Writing the Beginning Paragraph

The first sentence is called the lead. This sentence is meant to capture your reader’s attention. In a problem-solution essay, the lead introduces the topic or problem in an interesting way.

1. Ask a question about the topic.

   Have you noticed all the trash at Rosemont Park?

2. Start with a surprising fact or detail about the topic.

   Last week, my brother cut his hand on a piece of broken glass at Rosemont Park. There’s glass everywhere.

3. Tell a little story about the topic.

   My family used to go to Rosemont Park every Sunday. . . .

Warm-Up for Problem-Solution Essays

© Thoughtful Learning 2016

You might think of problem solving as something you do only in math class. In fact, problem solving is a part of all aspects of school and life.

What Is Problem Solving?

To solve a problem, you first need to understand it. Then you need to think creatively to figure out ways to fix it. In this unit, you will write an essay that explains a problem in your school or community and offers a solution to it. Your goal is to make your readers care about the problem and want to be a part of the solution.

Thinking by Brainstorming

When you face a problem, brainstorming can help you think of possible solutions. Brainstorming means opening your mind to all possibilities, even wild ones. There are no wrong answers. Record every idea that pops into your head.

Brainstorming

A group of students brainstormed the following list of solutions to a problem. Often one possible solution led to another. When they ran out of ideas, the group reviewed the list and starred their three favorite solutions.

Problem:

A local park is dirty, and people no longer visit.

Solutions:

Revising to Make Concessions

It is important that you remain fair in an opinion essay. This means that you must consider all the issues and other opinions related to your topic. If you concede some of the issues on “the other side,” you can actually strengthen your own opinion.

The second paragraph in “Car Problems” fairly concedes that cars are important in modern life. But the writer also says that they are still a problem. Sometimes, a concession will begin with a transition such as these: it is true that, admittedly, even though, or I agree that . . .

Writing the Beginning Paragraph

The beginning paragraph of an opinion essay is very important. It should introduce the topic, get the reader’s attention, and state your opinion. To get the reader’s attention, you can ask questions, make a dramatic statement or two, or share important information.

Understanding Persuasive Paragraphs

In a persuasive paragraph, you give your opinion on a subject and try to get your reader to agree with you. To do this, you need to give facts and other reasons to support your opinion. Otherwise, you won’t persuade your readers.