The Introduction

One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences:

two about the topic

one thesis sentence

You can write either Situation or Opinion introductions. There’s not much difference between them.

Situation Introductions

Opinion Introductions

Situation Introductions

Write two sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. The third sentence – the Thesis
sentence – will describe what you are going do in your essay.

Sentence 1: One side of the present situation

Sentence 2: The other side of the present situation

Sentence 3: Thesis: What you are going to do in your essay

Opinion Introductions

In this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third sentence says what you
are going to do.

As well as situation or opinion introductions, you can use the following variations:

Past and Present: One sentence about the situation in the past, one about the situation today.

Here and Elsewhere: One sentence about the situation in one place, one sentence about the situation or
problem in another place.
You and Other People: One sentence about what most people do or think, one sentence about what you
believe, or do, or feel.

The Body: Use Paragraphs!

Two words: Use Paragraphs! Students who don’t have paragraphs fail!

The body of the essay should ALWAYS be divided into paragraphs. Never write just one long paragraph.
Why?

The white space makes your essay easier to read.

Having paragraphs shows that you have (probably) put related ideas together.

How many paragraphs in the body? Either two paragraphs (3773) or three (35553).

When do I use 3773 or 35553 layouts?

When do I use two paragraphs or three paragraphs in the body? When do I use 3773 or 35553? It
depends on your ideas.

Use TWO paragraphs (3773) if you are giving both sides of the argument or situation – one paragraph for,
and one against (or the opposite).

Use THREE paragraphs if you are only giving one side.

Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to agree in one paragraph and then disagree in the second paragraph.

Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to disagree in one paragraph and then agree in the second paragraph.

Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are agreeing in all three paragraphs.

Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are disagreeing in all three paragraphs.

Finally, even if you are completely confused and your ideas are all mixed up, you should still make a
paragraph. Just skip a line somewhere. Your essay will be easier to read.
Conclusions: Examples

Here are some examples of conclusions. A good conclusion will:

rephrase the question

summarize the main ideas

give your opinion, if you haven’t given it already

look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)

but will NEVER add new information.