How to Start Off an Argumentative Essay

A strong argumentative essay introduction starts with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, provides background information about the issue being discussed, and closes with a thesis statement that clearly shows your position.

This guide walks through how to build that kind of opening. You’ll see how to start strong, set the scene, and close with a clear thesis statement.

The opening line is written to catch the reader’s attention and make them look closer at the issue in question. An argumentative essay introduction hints at what the paper covers, yet it does not reveal the entire argument. Hook is probably one of the most important parts of the essay because it's where the reader decides whether they want to keep going.

• A surprising fact: “Each year, nearly seven million tons of plastic drift into oceans, reshaping entire food chains.”
• A direct question: “What would happen if every citizen received a basic income with no strings attached?”
• A brief story: “When her city banned single-use bags, Maya thought it was a small change. It ended up doubling her grocery costs within weeks.”
• A striking quote: “George Orwell once said, ‘Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.’”
• An unexpected claim: “Silence can be more powerful than outrage in moments of public conflict.”

Once you have attention, the next step is giving background information. The reader should understand why the issue matters and what kind of discussion they’re stepping into. This part of the introduction transitions from interest to a solid argument. You might add a quick context, including relevant historical details, definitions of important terms, or a summary of the discussion on the topic.

“Over the past decade, privacy debates have grown sharper as governments expand surveillance and companies track every click, search, and scroll.”

An argumentative thesis statement is the core part of the introduction, and the entire argumentative essay, for that matter. It’s the sentence that tells the reader exactly what you believe and why it matters. Every other point you make later must align with it.

A strong thesis statement must be grounded in logic, so it avoids vague claims and general truths. To write one, start by defining the question you’re discussing, then form a clear stance that can be proven. One or two precise sentences are sufficient when they clearly state the position.

“Government surveillance must face tighter restrictions to protect privacy and prevent misuse of power.”

A strong introduction gives shape to everything that follows. It tells the reader what kind of argument they’re about to read and why the issue matters. This section shows different examples of starting off an argumentative essay using the same three main elements:

1. Begin with a hook.
2. Offer short context.
3. End with a clear position.

“The first heart valve made from animal tissue saved thousands of lives. Yet each experiment behind it raised questions about ethics and necessity. Medical research should phase out animal testing and prioritize modern alternatives that match human biology more accurately.”

“Public debate often defines how free a society truly is. Governments, media outlets, and citizens continue to clash over what speech should be protected. Relevant historical events, such as the trials of dissident writers and landmark court cases, show how fragile this right can become under pressure. Protecting free expression remains essential for democratic systems that rely on public oversight.”

“Every rocket launch leaves a trail of soot that drifts for years in the upper atmosphere. Luxury space travel may look like progress, but it carries a cost few discuss. Governments must set strict limits on private launches to protect Earth’s climate systems.”

A good argumentative introduction begins with the hook, the first sentence that is meant to draw the reader in right away. The next few lines explain why the issue you're covering is attention-worthy. The thesis statement reveals your position and sets the direction for the essay. When these parts connect with each other smoothly, the reader feels guided through the writer's thought process.