Not sure how to start your paper? Try introducing your essay with a question, shocking statement, or background information.The introduction of your paper is likely the most important aspect in that if you can't hook your reader if you don't convince them to keep reading, it really doesn't matter what else you write; you've already lost them. That makes one of the most challenging aspects of writing an essay just knowing how to begin. Read next, I will write my paper in detail.The purpose of an introduction is to compel the audience to continue reading, while simultaneously leading into a strong thesis, which is what can make it so difficult. How can you achieve such a delicate balance? Try your hand at these different lead-ins.Just recall that all of these potential introductions might not fit your particular essay. Which one you select is dependent upon the rhetorical situation:Mode: What style of writing is it (e.g. literary analysis, expository, persuasive, etc.)?Audience: To whom are you writing? What is their background knowledge, morals, views on your topic, etc.?Purpose: What is your goal in writing this essay?Stance: What is your take or thesis?Situation: Are you being asked to write for a class? Are there certain criteria involved?Rhetorical Question You can always begin your essay with the classic rhetorical question, but be sure you know exactly what that means. By definition, a rhetorical question is an inquiry that is posed but is not meant to be answered. Instead, its goal is to spark critical thought in the minds of the audience. Source: Professional paper writing service.It’s not a simple as it sounds. You must word your question in a way that is original and intentional. And because so many writers do start in this manner, it can be quite overused, so if you are considering such an introductory strategy, be sure to make it all yours.Shocking or Provoking StatementConsider starting with a paradoxical or intriguing sentence, an arresting statistic, a shocking statement, an unusual description, original figurative language, or a common misperception. This will immediately grab your audience’s attention and draw them in, if for nothing less than to see how you prove your statements true in the body of your essay.But like with the rhetorical question, this takes some practiced skill. Whatever fact or statistic you select should be strong enough to spark interest, but most importantly it must also relate to the topic at hand. When you are writing a formal essay, it’s critical that you keep your thesis at the forefront of your mind – remember, if it doesn’t connect to your thesis then it doesn’t belong in your composition.Background Information or ContextAccording to the Professional Custom Writing Service, this type of introduction is best when dealing with an obscure or historical topic. Consider starting with a summary statement that answers who, what, when, where, why, and/or how. You might also relate how your subject fits into the present-day or its historical context so that your reader has a better understanding of why this topic is so relevant.Your first lines should still be compelling and include some interesting details, but by starting with the background information you enable the body paragraphs of your essay to be devoted to proving your point instead of filling in the gaps.These are just a few of the various introductory strategies. To continue exploring ways to begin a formal essay, be sure to consider more engaging methods.
