The educational process involves writing a large number of papers. That is why you should know in advance what nuances you should follow. The point is that essays are one of the most common types of assignments. Newbies may recklessly assume that such paper is effortless. But do not forget that there are a lot of pitfalls that beginners may not know about. How to start an essay? What tips and tricks should you use? Are there important aspects to consider every time you start writing such an assignment? Let's take a look at where you should start.
Different Ways to Start an Essay
Ask a Question
One of the easiest ways to get started with this kind of paper is to ask. For example, let's say you decide to write about the extinction of polar bears due to the melting of glaciers. The best way to start an essay, in this case, is a question that will allow you to show the importance of the problem. Write something like, "Did you know that melting glaciers are responsible for the death of thousands of polar bears every year?" Such brutal statistics will show the seriousness of the problem and will be a great start for your assignment.
Add Statistics
Statistics is an old trick that works flawlessly like a Swiss watch. Let's say you want to describe the impact of the Coronavirus on the growth in the number of unemployed in the United States. The perfect essay start is accurate statistical data taken over a certain period. Start the first paragraph with a sentence like, "Coronavirus has caused a 23% rise in US unemployment. More than 232,000 people lost their jobs." Such statistics would be very pertinent.
Anecdote
Jokes and anecdotes are appropriate if your topic allows you to demonstrate your sense of humor. In addition, you should ask your professor for permission in advance. It's worth noting that even political topics can be made more fun to set the tone. For example, beginning an essay on Politics, you can start a satirical anecdote:
- It seems that England's royal family is running out of money. They are down to just $1.6 million. Well, sure, that's what happens when nobody in your family has had a job for the last thousand years.
As you can see, the anecdote is a great idea. However, you should carefully analyze what you are going to write to avoid offending anyone with inappropriate jokes.
Quote
Starting an essay with any good quote is also a great idea. For example, let's say you're going to write about a philosopher like Plato. How about taking one of his quotes? For example, you might choose something like, "A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers." Such a quote is ideal for a topic concerning the analysis of the logical actions of Plato and his postulates in life.
Personal Story
There are different ways to start an essay, and a personal story is a good idea. Tell about your experiences, emotions, and thoughts. For example, let's say you want to describe the importance of friendship. Start with a sentence like, "I realized the importance of friendship the day my neighbor saved me from a pack of wild dogs. His dedication and desire to help greatly influenced my worldview. "Words like this make a great intro.
Scenes
Scenes are another trick to help you write like a pro. What if you want to describe your emotions triggered by an event? Start with something like, "I was standing outside Harry's window. It was raining like a bucket. I knocked, shouted and asked him to answer me, but he did not hear. "A writing trick like this will help you describe the stalemate of a situation.
Thesis Statement
State your topic or your main idea. For example, let's say you describe the stages of cooking a dish. Start with something like, "To make a pizza, you need not only the oven and all the ingredients you are going to use, but also a clear understanding of all the cooking processes. It is a good way to start an essay. At least you won't have to think long about your intro.
Useful Tips for Starting an Essay
Keep It Short and Focused
Brevity is the soul of wit. Stick to this rule so as not to turn your intro into a parade of empty words. Instead, focus on your main goals and state all your thoughts as briefly as possible. This approach is the most logical for all beginners.
Introduce the Topic
Describe your topic, your goals, and the relevance of your research. How to start an essay introduction like a pro? First, briefly describe your topic, the general relevance, and the aspects you want to write about. Then, point out the details to which you are going to pay attention.
Grab the Reader's Attention
What is a good way to start an essay? Start with a hook that will help you get your reader (professor) interested. Fun facts, humor, or even out-of-the-box tricks like provocative questions are very effective in getting your potential reader interested in learning more.
Give Some Context
Context helps to clarify your goals, desires, and the relevance of a selected topic. For example, you can choose a social, cultural, political, or even historical context to highlight the relevance of your assignment.
How to Start an Essay Introduction?
Start With an Interesting Hook
Many newbies often ask questions like, "How do I start an essay?" How about a so-called hook? Let's say you want to describe the reasons why the USSR ceased to exist. Start with a sentence like, "Can an empire of terror last forever, or are repressive states doomed to fail?" Such a beginning will be very interesting and memorable.
Provide Background Information
Let's say you are writing a historical paper about Julius Caesar. Start with a sentence like, "Julius Caesar is an outstanding military leader and politician who was known for his inquisitive mind, strategic thinking and democratic views on the formation of many political institutions. His reign marked the transition of the Roman Empire to a new round of evolution." By the way, no one forbids you to use historical facts and statistics.
Compose a Thesis Statement
Every newbie always asks questions like, "How should I start an essay?" Compose your thesis statement. Let's say you will describe the consequences of the US abandonment of the classic gold and foreign exchange reserve. Start with a sentence like, "The gold and foreign exchange reserve has become a secondary aspect of the American economy due to the use of progressive innovation. The collapse of the Bretton Woods system was inevitable due to the large amount of dollars not backed by gold."
Map the Structure of Your Essay
Describe the aspects that you are going to mention in the body paragraphs. It would help if you made a mini-map of the points to show your train of thought and the importance of research.
Edit and Revise at the End
Take at least half an hour to read each sentence. Find all the grammar or spelling mistakes and polish your paper. Then you can expect high grades. This advice should not be neglected. Then you don't have to ask questions like, "How to start off an essay?"
Mistakes To Avoid When Starting an Essay
No first-person! You must adhere to this rule. The only exception is when you need to write about yourself. And stay away from too many statistics. You will have the opportunity to describe all the facts and data in the main paragraphs. Plus, too many quotes or jokes would seem out of place. Keep your balance, so you won’t ask questions like, "How to start a good essay?"
Summing up
As you can see, there are quite a few interesting tips and tricks that can improve your writing. Remember every piece of advice and take your time. Most likely, you will need a little time to learn how to use the knowledge gained in practice. But, a couple of weeks, and you will become a real pro.
FAQ
What Is the Best Word to Start an Essay With?
There is no perfect word for your paper. Write your intro, and only then edit it. Use special styles and tips, but don't look for the perfect words!
What Is a Good Hook for an Essay?
Use questions, surprising facts, topical quotations, or shocking statistics that will play the role of the proverbial hook.
Can You Start an Essay With a Question?
Why not? You can choose this option for your intro if your question is relevant. In addition, you can provide an answer in the following paragraphs.
References
https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/beginning-academic-essay
https://english.csuci.edu/resources/essay-writing-essentials.htm
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