How to Write an Essay Introduction in Easy Steps?
'How do you begin an essay?'
Here are some easy and simple steps on how to start writing process of an essay.
1. Begin with a Catchy Hook
The essay hook is the first step to write a strong introduction.
It sets the tone for your essay and grabs the reader’s attention. Stay brief when you hook your reader and stick to the main point only.
2. Add Background Information
“How to start an informative essay?”
Add some background information about the essay’s topic. These details depend on the kind of topic that you have chosen.
For example, the details could be the historical background, the geographical information, or the social context of the topic.
3. Add a Strong Thesis Statement
Add a strong and focused thesis statement. It should be brief and not more than two to three sentences. It is an important part of the introduction and is added at its end.
A good thesis statement is more than just a statement. It is a support to your claim that you will discuss in the essay's body.
4. Map Your Essay’s Structure
After you have written the introduction and thesis statement; you need to create an outline of your essay. Without a proper outline, you will not write a good and strong essay.
Here is a sample essay outline.
- Introductory paragraph
- Thesis Statement
- 1st Body Paragraph
- 2nd Body Paragraph
- 3rd Body Paragraph
- Essay conclusion
The body paragraphs could be more than three, and each paragraph will start with a topic statement.
5. Check and Revise
After you are done with the essay, check it for grammar errors and typos. Make sure that your essay has a logical flow of ideas and that there is no confusion in the reader’s mind. Revise your essay if needed.
Here is an example for how to start your essay example!
How To Start An Essay Example The death penalty is a controversial and divisive issue that has been debated for centuries. It is an emotionally charged topic that evokes strong opinions from both those who support it and those who oppose it. On one hand, proponents of the death penalty argue that it serves as a deterrent to crime and provides justice for victims of heinous crimes. On the other hand, opponents point out how costly this form of punishment is, how wrongful convictions can lead to innocent people being executed, how inhumane execution methods are, and how capital punishment does not actually reduce violent crime rates. This essay will explore both sides of the argument surrounding the death penalty in order to provide a comprehensive look at why this practice continues to exist in today's society. |
How to Start an Essay Writing - 8 Best Ways
Below are some great ways on how to start an essay. Keep reading!
Introduce Your Topic
Here’s how you can introduce your topic with an engaging and interesting opener.
For example, your essay topic is "The Benefits of Exercise." You might begin by saying: "Exercise has many physical and mental health benefits. In this essay, I will discuss how regular exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress levels, and boost immunity." |
Start Your Essay with a Quote
Starting off an essay with a quote is a great way to grab the reader's attention and set the tone for what's to come. Find a quote that relates to your topic, or one that expresses how you feel about it in an interesting and unique way.
If you are wondering how to start an essay with a quote, check out this example!
Example: If the essay is about the importance of family, a quote by Michael J. Fox might be used: “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” |
Start an Essay With an Anecdote
An anecdote is an interesting and short story or setting. This setting is used to discuss and bring to light the important factors about the chosen essay topic.
For example, "I've finally figured out the difference between neat people and sloppy people. The distinction is, as always, moral. Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people." (Suzanne Britt Jordan, "Neat People vs. Sloppy People." Show and Tell. Morning Owl Press, 1983). |
Set up a Mystery
One way to engage the reader's attention is by setting up a mystery. Start off your essay with an interesting question that will draw in the reader and make them want to know more about what you have to say.
For example, begin an essay with a mysterious question that is related to the topic of your essay: "What mysteries lie beneath the surface of our oceans? Are they just as mysterious and unknown as outer space?" |
Tell a Story
Using a personal anecdote or story is another great way to start an essay. Telling a story can help bring your topic to life, as well as make it more relatable to the reader. It's also a great tool for helping you get your point across in a memorable and engaging way.
| For example, “I was standing on the edge of a cliff, looking down at the raging sea below me. The waves crashed against the rocks and I could feel their spray on my face as a gust of wind blew past. I was both scared and exhilarated as I contemplated what I had to do next.” |
Begin Your Essay with “I”
Beginning your essay with “I” is a great way to make it personal and engaging. It allows you to share your experiences or thoughts in first person, making the essay more relatable and easier for readers to connect with.
For example, I remember the day I realized that the world did not revolve around me. It was a sunny spring afternoon and I had been walking in my neighborhood, taking in the sights of cherry blossom trees blooming and children playing in the park. As I strolled along, my thoughts drifted to how lucky I felt to be surrounded by so much beauty. But then I noticed the homeless man sitting on the corner, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Suddenly my perspective had widened and I realized that there were people in this world who were far less fortunate than I was. That moment changed my life forever, inspiring me to strive for humility, gratitude, and compassion in all aspects of my life. |
Open your Essay with a Question
Using a question as your opener is another great way to draw the reader into your essay. Choose a question that relates to your topic or one that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to keep reading.
For instance, when writing an essay about women's rights in developing countries, you could start out with a question such as: "What does it mean to be a woman in a society where basic rights are denied?" By asking an intriguing question at the start of your essay, you can draw the reader in and make them more interested in finding out what comes next. |
Use Stamp of Authority
Using a stamp of authority is a great way to start off your essay. This can be done by citing statistics, research findings, or expert opinions that relate to your topic. This will help lend credibility and weight to your argument right from the start.
For example, a student writing an argumentative essay on the importance of renewable energy might begin their essay with a quote: "The future of our planet depends on our commitment to renewable energy sources" - Al Gore. |
Short Startling Statement
Startling statements are a great way to grab the reader's attention and start off your essay in an exciting and engaging way. Use a surprising fact or statistic that relates to your topic, or make an unexpected statement that will make readers think.
For example, It is a scientifically proven fact that our universe is filled with infinite possibilities, yet few of us have the courage to try and explore them. We are so often caught up in our own routines and day-to-day lives that we forget to explore the potential opportunities out there.To illustrate this point, consider the following startling statement: "You have the power to make a difference in the world if you choose to take action." |
Start Your Essay with a “Contrary to” or “Fill the Gap” Sentence
Using a “contrary to” or “fill the gap” sentence is a great way to start your essay. This kind of opener will help you show how your topic is different from other ideas or how it fills in the gaps in current knowledge.
For example, contrary to popular belief, creativity is not something you are born with - it can be cultivated and nurtured. With the right mindset and a willingness to experiment, anyone can tap into their creative potential and unlock new possibilities. All it takes is some practice, patience, and dedication. By understanding how creativity works and learning to embrace failure as part of the creative process, we can start creating meaningful work that stands out from the crowd. |
Sentences on How to Start an Essay
No matter how you choose to start your essay, the key is to make it compelling and engaging.
Here are a few sentences that can be used as openers for any type of essay:
- Have you ever wondered how ...?
- The conventional wisdom about ... is wrong.
- Despite what many people think, ...
- It's time to take a closer look at ...
- Could it be that ...?
- Let's explore how ...
- It's time to challenge the status quo and look at how ...
- Have you ever stopped to consider how ...?
- It's time for a fresh perspective on how...
- What if we look at how....?
- It's time to dig a little deeper into how ...
- It's time to take a closer look at how...
- Let's investigate how ...
- What would happen if we look at how ...?
- Have you ever thought about how ...?
Interesting Essay Starting Examples for Students
Starting your essay off right can make a huge difference in how well it’s received.
Here are some interesting examples of how to start an essay for students:
All in all, how to start an essay is important for making your writing engaging and memorable. Using a personal anecdote or story and using contrary-to or fill-the-gap sentences are all great ways to get started.
With these tips and examples, you'll be well on your way to writing an impressive essay!
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