Getting started: the introduction
In English, it is normal to not talk directly about the exact topic in the first part of the introduction. Firstly, we assume that the reader may not know anything about the topic, and therefore it is important to establish the general background that makes the topic worth discussing. We try to answer the following questions: what is the history behind this topic? Why is the topic controversial? What are the main arguments about this topic? The writer begins by speaking very generally, then becomes more specific, then finally very specific. As the structure starts being very general and gradually becomes more specific, it is compared with a funnel. Hence this method is often called ‘funnelling.’
The last sentence (or last two sentences) of the paragraph often state the writer’s opinion (in a sentence called a Thesis Statement). However, sometimes the last sentence of the introduction is a statement of what specifically the essay will discuss, rather than the writer’s opinion. Let’s look at an example essay now. Note that this example is not the only way to structure an argumentative essay.
Topic: As it produces no carbon emissions and is environmentally friendly, nuclear energy should be adopted as the energy of the future. Write a short essay explaining the degree to which you agree or disagree with this statement.
Starting with a general statement to introduce the background:
The world is fast running out of energy as fossil fuels are being depleted. In addition, fossil fuels pollute the environment and are the main sources of greenhouse gases.
The reader now knows that the essay will discuss problems related to energy. No mention has been made of nuclear energy yet.
More specific:
Therefore governments, scientists and corporations around the globe have been searching for alternative fuels for the future. A number of solutions have been suggested, such as wind, water, solar and geothermal energy. Unfortunately, these solutions all suffer from limitations and drawbacks.
The reader now knows that the essay will discuss possible solutions to the problem (but nuclear energy has still not been mentioned).
Specific:
As a result, nuclear energy, long considered by many to be too dangerous, is now being considered by many governments.
The reader now knows that the essay will focus on whether nuclear energy is the solution. However, the writer has still not stated their opinion.
Thesis statement
This essay will argue that although nuclear energy involves carbon inputs and poses certain risks, a functioning nuclear plant produces constant, reliable power, emitting no greenhouse gases and is, therefore, the best choice for future baseload power production.
Concession statements
Thesis statements often include concessions (statements that admit that there are disadvantages or weaknesses in the argument that that writer supports). In the thesis statement above, the writer has included a concession (in green) that there are disadvantages and dangers in nuclear energy. This limits the claims the writer makes and protects the writer from criticisms that they have ignored these negative aspects.
Body paragraph 1 – arguments against the writer’s viewpoint.
Despite the obvious benefits of nuclear power, there are four main disadvantages. According to Douglas Greenie (2002), an environmental scientist at Jonestown University, the principal disadvantage of nuclear energy is the danger of radioactive leaks and meltdown. Greenie points out that nuclear disasters tend to be major events with extreme social and economic consequences. While the 1986 Chernobyl Disaster resulted in relatively few deaths immediately, it is likely that it contributed to thousands of deaths in subsequent years. Furthermore, as Greenie points out, the accident caused infant disformities in later years and health problems for many people. In addition, the disaster led to the evacuation of large areas of land and massive economic costs.
“Although Greenie is right that nuclear energy poses significant risks, these risks were more common with earlier reactors and have been greatly reduced by more modern plants.”
* Note this essay is not intended to be factual and does not cite real facts or writers.