical structure for the essay and a clear focus throughout?