How to Start an Essay in Standard American English
The introduction is the first part of your essay, and it is your chance to make a good impression on your reader. A strong introduction will hook your reader and make them want to keep reading. It will also provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay, giving your reader a sense of what to expect.
There are a few key elements that every strong introduction should have:
- A hook. The hook is the first sentence or two of your introduction, and it is your chance to grab your reader’s attention. It can be a question, a surprising fact, a quote, or anything else that will make your reader want to keep reading.
- A thesis statement. The thesis statement is the main argument of your essay. It should be clear and concise, and it should give your reader a good idea of what your essay is about.
- A roadmap. The roadmap is a brief overview of the rest of your essay. It should tell your reader what you will be discussing in each paragraph.
Here is an example of a strong introduction:
Hook: Did you know that the average American spends over $1,000 per year on lottery tickets?
Thesis statement: Despite the low odds of winning, people continue to buy lottery tickets because they are driven by the hope of a better life.
Roadmap: In this essay, I will discuss the history of the lottery, the reasons why people buy lottery tickets, and the impact of the lottery on society.
How to Write a Hook
The hook is the most important part of your introduction, so it is important to take the time to craft a good one. Here are a few tips:
- Use a question. Questions are a great way to grab your reader’s attention. They create a sense of suspense and make your reader want to know the answer.
- Use a surprising fact. Surprising facts are another great way to hook your reader. They show that you have done your research and that you know what you are talking about.
- Use a quote. Quotes can be a powerful way to make a point. They can also add credibility to your argument.
- Use a personal anecdote. Personal anecdotes can be a great way to connect with your reader. They show that you are a real person with real experiences.
How to Write a Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is the main argument of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your thesis statement is arguable. An arguable thesis statement is one that can be supported by evidence. It should not be a fact or an opinion.
- Make sure your thesis statement is specific. A specific thesis statement will give your reader a good idea of what your essay is about. It should not be too general or vague.
- Make sure your thesis statement is relevant to the topic of your essay. Your thesis statement should be closely related to the topic of your essay. It should not be off-topic or irrelevant.
How to Write a Roadmap
The roadmap is a brief overview of the rest of your essay. It should tell your reader what you will be discussing in each paragraph. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your roadmap is clear and concise. Your reader should be able to easily understand what you will be discussing in each paragraph.
- Make sure your roadmap is accurate. Your roadmap should accurately reflect the content of your essay.
- Make sure your roadmap is engaging. Your roadmap should make your reader want to keep reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should my introduction be? Your introduction should be about 10% of the total length of your essay.
- What if I can’t come up with a good hook? If you can’t come up with a good hook, try starting with a question or a surprising fact.
- What if I can’t come up with a good thesis statement? If you can’t come up with a good thesis statement, try brainstorming a list of possible topics. Once you have a list of topics, you can start to narrow down your focus and develop a thesis statement.
- What if I can’t come up with a good roadmap? If you can’t come up with a good roadmap, try outlining your essay. Once you have an outline, you can start to develop a roadmap that will reflect the structure of your essay.
