What Are the Catchiest Ways of Starting an Essay?

Writing a great introduction is essential in letting your readers know that what they are about to read and providing them with a reason to take the time to read. The best essays always begin with a hook written in one or two sentences. There are several ways of achieving a great hook; here is a list of some of the catchiest ways:

• Ask a question: An essay that starts with an interesting or profound question automatically forces your readers to invest their time in briefly answering the question or waiting for you to bring up points that may persuade an answer. Just be sure that you address your question throughout the body paragraphs so your readers don’t think you’ve employed a cheap trick.
• State a fact: Interesting factoids are an excellent way to start an essay because they immediately give value to your essay by stating some authority on the subject matter. Be sure to dig a little deeper to find a truly interesting and generally unknown fact. And always double-check that the fact is current and accurate.
• Describe a setting: If you are writing an essay that deals with a region or specific area, start by describing what a typical day in that area looks like. Don’t be heavy on the description though; two or three sentences is ample space to shift your readers to a new location without getting off track from your primary topic.
• Start with an anecdote: Anecdotes are highly effective, but you have to know which ones to choose. Your anecdote must, in every instance, relate to your topic. Don’t talk about a near death experience unless that experience ties into your thesis in some way. Be sure to bring your readers back to your anecdote in your conclusion for closure.
• Start with delay: This can be tricky but when applied will work to grab your reader almost instantly. Don’t mention your subject just long enough to cause curiosity enough without frustration. Think about the frustration you would feel if a photograph is described to you without a follow thru by the time you reach the end of an introduction.
• Start with a quote, riddle or joke: If you think you have a knack for wit or humor and you are unafraid to risk insulting your reader with a poorly written joke, then by all means give this a try. Quotations are great too, but you have to know which quotes are most appropriate for your topic.