How do you start writing an essay?

Asked by: Laney Mertz  |  Last update: August 15, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (55 votes)

Take a look at these common ways to start an essay:
  1. Share a shocking or amusing fact.
  2. Ask a question.
  3. Dramatize a scene.
  4. Kick it off with a quote.
  5. State your thesis directly.
  6. Pick the right tone for your essay.
  7. When you're stuck, work backwards.

What is the opening line of an essay?

First sentence examples
  • The only way to ___.
  • Would you rather have ___ or ___?
  • There are two types of people, ___, and ___.
  • The more you ___, the easier ___ gets.
  • Do you think you understand how to ___? Here is why you're wrong.
  • I always told myself that ___. ...
  • Five years ago, I ___.
  • ___ is the perfect way to ___.

What is a good opening sentence?

Start with the chase. A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”

What are the 3 sentences for your introduction?

In general, an intro paragraph is going to have three main parts: a hook, context, and a thesis statement. Each of these pieces of the intro plays a key role in acquainting the reader with the topic and purpose of your essay.

What is 1 example of a good introduction?

A short anecdote is a good way to start a personal essay, especially if it fits with your overall theme. Consider this example: When I got home from school that day, my grandmother greeted me with a plate of cookies and a worried expression.

How to Write an Essay: 4 Minute Step-by-step Guide | Scribbr 🎓

26 related questions found

What is a good introduction sentence starter?

Below is a list of possible sentence starters, transitional and other words that may be useful. This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated ... … is included …

How do I start my introduction?

5 Ways to Write an Introduction [Summary]
  1. Start with a quotation.
  2. Open with a relevant stat or fun fact.
  3. Start with a fascinating story.
  4. Ask your readers an intriguing question.
  5. Set the scene.

What is an example of an open sentence?

Open and Closed Sentence in English

Example: Open Sentence - She completed her work - Here ' she' is a variable here. Closed Sentence - The sun rises in the east (always true). Closed Sentence - The sun sets in the east (always false).

How do you write a killer opening line?

6 Tips for Writing a Great Opening Line
  1. State your theme. ...
  2. Begin with a strange detail. ...
  3. Establish your character's voice. ...
  4. Introduce your narrative style. ...
  5. Convey the stakes. ...
  6. Set the scene.

What is the first sentence of a paragraph?

The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph because it gives an overview of the sentences to follow. The supporting sentences after the topic sentence help to develop the main idea. These sentences give specific details related to the topic sentence.

How do you write an opening line?

There are as many ways to open a novel as there are stories, but I have categorized them for you here into nine distinct techniques with examples.
  1. Introduce your narrative voice. ...
  2. Introduce the overall theme. ...
  3. Start with something odd or curious. ...
  4. Set the scene. ...
  5. Set the mood. ...
  6. High stakes. ...
  7. Shock them.

What makes a good opening line?

Begin with a strange detail.

An opening line can hook readers by introducing an uncanny detail right off the bat. A classic example is the opening line of George Orwell's 1984, which references clocks striking thirteen. In the first paragraph, readers understand that something is unusual about the world of the novel.

How do you write a strong opening for an essay?

How to Write a Good Introduction Sentence
  1. Keep it short.
  2. Say something unexpected.
  3. Don't repeat the title.
  4. Use the word “you” at least once.
  5. Tell readers what's coming next.
  6. Explain why the article is important.
  7. Refer to a concern or problem your readers might have.
  8. Be careful telling stories.

What's in a opening paragraph?

o The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should start with a sentence that piques the interest of your readers. In a typical essay, that first sentence leads into two or three more sentences that provide details about your subject or your process.

What is an example of a good introduction?

Posing a question, defining the key term, giving a brief anecdote, using a playful joke or emotional appeal, or pulling out an interesting fact are just a few approaches you can take. Use imagery, details, and sensory information to connect with the reader if you can.

How do I start my introduction?

5 Ways to Write an Introduction [Summary]
  1. Start with a quotation.
  2. Open with a relevant stat or fun fact.
  3. Start with a fascinating story.
  4. Ask your readers an intriguing question.
  5. Set the scene.

How do you start an introduction for an essay example?

For example, you could start with a general statement about a topic, outlining some key issues but explain that your essay will focus on only one. Here is an example: The ability to communicate effectively and compassionately is a key skill within nursing.

What is the first sentence of a paragraph?

The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph because it gives an overview of the sentences to follow. The supporting sentences after the topic sentence help to develop the main idea. These sentences give specific details related to the topic sentence.

How do you write a good opening scene?

10 Tips for Starting Strong Scenes
  1. Start with the setting. ...
  2. Use visual imagery. ...
  3. Drop the reader into the middle of the action. ...
  4. Write a character-driven scene opener. ...
  5. Summarize past events. ...
  6. Introduce a plot twist. ...
  7. Keep the purpose of the scene in mind. ...
  8. Rewrite until you've found the perfect scene opening.

How do you make a powerful opening?

A powerful opening should grab your audience's attention, arouse their curiosity, and connect with their needs and interests. There are many ways to do this, such as using a surprising fact, a personal story, a rhetorical question, a quote, a joke, or a statistic.