In an argumentative essay you give your own opinion and then try to convince other people you are right with your reasons and examples. You can see examples of the argumentative style of writing when you read editorial columns and letters in the newspaper or online. Before beginning to write an argumentative essay think about your own opinion and ask yourself: Do you have a strong opinion? What have other people said on the subject and do you think they are right? Is there any other evidence you can think of to support your views? To write an argumentative essay, use the following steps to help you: 1. Begin by introducing the debate topic in your own words. 2. Then write if you agree or disagree with the argument 3. Tell people why you hold that opinion and come up with ideas and examples to back up your arguments. Try to put these ideas in an order with the most important ideas first and links between each idea so that the essay flows well. 4. Think about why people might have a different opinion (objections) and try to show why they are not important or they are not true. 5. Conclude with a brief summary and try to make a strong last sentence that people will remember. For example Oprah Winfrey famously wrote," I believe the choice to be excellent begins with aligning your thoughts and words with the intention to require more from yourself." The rest of the article maybe forgotten, but that strong sentence is remembered.

Yes, you can write your opinion in the introduction but be careful to stay on the topic. Jeff 7 and Marg93 gave you good answers; I like to put my position or side of the argument after the beginning because I like to tease it out during the introduction and make the other side anticipate and try to second guess; but that's me and not you. You shouldn't beat around the bush during the introduction but should put your argument on the table, in my opinion.

The standard is to allude to your thesis (main argument) in the introduction. But it is meant to be developed in the body of the essay. So while you want to mention it, do not go overboard in the analysis/persuasion...that should be left to the paragraphs that follow.

It is one good way. You can also state your opposite view and refute it in the 2nd paragraph.

For an example of an argumentative essay, go to http://www.italki.com/knowledge/page/Argumentative%20Essays.htm