How to Start an Essay: Basic Guide

 Your first sentence can be a daunting task. The weight we put on introducing our essay is remarkably heavy to lift or even drag around—it is where the reader decides whether or not your essay is worth a read. The stakes are really high and so you elevate your thinking to rise up to the challenge; and even then, you still feel inadequate and unsure. 

1. Understand the Question

When you fully know what the topic requires you to do, then you are halfway through with your essay. Most students struggle with understanding the question; they try so hard to formulate ideas based on a partial understanding of the question. You cannot come up with a right response when you do not have a full grasp of the question. So before, anything else, make sure you get the question right.

2. Start with what you have

The introduction is the hardest because it is where you build your first impression, which means you have to put a lot into it to get your reader’s attention and gain their confidence to continue reading. So, since the body elaborates what your introduction says it is going to, you can start working with the body. Carefully think through your arguments and the evidence you will use to support them. Be sincere and honest with your examples. Be concise with your explanations. Ensure your points are connected and your writing is consistent.

3. Organize your Ideas

Help your reader understand what you are saying with ease. Do not mix up ideas or parts of an idea. So far, the deductive method of writing is encouraged especially in essay writing. Your thought process as you pen it down should be from general ideas to specific ideas like an inverted triangle. This approach offers you the opportunity to use language that does not obscure the meaning of what your message. It allows you to present your arguments in a seamless and coherent way. 

4. Stick to the Instructions

Direct your thinking to what the question requires you to do. Do not diversify the topic when the question specifically asks you to choose between two things. For instance ‘Should parents allow their teenagers to travel alone’? — This question is trying to get a yes or a no from you, and possibly to what extent you agree or disagree with it. Do not try to bring in other freedoms that you think teenagers deserve like dating or choosing their careers. Narrow your scope to the field of travelling and follow through with this to the end. Answer the question that is asked, the way it is asked. This will greatly influence your thought boundaries and therefore place you exactly where you need to be to answer the question quickly and properly.

5. Famous Quotes still work

If you are completely stranded, scout online for a quote that is relevant to your essay question. Insert it at the very beginning and let it guide you through your introduction. You can also use idioms, proverbs or common expressions but carefully.

Starting an essay is one of those things that require constant practice. You need to train yourself regularly and on a variety of topics. Exposure to different fields nurtures and sharpens your writing skills. It elevates your organization and composition.