Intro for an Argumentative Essay?

I'm working on an argumentative essay for my AP English class, and the introduction has me stumped. Can anyone share examples of good intros they've written/read? Preferably examples that grab attention from the start. Any advice on how to kick this off effectively?

Sure! A strong introduction makes an argumentative essay more compelling and interesting to read. This is where you set the tone for your argument and offer a glimpse of what's to follow.

To write an engaging introduction, you can start with a thought-provoking fact or statement related to your topic. This will immediately grab the reader's attention and make them want to read onward.

For instance, if your essay is about climate change, you might start with: "Although climate change impacts us daily, adjusting our lifestyles can reduce carbon footprints by up to 50%."

Additionally, consider writing about the importance of your argument to the audience or the larger society. A good way to do this is to connect your topic to a broader issue or point out its societal consequences. For example, "As our planet continues to warm, the consequences extend beyond just our environment, infiltrating our economies, health, and social structures."

Your thesis statement, which clearly defines your stance on the argument, should close out your introduction. In this statement, lay out your argument as clearly and concisely as possible. For the climate change topic, your thesis statement could be, "This essay will argue that individual actions, in addition to governmental policies, are pivotal in combating climate change."

Remember, your opening paragraph should have a strong hook that gains the reader's attention, provides context for your argument, and ends with your assertive thesis statement. With these in mind, you'll be able to craft an introduction that sets your argumentative essay up for success. Good luck with your AP English class assignment!