Write the introduction paragraph for a 4-paragraph argument essay that responds to the following question: Anna Quindlen argues that “America is a nation that is dependent on the presence of newcomers.” Is this correct? Give two reasons why, including examples to illustrate your two main points.
You only need to write the introduction paragraph.
REMINDERS ABOUT THINGS TO INCLUDE IN THE INTRODUCTION
A few notes on how to write an introduction paragraph for a four-paragraph argument essay. There are essentially three parts of the introduction. 1) A general discussion section that introduces the topic in a catchy way and introduces the debate. In this case the debate is about whether immigrants are good for America. 2) Next, introduce Quindlen’s argument about the debate. Include her name and the title of her essay – this section is similar to the first sentence of your summary paragraph. 3) Give your thesis or argument. You must have two different points. Each point should have at least a sentence explaining it. You have three different options: a) you can develop two points that agree with Quindlen’s point, b) two points that disagree with Quindlen’s point, or c) one point that agrees with Quindlen and one that disagrees with her.
Note that even if you agree with her, you must develop your own argument. If you want to say that immigrants are good for the American economy, you must do so differently than the way that Quindlen does. You might, for instance, argue that immigrants are good for the American economy given that many of the Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants. Another way of approaching the topic is to discuss a way that immigrants benefit the country that Quindlen doesn’t discuss. Try to be pretty specific. For example, you might argue that immigrants make American music more interesting, since there are many famous musicians who are immigrants. These are just some possibilities, but you should develop your thesis with two clear and distinct points at the end of your introduction paragraph.
