{"id":4249,"date":"2017-01-09T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-01-10T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/?p=4249"},"modified":"2020-08-02T07:57:35","modified_gmt":"2020-08-02T14:57:35","slug":"3-ways-start-essay-right-foot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/3-ways-start-essay-right-foot\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways to Start an Essay on the Right Foot"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever been nervous on a first date or freak out the moment you\u2019re supposed to start a new job? Most people have.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

Because you want to start on the right foot. You don\u2019t want to call your date \u201cKay\u201d when her name is actually \u201cKali.\u201d And you don\u2019t want to trip over a chair and fly head-first into your new boss as she asks you to come forward to be introduced.<\/p>\n

Starting on the right foot is just as important when writing an essay introduction. Get it wrong and readers lose interest and stop reading. Get it right and readers are engaged and eager to read your masterpiece.<\/p>\n

Need a few ideas on how to get it right? Here are three ways to start an essay on the right foot. But first, let’s see what a clumsy introduction looks like and what exactly makes it that way.<\/p>\n

Starting an Essay: Two Left Feet<\/h2>\n

If I say someone has two left feet, I don\u2019t mean it literally. I mean that the person is clumsy and awkward. The idiom usually refers to dancing, but today it refers to writing an essay introduction and the ways to start an essay.<\/p>\n

Think of it this way: just because people move their feet around with the rhythm of the music, doesn\u2019t mean they can dance. And just because you\u2019ve written words in paragraph form at the beginning of your paper, doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ve written a good introduction.<\/p>\n

Take a look at these clumsy introductions. Can you identify what\u2019s wrong with each of them?<\/p>\n

Clumsy introduction #1<\/h2>\n

There have been lots of recent dance crazes lately, such as Twerking, Gangnam Style, and the Nae Nae. Whether you like them or not, you have to admit that you\u2019ve tried them at least once or twice and that they\u2019ve had an impact on the dance scene.<\/span> This paper will explain these dance moves and how they\u2019ve impacted dancing.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why this intro doesn\u2019t work<\/h3>\n

First, notice how informal this is. Using terms like \u201cyou\u201d and \u201cyour\u201d means you\u2019re writing in second person (like I am now) and directly addressing the reader. This usually isn\u2019t appropriate in formal, academic essays.<\/p>\n

To learn more about points of view, read Why Third-Person Writing is Critical to a Great Essay<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Second, consider your audience<\/a>. Watch out for all or nothing statements that imply that everyone feels the same or has had the same experiences. If you\u2019re writing this essay introduction with your professor as the audience, he may not have tried Twerking (or may not even know what Twerking is).<\/p>\n

Finally, pay attention to the thesis (written in red<\/span>). The thesis statement in this introduction announces your plan for the paper. This type of thesis might be appropriate in a scientific report, but doesn\u2019t work well in an essay.<\/p>\n

Need more help with thesis statements? Read How to Write a Thesis Statement in 5 Simple Steps<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Clumsy introduction #2<\/h2>\n

Having worked in a fast food restaurant for almost two years, I can attest to how hard the work is. You have to put up with tons of rude customers, listen to bosses that don\u2019t make any sense, and work a lot of stupid hours, like a three-hour shift or something. To someone who hasn\u2019t worked at a fast food place, the job might not seem that hard. But trust me, it is a hard job, and you don\u2019t get paid nearly enough. Thus, the minimum wage should be raised.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why this intro doesn\u2019t work<\/h3>\n

After reading this introduction, readers can\u2019t be sure if this is an opinion essay or a research-based argument essay. The introduction starts with a first-person opinion about how hard it is to work in a fast food<\/a> restaurant, uses second-person (you) to address the audience, and ends with a formal statement about raising the minimum wage<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If the assignment is to write a first-person<\/a> opinion essay, that\u2019s fine, but keep the tone under control<\/a>. Don\u2019t start with a rambling rant like the writer has done with this introduction. You can write in first person without sounding like you\u2019re complaining.<\/p>\n

If, on the other hand, the assignment asks you to write a research-based argument essay<\/a>, that\u2019s fine too. But then, the entire first part of the introduction is inappropriate because you generally shouldn\u2019t include personal experiences in a research-based argument.<\/p>\n

Clumsy introduction #3<\/h2>\n

Robert Frost\u2019s poem \u201cThe Road Not Taken\u201d is full of symbolism about choosing a path in life. Frost is known for his poems about nature, his life, and his life experiences. He also uses a lot of different poetic devices to help readers understand his poems. Choosing a path in life is important, as Frost explains.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why this intro doesn\u2019t work<\/h3>\n

This introduction is like two left feet walking in circles. It lacks direction. Will the paper focus on symbolism (or other poetic devices)<\/a> in \u201cThe Road Not Taken\u201d? Will the paper focus on the subjects or themes of Frost\u2019s poems<\/a>? Will the paper focus on the importance of choosing our paths in life?<\/p>\n

Any one of these topics might be an appropriate focus for an essay, but whatever topic you choose, stick with it. Don\u2019t try to include too many ideas in the introduction. Keep your ideas focused.<\/p>\n

Start on the Right Foot! \u2013 3 Ways to Start an Essay Right<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s say you\u2019re part of a choreographed dance routine. At the start of the number, you begin with the wrong foot. Your misstep stands out and may even ruin the entire routine.<\/p>\n

The same is true with a misstep in your opening paragraphs. A poorly written introduction can ruin your entire paper.<\/p>\n

Avoid such a misstep, and check out these three ways to start an essay on the right foot.<\/b><\/p>\n

Graceful introduction #1<\/h2>\n

When the music starts, do you stay at the edge of the room, claim to have two left feet, and refuse to dance?<\/span> If so, you\u2019re not alone. Many people feel they lack rhythm and are embarrassed to even step foot on the dance floor. But it doesn\u2019t have to be that way. If you want to learn to dance with the best of them, follow these five basic steps, and you\u2019ll be dancing in no time.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why this intro works<\/h3>\n

This introduction begins with a relatable question (written in green<\/span>). The majority of people will either be able to see themselves as the person who can\u2019t dance or will know of someone who doesn\u2019t like to dance. This is an awesome hook that grabs readers\u2019 interest<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This introduction also contains an effective thesis statement<\/a> (written in red<\/span>). Remember, a good thesis statement not only tells readers what your paper is about, but also provides an indication of the type of paper you\u2019re writing. It\u2019s clear by reading this thesis that the paper is a how-to essay that will explain how to dance.<\/p>\n\t

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Take note<\/i><\/b>: In this case, the writer is writing a how-to essay (aka, a process essay)<\/a>. Use of second person \u201cyou\u201d is often allowed in this type of essay because you’re instructing the reader.<\/p>\n

Graceful introduction #2<\/h2>\n

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 the median wage for fast food workers was $9.09 per hour, and employees could expect to earn an annual salary of approximately $18,910.<\/span> While this median hourly wage might be sufficient for a teen still living at home with parental support, it is an impossibly low wage for working adults who must attempt to support themselves and their families. In order for fast food workers (and other minimum wage workers) to earn a livable wage, the federal minimum wage must be raised.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why this intro works<\/h3>\n

This introduction starts with two effective strategies: a quotation and a statistic (in green<\/span>). Using either or both of these strategies is a smart way to introduce the topic and get readers interested.<\/p>\n

The thesis statement of this opening paragraph (in red<\/span>) also works well to illustrate that the paper will be an argument paper about increasing the federal minimum wage.<\/p>\n

Graceful introduction #3<\/h2>\n

\u201cFrost’s use of nature is the single most misunderstood element of his poetry\u201d (\u201cFrost and Nature\u201d). While most people consider Frost a nature poet and feel he simply enjoyed writing about nature, upon closer examination, it\u2019s clear that Frost\u2019s writings are far more complex.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why this intro works<\/h3>\n

Even though this introduction is brief, it also begins with an effective quote to get readers thinking about the topic. It introduces the subject, closes with a thesis that describes the focus of the paper, and let\u2019s readers know that the paper will be a literary analysis<\/a> of Frost\u2019s works.<\/p>\n

The Dance<\/h2>\n

A well-written paper, like a superbly choreographed dance, flows effortlessly. And both depend on starting on the right foot.<\/p>\n

To make sure you\u2019re ready to write the best introduction possible, check out these additional resources for additional ways to start an essay right.<\/p>\n