How to write a persuasive introduction that states a clear position

A persuasive introduction tells the reader what issue you are discussing and what position you will argue. It may also preview your main reasons. An interesting opening helps when it connects directly to that issue.

Before you start

The opening paragraph should introduce the argument that follows. If it announces three reasons, the body should develop them. If it takes a position, the rest of the response should explain that position consistently.

You can start with a direct statement, a short imagined situation or a relevant question. Choose a start that gets the reader to your argument promptly. A dramatic sentence about the whole world is usually harder to connect to a small school proposal.

Step by step

  1. Identify the decision

    Ask what the prompt wants you to take a position on. If the topic is extending a lunchtime activity, the issue is that proposed change, not everything you know about school. Name the decision in your opening.

  2. State your position

    Write a sentence that shows where you stand. A qualified position is fine when it is clear: supporting an activity once a week is a definite argument. Vague agreement that it might be good sometimes gives the reader little to follow.

  3. Preview only the reasons you will develop

    A brief preview can guide the reader. Keep it short and leave the detailed examples for the body. If you have not chosen your reasons yet, make a rough opening and return to it after planning.

Three openings for a lunchtime drawing club

Original practice topic: Should the school offer a lunchtime drawing club once a week? Each option needs developed body paragraphs after it.

Direct opening

Our school should offer a lunchtime drawing club once a week. It would give students another choice during the break and a place to share drawing ideas.
Explanation. The proposal and the two reasons are immediately clear.

Situation opening

Imagine wanting to sketch at lunch but having nowhere to spread out your paper. A weekly drawing club would give interested students a place to work and learn from one another.
Explanation. 'Imagine' labels the situation as hypothetical and leads into the position.

Question opening

Could our lunchtime choices include somewhere to draw? A weekly drawing club would offer a useful alternative for students who want a quieter activity.
Explanation. The question introduces the same issue the position answers.

Replace a generic hook with a specific issue

'Since the beginning of time, creativity has been important' takes the reader a long way from a school drawing club. Begin closer to the decision you are discussing. The reader needs to know what you want the school to do.

An opening such as 'I am going to tell you my reasons' describes your writing process. Use that space to state the reason or position itself.

Keep the introduction proportionate

The introduction does not need to prove the entire case. Save room for body paragraphs that explain the benefits, give examples and consider practical details. A long opening followed by one rushed reason is an unbalanced response.

Name the issue and take a position in two sentences. If the proposal needs a limit, such as meeting once a week, include it.

Recheck the opening after drafting

Your best reason may change while you write. Compare the finished body with the introduction. Remove a previewed reason you never developed, and check that the proposal still means the same thing at both ends of the text.

Try it yourself

Should students be allowed to suggest new books for the school library?

  1. Write a direct opening that states your position.
  2. Write a second opening using a relevant question or imagined situation.
  3. Choose the version that reaches the issue more clearly.
  4. Add a brief preview of two reasons you could actually develop.

Check your draft

Ask a reader to describe your position after reading only the introduction. If they cannot, rewrite the position sentence.

Common questions

Do I need a rhetorical question in the introduction?

No. A clear direct statement can work well. Use a question only when it introduces the issue and helps lead into your position.

Can I write 'I think'?

Yes, when it suits the voice of the piece. You can often state the position more directly by removing it, but the strength of the opening depends on clarity and relevance, not one banned phrase.

Should the introduction include evidence?

A short relevant detail may help introduce the issue. Keep extended examples and explanation for the body so the opening can establish the direction of the argument.

Curriculum connection

These exercises practise planning, organising and revising written ideas. Australian Curriculum English includes creating texts for an audience and grouping related information into paragraphs. TEEL, PEEL and the other planning methods are teaching aids, not compulsory curriculum formats.

QCAA: Australian Curriculum v9.0 English, Year 3

Sources and further reading

These resources provide background on the skill. The examples and practice tasks above are original.

Write an opening for your next argument

Use a persuasive prompt in NAPLAN Expert to practise stating the issue and your position. Return to the opening after drafting the body to check they match.

Practise a persuasive opening

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Examples and activities are NAPLAN Expert teaching material. Sources checked in October 2026.