Crafting an Effective Introduction for Your Position Paper: Guidelines and Examples

Writing a position paper allows you to express your stance on a specific issue and support it with compelling arguments. The opening paragraph, or introduction, is your foundation - it grabs the reader's attention, provides necessary background, and clearly states your position. This guide will provide you with an outline and examples for effective introductions in position papers.

Introduction Paragraph Outline

To create a compelling introduction, follow this structure:

1. Hook

The first sentence of your essay is called the hook. It should be an attention-grabbing statement, question, or quote that relates to your topic. This sets the tone and engages the reader right from the start.

2. Background Information

Provide a brief overview of the topic to help the reader understand the context. This can include statistics, historical facts, or relevant context.

3. Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the main argument or position of your paper. It should be clear, concise, and unbiased. Make sure it's well-supported throughout your essay.

Example Opening Paragraph

In recent years, the debate over climate change has intensified, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policy action. As the scientific consensus grows stronger regarding the detrimental impacts of human activity on the environment, it is imperative that governments worldwide prioritize sustainable practices. This paper argues that transitioning to renewable energy sources is not only essential for mitigating climate change but also presents significant economic opportunities. By investing in renewable energy, we can create jobs, enhance energy security, and safeguard the planet for future generations.

This example sets the stage for your argument, presents a clear thesis, and outlines the key points you will elaborate on in the paper. It effectively uses a hook with scientific consensus and provides a background on the urgent need for action. The thesis statement is clear and specific.

Introduction to a Different Topic: Going Undecided to College

Here is another example using a different topic to illustrate the same structure.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, "Some people see things as they are and say why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not." While many students feel pressured to pursue a traditional college path, the possibility of going undecided can present unique benefits. This essay will explore the financial and personal advantages of remaining flexible during the college application process. For many, the decision to attend college is as costly as going full-speed ahead, with average tuition costs of $34,740 per year at a four-year institution. This financial burden, combined with no student loans, could severely strain family finances, let alone the additional costs of housing, books, and food. Thus, going undecided to college can offer a more flexible and potentially less stressful approach to higher education.

In this example, the hook is a quote from Goethe that resonates with the topic. The background information includes the high costs of college, illustrating the pressure on students to make a definitive choice. The thesis statement clearly states the argument for considering the option of undecided college education.

First Body Paragraph Outline and Example

Once you have introduced your position, it's important to build on it in the body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or argument that supports your thesis statement.

First Body Paragraph Outline:

Idea point or argument: The main idea of the paragraph that supports your thesis First reason or detail: The first explanation, justification, or proof for the main idea of the paragraph Second reason or detail: The second explanation, justification, or proof for the main idea of the paragraph Third reason or detail: The third explanation, justification, or proof for the main idea of the paragraph Transition/Conclusion sentence: The sentence that brings the paragraph to a close and allows a smooth transition into the next paragraph

Example of the First Body Paragraph

Let’s start with the basics. According to the official Student Debt Relief website, the average cost of tuition is approximately $34,740 per year if you go to a four-year school. That $34,740 doesn’t even include housing, books, food, and other purchases that will need to be taken care of. It takes four years to get a Bachelor’s degree, so in total, it costs the average college student $138,960 of tuition alone to get a Bachelor’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated that in 2016, the average American family made $74,664 before taxes. If your family pays for your college education and you take out no student loans, then in total, your family will pay $138,960 for four years of education and that’s not even in an ivy league school. Now the average student ends up getting a degree with around $37,000 in student loans, which is the equivalent of adding another year’s full tuition to your final cost of college. So with student loans, the average person will pay $138,960 plus another $37,000 that will still have to be paid off years after graduation. Basically, college is extremely costly.

This example makes three supporting points about the cost of college, thus reinforcing the argument in the thesis statement. Each point is linked to real-world data and financial considerations. The transition sentence leads smoothly into the next paragraph, emphasizing the significant investment required for higher education.

By following these guidelines and using compelling examples, you can craft a strong and persuasive introduction for your position paper. This structure not only captures the reader's attention but also clearly outlines your argument and key points. Good luck with your writing!