What is the opening sentence of an essay?

What is a hook? The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction. It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it's interesting. To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences.

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What is a good opening sentence for an essay?

A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”

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How do you start an opening line in an essay?

One way to start your essay is with a shocking, unexpected, or amusing fact about the topic you're covering. This grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read further, expecting explanation, context, and/or elaboration on the fact you presented.

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How should I start my essay?

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:
  1. An opening hook to catch the reader's attention.
  2. Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
  3. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

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What is 1 example of a good introduction?

A short anecdote is a good way to start a personal essay, especially if it fits with your overall theme. Consider this example: When I got home from school that day, my grandmother greeted me with a plate of cookies and a worried expression.

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How to Write an Eye-Catching Essay Introduction | Scribbr 🎓

15 related questions found

What are the 3 sentences for your introduction?

In general, an intro paragraph is going to have three main parts: a hook, context, and a thesis statement. Each of these pieces of the intro plays a key role in acquainting the reader with the topic and purpose of your essay.

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What is a strong introduction for an essay?

It is good to start with a statement that fixes your essay topic and focus in a wider context so that the reader is sure of where they are within the field. This is a very small part of the introduction though - do not fall into the trap of writing a whole paragraph that is nothing but background information.

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What are the first words to start an essay?

If you're not sure how to introduce your thesis, try using some of these phrases:
  • In this essay, I will…
  • The purpose of this essay…
  • This essay discusses…
  • In this paper, I put forward the claim that…
  • There are three main arguments for…

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How do I start my introduction?

5 Ways to Write an Introduction [Summary]
  1. Start with a quotation.
  2. Open with a relevant stat or fun fact.
  3. Start with a fascinating story.
  4. Ask your readers an intriguing question.
  5. Set the scene.

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What is a hook in an essay?

A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader's attention so that they want to read on. It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or anecdote.

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What's a good way to start a sentence?

Sentence starters can make this relationship clear and show which sentence is the cause and which is the effect.
  1. As a result . . .
  2. Accordingly . . .
  3. Consequently . . .
  4. Due to . . .
  5. For this reason . . .
  6. Hence . . .
  7. Therefore . . .
  8. This means that . . .

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What are the best words to start a sentence?

Below is a list of possible sentence starters, transitional and other words that may be useful. This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated ... … is included …

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What makes a good opening line?

The first line of a story should create a sense of character, conflict, setting, mood, theme, or style — or any combination thereof. Most importantly, it should make the reader ask questions.

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What are 7 ways to start a sentence?

Here are a few examples:
  • Begin with a verb ending with -ing. ...
  • Begin with a verb ending with -ed. ...
  • Begin with a prepositional phrase. ...
  • Begin with an adverb. ...
  • Begin with an adjective. ...
  • Begin with a phrase that tells when. ...
  • Begin with a phrase that tells where. ...
  • Begin with a sound word.

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What is a good introduction starter?

Posing a question, defining the key term, giving a brief anecdote, using a playful joke or emotional appeal, or pulling out an interesting fact are just a few approaches you can take. Use imagery, details, and sensory information to connect with the reader if you can.

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What's a good introduction?

What should an introduction do? interest and attention, creating incentive for them to continue reading. Provide essential background information about the essay's main topic. writing, expresses the essay's main idea/argument, and provides a direction or outline for the body of the paper.

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What is the best sentence to start a paragraph?

Start with a “topic sentence” Give 1-2 sentences of supporting evidence for (or against) your argument. Next, write a sentence analysing this evidence with respect to your argument or topic sentence. Finally, conclude by explaining the significance of this stance, or providing a transition to the next paragraph.

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How do you make a strong hook?

Tips for writing an effective hook
  1. Start with an interesting fact. ...
  2. Use a compelling anecdote. ...
  3. Begin your writing with a quote. ...
  4. Explain a common misconception. ...
  5. Use data to inform your thesis. ...
  6. Tell a joke. ...
  7. Ask a question. ...
  8. Use a contradictory statement.

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What not to do when starting an essay?

  1. Fail to address the question's topic in your introduction. ...
  2. Stray from the focus of the question (especially in the conclusion) ...
  3. Insert quotes without introducing them or relating them back to the topic. ...
  4. Fail to provide references. ...
  5. Use informal language, colloquialisms, or overuse rhetorical questions.

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How do you start an essay with words?

In view of; in light of; considering

These essay phrases are useful to begin your essay. They help you pose your argument based on what other authors have said or a general concern about your research. They can also both be used when a piece of evidence sheds new light on an argument.

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How do you write a perfect essay?

Here are six top tips to help you address these criteria.
  1. Analyse the question. Student essays are responses to specific questions. ...
  2. Define your argument. ...
  3. Use evidence, reasoning and scholarship. ...
  4. Organise a coherent essay. ...
  5. Write clearly. ...
  6. Cite sources and evidence.

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How do you write a killer opening line?

6 Tips for Writing a Memorable Opening Line
  1. Start in the middle of a story. The first lines don't have to begin with long descriptions of a room's appearance or a character's personality. ...
  2. Open with a mystery. ...
  3. Flash back to the past. ...
  4. Describe the current state of affairs. ...
  5. Set the tone. ...
  6. Start with a voice.

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How do you make a powerful opening?

A powerful opening should grab your audience's attention, arouse their curiosity, and connect with their needs and interests. There are many ways to do this, such as using a surprising fact, a personal story, a rhetorical question, a quote, a joke, or a statistic.

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How do you write a strong opening scene?

Follow these tips to write a strong scene opener:
  1. Start with the setting. ...
  2. Use visual imagery. ...
  3. Drop the reader into the middle of the action. ...
  4. Write a character-driven scene opener. ...
  5. Summarize past events. ...
  6. Introduce a plot twist. ...
  7. Keep the purpose of the scene in mind. ...
  8. Rewrite until you've found the perfect scene opening.

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