What must the first paragraph of an argumentative research essay include?
The central claim.
The first paragraph should start with something to catch your readers attention. Write something interesting about your point that would make readers want to know and read more.
It should also include some background. This would be to show that you know what you're talking about, and it helps the reader understand your point more.
The first paragraph should also hold your thesis statement. A thesis is the statement that writers put as a sort of "pre essay". It states what the essay will be about, and prepares your readers so they know what they're getting into.
