You have been asked to write an argumentative essay about Dylan’s receipt of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Your essay will be read by high school students. Considering the audience, what information would be best to include in the introductory paragraph?

I should draw on their interest in modern music, provide relatable details about Dylan’s music, and explain the Nobel Prize in Literature.
I should provide a short biography about Dylan, including when he was born, where he went to school, and the number of songs he has written.
I should provide a history of the Nobel Prize in Literature, including biographical information about the last recipient of the award.
I should relate to the reader by comparing how Bob Dylan’s songs measure up against the most popular songs today.

1 answer

For the introductory paragraph of an argumentative essay about Dylan’s receipt of the Nobel Prize in Literature, it would be most effective to draw on their interest in modern music, provide relatable details about Dylan’s music, and explain the Nobel Prize in Literature. This approach will engage high school students by connecting familiar concepts—such as popular music and the significance of literary achievements—while also providing the necessary context to understand the importance of Dylan's award.

Here’s how you could structure the introduction:

  1. Engage with modern music: Start by mentioning the impact of music in today’s culture and how song lyrics often convey powerful messages similar to poetry.

  2. Introduce Bob Dylan: Briefly introduce Bob Dylan as a legendary figure in music whose lyrics not only entertain but also provoke thought and reflect societal issues, drawing parallels to themes found in traditional literature.

  3. Explain the Nobel Prize in Literature: Provide a quick overview of the Nobel Prize in Literature, highlighting its prestige and the criteria for receiving it, which includes the expression of profound human experiences and contributions to literature.

This combination will set up a compelling argument that supports Dylan’s recognition, making it relatable and relevant to high school students.