The first few sentences of your argumentative essay can make or break your paper. A compelling introduction captures attention, establishes credibility, and lays the groundwork for a persuasive argument. Learning how to start an argumentative essay effectively is a critical skill that differentiates average papers from exceptional ones.
According to Harvard College Writing Center, the introduction to an argumentative essay serves as a contract with your readers—promising specific arguments and establishing why they should care. This guide will walk you through proven strategies to craft introductions that engage readers and set your argumentative essays up for success.
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
Before diving into how to start an argumentative essay, it’s important to understand what makes this essay type unique. An argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires you to investigate a topic, collect and evaluate evidence, establish a position on the topic, and develop a logical, well-structured argument to persuade readers of your perspective.
Key elements that define argumentative essays include:
- A clear thesis statement presenting your position
- Logical reasoning and evidence-based support
- Consideration of counterarguments
- A persuasive, rather than merely informative, approach
- Formal academic tone and structure
Unlike narrative or descriptive essays, argumentative essays aim to convince readers through reasoning and evidence. For a complete breakdown of the argumentative essay structure, check out our detailed guide on how to write an argumentative essay.
Why the Introduction Matters
The introduction to your argumentative essay serves several crucial functions:
- Captures attention: Engages readers from the first sentence
- Establishes context: Provides necessary background on your topic
- Introduces the controversy: Frames the debate or issue at hand
- States your position: Presents your thesis statement clearly
- Roadmaps the essay: Outlines what readers can expect
Research from Stanford University found that papers with strong introductions were 31% more likely to receive higher grades, as they set proper expectations and engage readers from the start.
Professor Michael Wilson of Yale University notes, “The introduction is your only chance to make a first impression. In argumentative writing, that first impression should establish both your credibility and the significance of your argument.” (Source)
How to Start an Argumentative Essay: 5 Effective Techniques
There are several proven approaches to how to start an argumentative essay effectively. Here are five techniques that consistently produce engaging introductions:
1. The Controversial Statement
Begin with a bold, debatable claim that relates to your argument:
Example: “Despite billions spent on standardized testing each year, these assessments fail to measure the skills most essential for student success in the 21st century.”
This approach immediately establishes the controversial nature of your topic and signals your argumentative stance.
2. The Surprising Statistic
Open with a striking data point that highlights the importance of your topic:
Example: “While 94% of Americans support background checks for gun purchases, legislation requiring universal checks has failed to pass Congress more than 30 times in the past decade.”
Statistics add credibility and urgency to your introduction, showing readers why they should care about your argument.
3. The Historical Context
Frame your argument within its historical development:
Example: “From Ancient Greece’s direct democracy to modern representative systems, humanity’s understanding of civic participation has evolved dramatically—yet voter participation in democratic countries has declined consistently over the past fifty years.”
This technique demonstrates your knowledge of the topic’s background while establishing its ongoing relevance.
4. The Compelling Narrative
Start with a brief story that illustrates the real-world impact of your topic:
Example: “When Maria Rodriguez arrived at her polling place in 2020, she was turned away despite having registered months earlier. Her experience represents just one case among thousands that raise questions about current voter identification requirements.”
Personal stories create emotional connections and make abstract issues concrete for readers.
5. The Thought-Provoking Question
Begin with a question that challenges assumptions or makes readers reflect:
Example: “In a world where technology companies collect unprecedented amounts of personal data, can privacy still exist as a fundamental right, or has it become merely an illusion?”
Questions actively engage readers by inviting them to consider their own positions as they read your argument.
For more ways to engage readers throughout your essay, our guide on how to write an essay offers additional strategies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Introduction
Now that you understand different techniques for how to start an argumentative essay, let’s break down the process into manageable steps:
Step 1: Craft an Engaging Hook
Your first sentence or two should use one of the techniques above to grab attention and generate interest in your topic.
Key tip: Write your hook after drafting your thesis statement to ensure perfect alignment.
Step 2: Provide Necessary Background
After your hook, offer concise context that helps readers understand the topic and its significance:
- Define key terms they need to know
- Explain the current state of the debate
- Identify the main stakeholders or viewpoints
Keep this section brief—typically 2-3 sentences is sufficient according to the Purdue Online Writing Lab.
Step 3: Establish Relevance
Connect your topic to broader concerns or reader interests:
- Why does this matter now?
- Who is affected by this issue?
- What values or principles are at stake?
Example: “As digital privacy legislation stalls in Congress, everyday Americans face increasing vulnerability to data breaches that can impact their financial security, personal safety, and fundamental rights.”
Step 4: Present Your Thesis Statement
The thesis statement—typically the final sentence of your introduction—clearly states your position and previews your main arguments:
Example: “Schools must prioritize arts education alongside STEM subjects because creative expression develops critical thinking skills, improves academic performance across disciplines, and prepares students for an innovation-driven economy.”
A strong thesis for an argumentative essay should be:
- Debatable (not a fact or observation)
- Specific (focused on a particular aspect of the issue)
- Defensible (supportable with evidence)
- Concise (typically one sentence)
Step 5: Review and Refine
After drafting your introduction, ask:
- Does it clearly introduce both the topic and my position?
- Is the hook engaging and relevant to my argument?
- Have I provided enough context without giving too much detail?
- Does my thesis statement effectively preview the arguments I’ll make?
Consider writing or revising your introduction after completing your first draft, as this allows you to ensure perfect alignment with your essay’s content.
Understanding proper paragraph structure will help maintain reader engagement throughout your essay. Learn more in our article on how many sentences are in a paragraph.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Essay
Even when you understand how to start an argumentative essay, these common pitfalls can undermine your introduction:
Being Too General or Vague
Problem: “Throughout history, people have debated many important issues.” Improved: “Since the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954, the debate over affirmative action in college admissions has intensified across American campuses and courtrooms.”
Using Dictionary Definitions
Problem: “According to Merriam-Webster, privacy is defined as…” Improved: “In an era where our digital footprints extend into nearly every aspect of our lives, privacy has evolved from a simple expectation of solitude to a complex political and ethical battleground.”
Making Unsupported Claims
Problem: “Social media is destroying society and making everyone depressed.” Improved: “Recent studies from the American Psychological Association suggest correlations between increased social media use and rising rates of depression among teenagers, raising questions about how these platforms affect developing minds.”
Offering Too Much Information
Problem: A paragraph-long explanation of every aspect of the topic Improved: Concise background that provides just enough context for readers to understand your thesis
Using Overly Emotional Appeals
Problem: “The horrific, devastating consequences of this terrible policy are absolutely destroying innocent lives every single day.” Improved: “The policy’s documented impacts on vulnerable communities include reduced access to healthcare, increased housing insecurity, and diminished educational opportunities.”
Examples of Strong Argumentative Essay Openings
To illustrate how to start an argumentative essay effectively, here are examples across different topics:
Environmental Policy
Example: “While 97% of climate scientists agree that human-caused climate change threatens our planet’s future, policy responses remain stalled in partisan debate. This disconnect between scientific consensus and political action raises critical questions about how democracies address long-term existential challenges. This essay argues that implementing a revenue-neutral carbon tax represents the most effective, economically sound approach to reducing emissions while respecting free-market principles.”
Education Reform
Example: “When third-grader Jamie Miller was labeled a ‘failing student’ based on a single standardized test, despite reading above grade level and excelling in science projects, his parents questioned a system that reduced their son’s abilities to a number. Their experience reflects a growing concern among educators and researchers: standardized testing, while convenient for administrative purposes, fails to measure the diverse skills and aptitudes essential for future success. This essay contends that schools must adopt multidimensional assessment approaches that evaluate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving alongside traditional academic knowledge.”
Technology Ethics
Example: “In 2018, a self-driving car struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona, raising a question that philosophers have contemplated for centuries in thought experiments: How do we program machines to make ethical decisions? As artificial intelligence systems increasingly make consequential choices—from medical diagnoses to criminal sentencing recommendations—this once theoretical question has become urgently practical. This essay argues that AI systems must be governed by transparent ethical frameworks that prioritize human dignity and autonomy while acknowledging the inherent limitations of algorithmic decision-making.”
How the Introduction Connects to the Rest of Your Essay
Understanding how to start an argumentative essay requires recognizing how your introduction shapes everything that follows:
Thesis Statement → Body Paragraphs
Each main point in your thesis should correspond to a body paragraph that develops that specific argument with evidence and analysis.
Example: Thesis: “Schools must prioritize arts education alongside STEM subjects because creative expression develops critical thinking skills, improves academic performance across disciplines, and prepares students for an innovation-driven economy.”
Body Paragraph Topics:
- How arts education develops critical thinking
- Research showing arts education improves performance in other subjects
- The value of creative skills in today’s economy
Introduction → Counterargument Section
A strong introduction acknowledges the controversial nature of your topic, setting up your later discussion of opposing viewpoints.
Hook → Conclusion
Many effective essays create a “full circle” structure by referencing the introduction’s hook or central image in the conclusion, providing satisfying closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should the introduction to an argumentative essay be?
An effective introduction for an argumentative essay typically comprises 10-15% of your total word count. For a 1,500-word essay, aim for approximately 150-225 words (roughly 3-5 paragraphs). According to writing experts at MIT’s Communication Lab, concise introductions often prove more impactful than lengthy ones. The introduction should provide sufficient context and clearly state your position without delving into the detailed evidence that belongs in your body paragraphs.
Should I state my thesis at the beginning or end of the introduction?
For argumentative essays, most writing authorities, including the University of North Carolina Writing Center, recommend placing your thesis statement at or near the end of your introduction. This placement allows you to establish context and interest before presenting your argument. Positioning your thesis at the introduction’s conclusion creates a natural bridge to your first body paragraph and follows readers’ expectations for academic writing structure.
Is it acceptable to use first person (“I believe” or “I argue”) in an argumentative essay introduction?
The acceptability of first-person pronouns varies by discipline and instructor preference. In humanities and social sciences, judicious use of phrases like “I argue” or “I contend” in your thesis statement can emphasize your intellectual ownership of the argument. However, in scientific and technical fields, third-person constructions are generally preferred for maintaining an objective tone. When uncertain, consult your assignment guidelines or ask your instructor about preferred conventions.
How do I introduce a controversial topic without alienating readers who may disagree with my position?
To introduce controversial topics effectively, the American Psychological Association recommends using neutral language that acknowledges different perspectives before presenting your position. Begin by accurately representing the state of the debate rather than immediately arguing for your side. Use phrases like “While some argue X, others maintain Y” to demonstrate your understanding of the controversy’s complexity. This approach establishes your credibility and intellectual fairness even as you ultimately advocate for a specific position.
Can I revise my introduction after writing the rest of my essay?
Not only can you revise your introduction after completing your draft—many writing experts recommend this approach. According to Princeton University’s Writing Center, your introduction should function as a “map” to your completed essay. By revisiting and refining your introduction after drafting your body paragraphs and conclusion, you can ensure perfect alignment between what you promise in your introduction and what you deliver in your essay. This approach often results in more cohesive, purposeful introductions.
Conclusion
Mastering how to start an argumentative essay is a skill that will serve you well throughout your academic and professional career. A strong introduction sets the tone for your entire argument, establishing your credibility and engaging readers from the first sentence.
Remember that effective argumentative essay introductions:
- Capture attention with a compelling hook
- Provide necessary context without overwhelming detail
- Clearly state your position through a specific, debatable thesis
- Establish the significance of your topic
- Set expectations for what follows
While learning how to start an argumentative essay takes practice, the techniques and steps outlined in this guide provide a reliable framework for crafting introductions that engage readers and set your arguments up for success.
As you develop your writing skills, remember that introductions often benefit from revision after you’ve completed your draft. This allows you to ensure perfect alignment between your opening promises and the arguments you ultimately deliver—creating a cohesive, persuasive essay that resonates with readers.
