can you start a formal essay with a question

Can You Start an Essay with a Question? Exploring Effective Writing Techniques

Can You Start an Essay with a Question? Understanding the Basics

Why starting your essay with a question can engage readers, common misconceptions: is it acceptable to begin an essay with a question, how to effectively use questions to start your essay, provocative questions, personal reflection, questions that challenge norms.

Starting an essay with a question can be an effective way to engage your readers and provoke their curiosity. This technique invites the audience to think critically about the topic and sets the stage for a thoughtful discussion. However, it’s essential to consider the context and the type of essay you are writing. In academic and formal writing, starting with a question can be a double-edged sword; while it can spark interest, it may also come across as informal or unstructured.

Benefits of Starting with a Question:

Engagement: A well-phrased question can capture the reader's attention immediately.
Critical Thinking: It encourages readers to ponder the answer, which can lead to deeper engagement with the material.
Relevance: A question can highlight the importance of the topic and its relevance to the audience.

On the other hand, it’s crucial to ensure that the question you choose is relevant and thought-provoking. A vague or overly broad question may leave readers confused or disinterested. Instead, aim for a specific question that relates closely to your thesis statement. This alignment will help guide the essay's direction and keep the audience focused on the main argument.

When deciding whether to start your essay with a question, consider your audience and the essay's purpose. For instance, in a persuasive essay, a compelling question can set a strong foundation for your argument. In contrast, for more formal essays, such as research papers, it may be more effective to present a statement or a fact that directly relates to your thesis. Ultimately, the decision to start with a question should enhance your writing rather than detract from it.

Starting your essay with a question is a powerful technique that can significantly enhance reader engagement. This approach piques curiosity and encourages readers to think critically about the topic at hand. When a question is posed at the beginning, it acts as a hook that draws the audience in, prompting them to seek answers and explore the subject matter further. This method not only stimulates interest but also fosters a more interactive reading experience.

Here are some reasons why beginning with a question is effective:

Encourages Active Participation: A question invites readers to participate mentally, engaging them in a dialogue rather than passively absorbing information.
Creates Intrigue: By posing a thought-provoking question, you can spark curiosity about the content that follows, making readers eager to learn more.
Sets the Tone: Starting with a question helps establish the tone and direction of the essay, guiding readers on what to expect as they delve deeper into the topic.
Promotes Critical Thinking: Questions challenge readers to think critically and form their own opinions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

In addition to these benefits, opening with a question can also help clarify the purpose of your essay. It allows you to articulate the main issue or theme you will be addressing, giving readers a clear framework for understanding your arguments. By framing your essay around a central question, you create a roadmap that leads your audience through your analysis, making complex ideas more accessible and relatable. Overall, starting with a question not only enhances engagement but also enriches the overall quality of the essay.

When it comes to essay writing, one of the most debated topics is whether starting an essay with a question is appropriate. Many educators and writing guides suggest avoiding this approach, arguing that it can come off as unprofessional or overly casual. However, this is a common misconception. In fact, beginning an essay with a question can be a powerful rhetorical device if used correctly. It invites readers to think critically and engages them right from the start.

Engagement: A well-crafted question piques the reader's interest, prompting them to consider their own answers and thoughts on the subject.
Direction: Questions can help establish the focus of your essay, guiding the reader toward the main argument or thesis.
Provocation: Starting with a question can provoke thought and encourage deeper analysis of the topic, setting the stage for a more nuanced discussion.

Despite these advantages, it's essential to use questions judiciously. The key is to ensure that the question is relevant to your thesis and sets the tone for the essay. A vague or unrelated question can confuse readers and detract from the overall clarity of your writing. Additionally, it's crucial to follow the question with a strong statement or argument that provides context and direction. This way, you transition smoothly from the question to the main points of your essay, maintaining coherence and focus.

In summary, while traditional advice may discourage starting an essay with a question, it can be an effective strategy when employed thoughtfully. By considering the context, relevance, and structure of your essay, you can harness the power of questions to create a compelling introduction that captivates your audience.

Using questions to start your essay can be a powerful technique to engage readers and provoke thought. A well-placed question not only piques curiosity but also sets the tone for the discussion that follows. When crafting your opening question, consider its relevance to your topic and how it will frame the argument or narrative you intend to present.

Types of Questions to Consider:

Rhetorical Questions: These are questions that do not require an answer but stimulate the reader’s thinking. For instance, "What would happen if we never questioned our beliefs?" can compel readers to reflect on the importance of inquiry.
Open-Ended Questions: These questions encourage exploration and discussion. Starting with "How does technology impact our daily lives?" invites a broader examination of the subject matter.
Provocative Questions: A thought-provoking question can challenge the reader’s assumptions. For example, "Is ignorance truly bliss?" can lead to a compelling debate throughout your essay.

When incorporating questions into your introduction, ensure they align with your thesis statement. This alignment not only maintains coherence but also reinforces the main argument of your essay. A clear connection between your opening question and your thesis will guide readers seamlessly into your discussion, making them more invested in your analysis.

Examples of Essays That Start with a Question: Inspiration for Your Writing

Starting an essay with a question can be an effective way to engage readers and provoke thought. This technique encourages your audience to reflect on the topic from the outset, setting the stage for a compelling narrative or argument. Here are some notable examples of essays that begin with a question, offering inspiration for your own writing.

Many essays kick off with a thought-provoking question that challenges the reader’s perspective. For instance, consider the question, “What does it mean to be truly free?” This opening can lead to an exploration of personal freedom, societal constraints, and philosophical debates. By presenting such a question, the essay invites readers to consider their own beliefs and experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the topic.

Another approach is to start with a personal question that resonates on a universal level. An example might be, “Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you followed your passion?” This type of question can serve as a gateway into an essay about pursuing dreams, the challenges faced, and the impact of societal expectations. By framing the essay around a relatable question, writers can draw readers into their personal journey while also encouraging them to reflect on their own choices.

Essays that confront societal norms often begin with questions that provoke critical thinking. For instance, an essay might start with, “Why do we accept the status quo when change is possible?” This opening sets the tone for a discussion about activism, social justice, and the power of individual action. By starting with such a question, the writer can engage readers in a conversation about their role in effecting change, prompting them to consider their own responsibilities within society.

By utilizing questions effectively, writers can create a dynamic and engaging opening that not only captures attention but also sets the foundation for a meaningful exploration of complex ideas.

Did you find this article helpful? Can You Start an Essay with a Question? Exploring Effective Writing Techniques See more here General .

Ashley Watts

I am Ashley Watts, a passionate math teacher with experience teaching preschool and middle school. As a parent, I understand the importance of early learning and the holistic development of children. My goal is to inspire curiosity and a love of math in my students, while balancing my professional life with my role as a dedicated mother.

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How to Start an Essay: 13 Engaging Strategies

ThoughtCo / Hugo Lin

Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

There are countless ways to start an essay effectively. A solid introductory paragraph both informs and motivates. It lets readers know what your piece is about and it encourages them to keep reading.

For folks new to learning how to start an essay, here are 13 introductory strategies accompanied by examples from a wide range of professional writers.

State Your Thesis Briefly and Directly

One straightforward way to begin is to get right to the point. But avoid making your thesis a bald announcement, such as "This essay is about...".

"It is time, at last, to speak the truth about Thanksgiving, and the truth is this. Thanksgiving is really not such a terrific holiday...." (Michael J. Arlen, "Ode to Thanksgiving." The Camera Age: Essays on Television . Penguin, 1982)

Pose a Question Related to Your Subject

A thought-provoking way to start an essay is by asking a relevant question that needs to be unpacked. Follow up the question with an answer, or an invitation for your readers to answer the question.

"What is the charm of necklaces? Why would anyone put something extra around their neck and then invest it with special significance? A necklace doesn't afford warmth in cold weather, like a scarf, or protection in combat, like chain mail; it only decorates. We might say, it borrows meaning from what it surrounds and sets off, the head with its supremely important material contents, and the face, that register of the soul. When photographers discuss the way in which a photograph reduces the reality it represents, they mention not only the passage from three dimensions to two, but also the selection of a point de vue that favors the top of the body rather than the bottom, and the front rather than the back. The face is the jewel in the crown of the body, and so we give it a setting." (Emily R. Grosholz, "On Necklaces." Prairie Schooner , Summer 2007)

State an Interesting Fact About Your Subject

Leading with a fact that draws readers in immediately can grab their attention effectively.

" The peregrine falcon was brought back from the brink of extinction by a ban on DDT, but also by a peregrine falcon mating hat invented by an ornithologist at Cornell University. If you cannot buy this, Google it. Female falcons had grown dangerously scarce. A few wistful males nevertheless maintained a sort of sexual loitering ground. The hat was imagined, constructed, and then forthrightly worn by the ornithologist as he patrolled this loitering ground, singing, Chee-up! Chee-up! and bowing like an overpolite Japanese Buddhist trying to tell somebody goodbye...." (David James Duncan, "Cherish This Ecstasy." The Sun , July 2008)

Present Your Thesis as a Recent Discovery or Revelation

"I've finally figured out the difference between neat people and sloppy people. The distinction is, as always, moral. Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people." (Suzanne Britt Jordan, "Neat People vs. Sloppy People." Show and Tell . Morning Owl Press, 1983)

Briefly Describe the Primary Setting of Your Essay

"It was in Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard. We were waiting outside the condemned cells, a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages. Each cell measured about ten feet by ten and was quite bare within except for a plank bed and a pot of drinking water. In some of them brown silent men were squatting at the inner bars, with their blankets draped round them. These were the condemned men, due to be hanged within the next week or two." (George Orwell, "A Hanging," 1931)

Recount an Incident That Dramatizes Your Subject

Sharing an incident from your life or history in general is an impactful way to start an essay.

"One October afternoon three years ago while I was visiting my parents, my mother made a request I dreaded and longed to fulfill. She had just poured me a cup of Earl Grey from her Japanese iron teapot, shaped like a little pumpkin; outside, two cardinals splashed in the birdbath in the weak Connecticut sunlight. Her white hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, and her voice was low. “Please help me get Jeff’s pacemaker turned off,” she said, using my father’s first name. I nodded, and my heart knocked." (Katy Butler, "What Broke My Father's Heart." The New York Times Magazine , June 18, 2010)

Use the Narrative Strategy of Delay

The narrative strategy of delay allows you to put off identifying your subject just long enough to pique your readers' interest without frustrating them.

"They woof. Though I have photographed them before, I have never heard them speak, for they are mostly silent birds. Lacking a syrinx, the avian equivalent of the human larynx, they are incapable of song. According to field guides the only sounds they make are grunts and hisses, though the Hawk Conservancy in the United Kingdom reports that adults may utter a croaking coo and that young black vultures, when annoyed, emit a kind of immature snarl...." (Lee Zacharias, "Buzzards." Southern Humanities Review , 2007)

Use the Historical Present Tense

An effective way to start an essay is to use historical present tense to relate an incident from the past as if it were happening now.

"Ben and I are sitting side by side in the very back of his mother’s station wagon. We face glowing white headlights of cars following us, our sneakers pressed against the back hatch door. This is our joy—his and mine—to sit turned away from our moms and dads in this place that feels like a secret, as though they are not even in the car with us. They have just taken us out to dinner, and now we are driving home. Years from this evening, I won’t actually be sure that this boy sitting beside me is named Ben. But that doesn’t matter tonight. What I know for certain right now is that I love him, and I need to tell him this fact before we return to our separate houses, next door to each other. We are both five." (Ryan Van Meter, "First." The Gettysburg Review , Winter 2008)

Briefly Describe a Process That Leads Into Your Subject

"I like to take my time when I pronounce someone dead. The bare-minimum requirement is one minute with a stethoscope pressed to someone’s chest, listening for a sound that is not there; with my fingers bearing down on the side of someone’s neck, feeling for an absent pulse; with a flashlight beamed into someone’s fixed and dilated pupils, waiting for the constriction that will not come. If I’m in a hurry, I can do all of these in sixty seconds, but when I have the time, I like to take a minute with each task." (Jane Churchon, "The Dead Book." The Sun , February 2009)

Reveal a Secret or Make a Candid Observation

"I spy on my patients. Ought not a doctor to observe his patients by any means and from any stance, that he might the more fully assemble evidence? So I stand in doorways of hospital rooms and gaze. Oh, it is not all that furtive an act. Those in bed need only look up to discover me. But they never do." ( Richard Selzer , "The Discus Thrower." Confessions of a Knife . Simon & Schuster, 1979)

Open with a Riddle, Joke, or Humorous Quotation

A fun way to start an essay is to use a riddle , joke, or humorous quotation that reveals something about your subject.

" Q: What did Eve say to Adam on being expelled from the Garden of Eden? A: 'I think we're in a time of transition.' The irony of this joke is not lost as we begin a new century and anxieties about social change seem rife. The implication of this message, covering the first of many periods of transition, is that change is normal; there is, in fact, no era or society in which change is not a permanent feature of the social landscape...." (Betty G. Farrell, Family: The Making of an Idea, an Institution, and a Controversy in American Culture . Westview Press, 1999)

Offer a Contrast Between Past and Present

"As a child, I was made to look out the window of a moving car and appreciate the beautiful scenery, with the result that now I don't care much for nature. I prefer parks, ones with radios going chuckawaka chuckawaka and the delicious whiff of bratwurst and cigarette smoke." (Garrison Keillor, "Walking Down The Canyon." Time , July 31, 2000)

Offer a Contrast Between Image and Reality

A compelling way to start an essay is with a contrast between a common misconception and the opposing truth.

"They aren’t what most people think they are. Human eyes, touted as ethereal objects by poets and novelists throughout history, are nothing more than white spheres, somewhat larger than your average marble, covered by a leather-like tissue known as sclera and filled with nature’s facsimile of Jell-O. Your beloved’s eyes may pierce your heart, but in all likelihood they closely resemble the eyes of every other person on the planet. At least I hope they do, for otherwise he or she suffers from severe myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), or worse...." (John Gamel, "The Elegant Eye." Alaska Quarterly Review , 2009)

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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)  

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading.

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an essay introduction paragraph with paperpal – step -by -step, how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:
Expository Essay Introduction Example

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail.

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction:

Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote.
Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic.
Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay.

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2

Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.
Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.
Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction:

Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading.
Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic.
State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay.
Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis.
Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic.
Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument.

Unsure of how to start your essay introduction? Leverage Paperpal’s Generative AI templates to provide a base for your essay introduction. Here’s an example of an essay outline generated by Paperpal.

Use Paperpal’s Preditive AI writing features to maintain your writing flow

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.

Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?”
Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher.
Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.”

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps:

Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.”
Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument.
Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.”
Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns.
Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.”

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement:

Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.”
State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”
Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention.
Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”

Examples of essay introduction

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays:

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.”

Expository Essay Introduction Example

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.”

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.”

Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic.
Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement.
Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined.
Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay.
Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay.

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3

Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote.
Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific.
Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay.
Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis.
Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors.
Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further.

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how. For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.”

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness.

References

Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills .
West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617.
Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242.

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How to Start an Essay: 7 Tips for a Knockout Essay Introduction

Sometimes, the most difficult part of writing an essay is getting started. You might have an outline already and know what you want to write, but struggle to find the right words to get it going. Don’t worry; you aren’t the first person to grapple with starting an essay, and you certainly won’t be the last.

Writing an essay isn’t the same as writing a book. Or writing a poem. Or writing a scientific research paper. Essay writing is a unique process that involves clear sequencing, backing up your positions with quality sources, and engaging language. But it’s also got one important thing in common with every other type of writing: You need to hook your reader’s attention within the first few sentences.

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Intriguing ways to start an essay

There are many different ways to write an essay introduction. Each has its benefits and potential drawbacks, and each is best suited for certain kinds of essays . Although these essay introductions use different rhetorical devices and prime the reader in different ways, they all achieve the same goal: hooking the reader and enticing them to keep reading.

To “hook” a reader simply means to capture their attention and make them want to continue reading your work. An essay introduction that successfully hooks readers in one essay won’t necessarily hook readers in another essay, which is why it’s so important for you to understand why different types of essay openings are effective.

Take a look at these common ways to start an essay:

Share a shocking or amusing fact

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.

Check out these essay introduction examples that use relevant, engaging facts to capture the reader’s attention:

“More than half of Iceland’s population believe that elves exist or that they possibly can exist. Although this might sound strange to foreigners, many of us have similar beliefs that would sound just as strange to those outside our cultures.”

“Undergraduate students involved in federal work-study programs earn an average of just $1,794 per year. That’s just slightly more than the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in our city.”

Relevance is key here. Make sure the fact you choose directly relates to the topic you’re covering in your essay. Otherwise, it will feel random, confusing, or at best, shoehorned into the essay. In any case, it will undermine your essay as a whole by making it seem like you don’t have a full grasp on your topic.

If you’re writing an expository or persuasive essay , including a shocking or amusing fact in your introduction can be a great way to pique your reader’s curiosity. The fact you present can be one that supports the position you argue in the essay or it can be part of the body of data your expository essay explains.

Ask a question

By asking a question in your essay opening, you’re directly inviting the reader to interact with your work. They don’t get to be a passive consumer; they’re now part of the conversation. This can be a very engaging way to start an essay.

Take a look at these examples of essay openings that use questions to hook readers:

“How many times have you been late to class because you couldn’t find parking? You’re not alone—our campus is in desperate need of a new parking deck.”

“How frequently do you shop at fast fashion retailers? These retailers include H&M, Zara, Uniqlo and other brands that specialize in inexpensive clothing meant for short-term use.”

Asking a question is an effective choice for a persuasive essay because it asks the reader to insert themselves into the topic or even pick a side. While it can also work in other kinds of essays, it really shines in any essay that directly addresses the reader and puts them in a position to reflect on what you’re asking.

Dramatize a scene

Another effective way to write an essay introduction is to dramatize a scene related to your essay. Generally, this approach is best used with creative essays, like personal statements and literary essays. Here are a few examples of essay introductions that immerse readers in the action through dramatized scenes:

“The rain pounded against the roof, loudly drowning out any conversations we attempted to have. I’d promised them I’d play the latest song I wrote for guitar, but Mother Earth prevented any concert from happening that night.”

“Imagine you’ve just gotten off an airplane. You’re hot, you’re tired, you’re uncomfortable, and suddenly, you’re under arrest.”

Beyond creative essays, this kind of opening can work when you’re using emotional appeal to underscore your position in a persuasive essay. It’s also a great tool for a dramatic essay, and could be just the first of multiple dramatized scenes throughout the piece.

Kick it off with a quote

When you’re wondering how to write an essay introduction, remember that you can always borrow wisdom from other writers. This is a powerful way to kick off any kind of essay. Take a look at these examples:

“‘The past is never dead. It’s not even past.’ —William Faulkner. In his novel Requiem for a Nun , our changing perspective of the past is a primary theme.”

“‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ —Nelson Mandela. Before I joined the military, boot camp seemed impossible. But now, it’s done.”

Just as in choosing a fact or statistic to open your essay, any quote you choose needs to be relevant to your essay’s topic . If your reader has to perform a web search for your quote to figure out how it relates to the rest of your essay, it’s not relevant enough to use. Go with another quote that your text can easily explain.

State your thesis directly

The most straightforward kind of essay introduction is one where you simply state your thesis. Take a look at these examples:

“Fraternity culture is dangerous and contrary to campus values. Banning it is in the campus community’s best interest.”

“We can’t afford to ignore the evidence any longer; we need climate action now.”

How to write an essay introduction

Pick the right tone for your essay.

You probably shouldn’t use a funny quote to start a persuasive essay on a serious subject. Similarly, a statistic that can evoke strong emotions in the reader might not be the right choice for an expository essay because it could potentially be construed as your attempt to argue for a certain viewpoint, rather than state facts.

Read your essay’s first paragraph aloud and listen to your writing’s tone. Does the opening line’s tone match the rest of the paragraph, or is there a noticeable tone shift from the first line or two to the rest? In many cases, you can hear whether your tone is appropriate for your essay. Beyond listening for the right tone, use Grammarly’s tone detector to ensure that your essay introduction—as well as the rest of your essay—maintains the right tone for the subject you’re covering.

When you’re stuck, work backwards

Starting an essay can be difficult. If you find yourself so caught up on how to write an essay introduction that you’re staring at a blank screen as the clock ticks closer to your deadline, skip the introduction and move onto your essay’s body paragraphs . Once you have some text on the page, it can be easier to go back and write an introduction that leads into that content.

You may even want to start from the very end of your essay. If you know where your essay is going, but not necessarily how it will get there, write your conclusion first. Then, write the paragraph that comes right before your conclusion. Next, write the paragraph before that, working your way backwards until you’re in your introduction paragraph. By then, writing an effective essay introduction should be easy because you already have the content you need to introduce.

Polish your essays until they shine

Got a draft of a great essay? Awesome! But don’t hit “submit” just yet—you’re only halfway to the finish line. Make sure you’re always submitting your best work by using Grammarly to catch misspelled words, grammar mistakes, and places where you can swap in different words to improve your writing’s clarity.

Can You Ask Questions in an Essay?

Luke MacQuoid

January 19, 2024

Have you ever wondered, “Can you start an essay with a question?” Well, as a seasoned IB writer, I’ve found that beginning with a question can be a powerful way to hook your reader. From my experience, this technique often sets the tone for a compelling and thought-provoking essay. However, it’s essential to know how to ask a question in an essay.

The Impact of Questions in Essays

In my extensive experience with the International Baccalaureate , starting an essay with a question serves several purposes. Primarily, it grabs the reader’s attention and sparks their curiosity. Starting an essay with a question sets your readers on a path of thoughtful engagement and prepares them for the content ahead.

Moreover, questions can effectively steer the direction of your essay, offering a focused approach to your argument. By introducing a question, you’re setting the stage for your essay’s path, inviting the reader to join you in considering the ideas presented. It is helpful in essays that deal with complex concepts or themes.

The effectiveness of a question in an essay depends significantly on its presentation. The context and wording of the question are as crucial as the question itself. A well-placed question can highlight a specific point, prompting readers to reflect and interact with your viewpoint. On the other hand, a question that’s not well thought out might lead to confusion or stray from the essay’s main topic.

Incorporating a question into your essay requires thoughtful consideration. It should be pertinent to the subject matter and formulated to match the tone and style of your essay. For example, a rhetorical question can effectively underscore your point in persuasive writing.

So, including questions in essays is an art that demands finesse and an understanding of the work’s objectives and audience. When used skillfully, a question can raise your writing from a straightforward narrative to an engaging interaction with your readers. It makes your essay a presentation of information and a meaningful conversation that lingers with the audience. By the way, in our blog, you can also read about creating research questions for extended essays.

Different Questions for Different Essays

As an experienced IB writer, I’ve noticed that the question type selection can significantly influence your essay’s impact. Here’s a breakdown:

Rhetorical Questions . These are questions asked for effect, with no answer expected. They’re helpful in persuasive or argumentative essays to emphasize a point. For instance, asking “What would the world be like without freedom?” in a human rights essay can provoke deep thinking.
Direct Questions . These are straightforward questions that demand an answer. They are excellent in narrative or descriptive essays, adding a conversational tone. A question like, “Have you ever experienced a moment of complete silence?” immediately draws the reader into the narrative.
Hypothetical Questions . These invite the reader to imagine a scenario. They work well in creative or speculative essays. For example, “What if we could travel through time?” This type of question opens up a realm of possibilities for discussion.
Reflective Questions . These ask the reader to pause and reflect on their experiences or opinions. They are particularly effective in reflective essays or personal narratives. A question like, “How does your childhood shape your view of the world?” encourages introspection.

Rhetorical questions can be powerful in swaying your reader’s opinion in persuasive essays, while direct questions are more suitable for engaging the reader in a narrative. Hypothetical questions stimulate the imagination, perfect for essays researching abstract concepts or theoretical scenarios. Reflective questions, meanwhile, are great for regular essays that aim to prompt personal introspection or self-evaluation.

Ultimately, the question choice should align with your essay’s tone and aim. It’s a strategic decision that, when made wisely, can improve the effectiveness of your writing and create a more memorable reading experience. As you write your essay, consider carefully which type of question will best support your thesis and engage your audience meaningfully.

How to Introduce a Question in an Essay?

How you introduce a question can significantly affect the reader’s engagement and the overall tone of your essay. It’s crucial to ensure that the question is not just thrown in but is an integral part of your narrative, leading the reader naturally into the heart of your essay’s argument or story.

Based on my experience in IB writing, there are several effective methods to incorporate questions into your essay seamlessly. Let’s look at these techniques.

1. Lead-In with Context

Before posing your question, provide some background information or context. This approach eases the reader into the topic. For instance, if writing about climate change, you could start with a brief overview of recent environmental changes before asking, “How will future generations be affected by our current environmental policies?”

2. Use a Hook

Start your essay with a captivating statement that naturally leads to your question. It can immediately pique the reader’s interest. For example, “Imagine a world where clean water is a luxury” can be a powerful opener before asking, “Is this the future we are heading towards?”

3. Transition from a Statement

Begin with a statement and then transition to a related question. This method can help in maintaining the flow of your essay. For instance, “The exploration of Mars has long fascinated humans” can be followed by, “But is a manned mission to Mars truly feasible soon?”

4. Quote to Question

Start with a relevant quote and then pose a question based on it. It adds authority to your essay and makes the question more impactful. For example, after quoting a famous scientist on space exploration, you might ask, “How close are we really to living among the stars?”

5. Challenge Common Beliefs

Present a commonly held belief or a popular opinion, then follow it with a question that challenges it. It can be particularly engaging in argumentative essays. You might say, “It’s a common belief that technology only benefits society,” and then ask, “But are there hidden costs to our rapid technological advancements?”

6. Illustrate a Scenario

Introducing a short, relevant story or hypothetical scenario can lead to a question. This method creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind, making the question more relatable. For example, describe a typical scene from a busy urban life before asking, “Is this relentless pace sustainable for our mental health?”

7. Connect with Current Events or Trends

Linking your question to a relevant current event or trend can make your essay immediately topical and engaging. For example, suppose you’re writing about online privacy. In that case, you might start with a reference to a recent news story about data breaches, followed by the question, “In an age where our every move is tracked online, how much privacy do we truly have left?”

Pros and Cons of Starting an Essay with a Question

Starting an essay with a question is often debated in academic writing. As an experienced IB writer, I’ve observed that this approach can be advantageous and challenging, depending on the context and execution. So, let’s analyze the benefits:

Starting with a question in the introduction can instantly engage the reader’s interest. A well-phrased question stimulates curiosity and encourages them to think actively, making them more invested in the essay. For instance, asking, “Can you imagine a world without the Internet?” immediately draws the reader into the topic.
A question at the beginning of an essay can provide a clear focus and direction for the rest of the piece. It sets the tone and lays out the central theme of the essay. This approach effectively answers the query, “Can you ask a question in an essay?”
Starting with a question prompts critical thinking in the reader. It challenges them to contemplate their views before digging into the essay’s arguments, creating a more interactive reading experience.

Now, we will look at the potential drawbacks of this method:

The main risk lies in overusing this technique. If every essay starts with a question, it can become predictable and lose its impact. It’s essential to use this approach judiciously.
In some cases, starting with a question might not align with the tone or style of the essay. Beginning with a question might seem informal or less authoritative for more formal or scholarly essays.
The effectiveness of this technique heavily relies on the quality of the question. A vague or irrelevant question can weaken the essay’s introduction and fail to capture the reader’s interest.

Need help with your IB extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the word count and stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for the selected IB group .

While contemplating “Should you start an essay with a question?” it’s crucial to consider the paper’s purpose, audience, and tone. It can be a powerful hook, but its success depends on its relevance, placement, and how it aligns with your essay’s overall theme. When used appropriately, it can create a compelling and thought-provoking start to your essay.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, can you ask questions in an essay? Absolutely. But it’s about finding the right balance and using them effectively. From my experience, well-placed questions can make your essay more engaging and memorable. So, next time you’re drafting an essay, consider starting with a thought-provoking question — it might just be the twist you need to keep your reader intrigued! Also, if you need help, just contact our Extended Essay Writers service experts.

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

Everyone who goes to college has heard of a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Students produce dozens of such essays throughout their educational careers. And there’s a good reason for it: according to the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, writing formal papers helps students demonstrate their progress towards educational goals and learn the compositional rules of different disciplines.

The picture enumerates the characteristics of a formal essay.

If you want to know how to write a formal essay, keep reading this comprehensive article by our custom-writing team. We will start by explaining what a formal essay is and then guide you through the writing process step by step. Next, we will examine formal essay’s format and provide you with a model sample paper. A collection of writing ideas is also included at the end of the article.

👔 Formal Essay Definition

✅ How to Write
✍️ Writing Rules
🖥️ Essay Format
📑 Sample Paper

🔍 References

A formal essay is a well-organized piece of writing with a straightforward introduction, body, and conclusion. This essay type often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While producing a formal paper, it’s necessary to support your claims with factual evidence.

What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?

Essays come in two formats: formal and informal (AKA personal .) They are distinct in style and context. You select between these options depending on the situation and the type of assignment required.

To tell them apart, simply keep an eye on these key aspects:

Informal essay is created to share an opinion or to entertain the reader.
Formal essay aims to critically analyze facts, details, and ideas to prove a point.

2. Pronouns use

Informal essay can address the reader directly and use 1st-person pronouns.
Formal essay uses 3rd-person pronouns and never addresses the reader.

3. Objectivity

Informal essay expresses the writer’s thoughts and tends to be more subjective.
Formal essay strives to be objective and uses argumentation to support its claims.

4. Structure

Informal essay doesn’t have to be rigidly structured.
Formal essay should be well-structured and logical.

5. Thesis statement

Informal essay’s thesis may be included in any section of the work or not explicitly stated at all.
Formal essay’s thesis is always clear-cut and situated in the opening paragraph.

6. Word choice

Informal essay often includes vernacular and expressive elements.
Formal essay uses jargon and rigid academic language.

So, these types of writing are almost total opposites. Informal essays are only reserved for creative assignments, which means that most of the papers you write need to be formal.

Our article on creative essays can help you write an informal paper. But how do you craft a perfect formal essay? Keep reading to find out.

✅ How to Write a Formal Essay

Traditionally, a formal essay it’s composed of 3 sections: an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s examine each part in detail.

Formal Essay Introduction

The introduction is what your essay opens with. Its primary goal is to capture the reader’s attention with a hook, concisely present the theme, and lead toward the thesis statement located at the end of the first paragraph.

Here is what you might want to keep in mind while writing the introduction:

It should be related to the topic and give the reader an overall idea of the paper.
It’s good to start your introduction with a quotation, an interesting fact, or a statistic.
Try not to make the introduction too far-fetched or in-your-face.
Avoid using questions in an introduction of a formal essay.

If you want some more inspiration for your introduction, check out our article on hooks in writing .

Now on to the thesis statement : the key idea of your essay. When working on it, keep in mind that it should answer the central question in your topic and reflect your essay’s overall structure. your essay’s overall structure.

Suppose your topic is related to the teaching methods involving poetry. In that case, the thesis statement can be like this:

Teaching methods that involve reading and writing poetry in elementary school are beneficial for children as they enhance their capacity for empathy, develop creativity, and help with self-realization.

Formal Essay Body

The next part of an essay is the main body paragraphs. They support the thesis statement with well-developed arguments and explore the topic in-depth. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence stating its main point. The length of a paragraph can vary, but the best option is to have between 4 and 7 sentences.

To make the text flow easily, you may use transitional words. Here are some examples:

after all, 
for instance, 
on the one/other hand, 
initially, 
as a result.

How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion

Lastly, every essay needs closure. A good conclusion summarizes the essay’s main ideas, includes a paraphrased thesis, and encourages the readers to think more about the topic.

The structure of a conclusion may change slightly depending on the subject. For instance, it can suggest some solutions to a problem, express an opinion, or give a recommendation. It’s important to remember that the conclusion is a part that emphasizes your essay’s most important points and doesn’t introduce new information.

If you’re curious about writing each essay part, check out our article on 5-paragraph essays .

✍️ Formal Writing Rules

Just like choosing the proper attire to wear to a formal event, we need to use the right words while writing a formal essay. Here are some suggestions that can help you maintain a formal tone in your paper:  

Dos of formal writing

Pay attention to your vocabulary. The words you will use in a formal essay will likely have a nuanced meaning. Make sure you know exactly what the terms mean, and do your best to sound precise.
Use punctuation correctly. If you’re unsure of whether to use a punctuation mark or not, rewrite the sentence in a way that doesn’t require it.
Use varied sentence structure. In formal writing, there is always a danger of sounding monotonous. Avoid repeating sentence structures to make your essay more readable.
Provide references. It’s essential to cite every idea that you borrow. Try to paraphrase quotations from your sources: it will help you avoid plagiarism.

Don’ts of formal writing

Avoid using pronouns. With words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” or “us,” an essay becomes informal. It also makes the author seem less sure of their claims.
Refrain from slang and nonstandard diction. Slang will make your formal work less appealing to the readers. If you want to be taken seriously, it’s best to avoid colloquial units and use proper Standard English.
Don’t use a casual tone. When composing a formal essay, incorporate the language and the expressions you would use while delivering a speech, not the words you use casually chatting with friends. An official tone suggests that you’re serious about the topic and respect your audience.
Avoid passive voice. Passive verbs are difficult to read, and they are wordy. Use active voice to sound more straightforward and succinct.

Contractions in Formal Writing

A contraction is typically a combination of two words with an apostrophe, such as “don’t,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” and “wouldn’t.” When you work on a formal essay, it’s essential to be careful about contractions. It’s inappropriate to use them in academic writing, so make sure to write the full variant.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when incorporating direct quotations, it’s essential to reproduce words exactly as they are put in the original, even the contractions. To learn more about it, be sure to check out the University of North Florida’s article on in-text citations .

What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay

Another common blunder students make is using the “you” and “yours” pronouns to address the readers. Doing this can make the text overly casual and lead to misinterpretations.

How do you fix it? Our advice is to replace 2nd-person pronouns with such words as:

individuals,

You can find more formal writing tips in this informative video from Smrt English:

Can You Use Parentheses in a Formal Essay?

It’s better to avoid using parentheses and dashes in formal academic writing. If the information you want to include in the essay is important enough, it should be a part of the sentence. Otherwise, you can simply omit it.

Can You Start a Sentence with “Because” in Formal Writing?

Starting your sentence with “because” in formal writing is not the best idea. The word “because” is a subordinate conjunction, which means it’s used to join the main clause to a subordinate clause, not to start a sentence.

🖥️ Formal Essay Format

Now that we’ve reviewed the writing process in depth, it’s time to examine the formatting. Formal essay type is normally written in MLA or APA style. If you’re required to use either of them, use these helpful guidelines:

Write your name, the instructor’s name, your class, and the date in the upper left corner of the 1st page.
Center the title and place it after the heading.
Write your last name and page number in the upper right corner.
Create a separate title page.
Make your title centered and written in boldface.
Add your name, instructor’s name, school affiliation, and date.
Write the number of each page in the upper right corner.

The remaining features are the same for both formats:

Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
Make your paper double-spaced without extra spacing between the paragraphs.
Add a 1-inch margin on each side of the page.
Make the opening line of each paragraph indented 1/5 inch.
Line up your text flush against the left margin.

📑 Formal Essay Example

Here is an excellent sample of a formal essay that uses all the guidelines mentioned in this article. It will help you to produce a perfect paper of your own:

Title: Adverse Effects of Sponsorship in the Sports Industry
Introduction: Sponsorship plays a significant role in the sports industry these days. Many sports associations, football leagues, and clubs are entering partnerships with famous brands. However, it does not mean that all sponsorship has a good impact. This essay argues that a questionable sponsorship may undermine the image of a sport or a team and adversely influence the viewers.
1st Body Paragraph: Important sports events such as FIFA or The Olympic Games are sponsored by brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Cadbury’s, and Budweiser. These are also brands that promote unhealthy lifestyles and foods that lack nutritional value and have high levels of sugar and saturated fats. Such kind of sponsorship aims to obtain a favorable change in the attitude toward the brand itself by connecting it with sport and a healthy lifestyle.
2nd Body Paragraph: While alcohol and junk food brands link themselves to sports bodies and active lifestyles, their main targets are children and sports fans. The growing popularity of products including potato chips, sugary drinks, and confectionary results in them being not simply a treat but a daily staple for many people. It creates various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.
3rd Body Paragraph: Finally, an association with a widely criticized brand is likely to damage the reputation of a team or even a sport itself (Crompton, 2014). People tend to expect their favorite teams to partner with fair, responsible sponsors. If the partnership is questionable, the fans may think that the sports body compromised their virtue for profit.
Conclusion: To sum up, some kinds of sponsorship, such as alcohol or junk food, may use the sport’s image to attract more people and increase sales. It leads to the excessive consumption of sponsored products by children and teenagers and causes various health issues. It is also likely to affect the public image of a sports body.

For more information, check out Purdue OWL’s resources on various formatting styles .

Formal Essay Topics

Stress management techniques
The effects of coffee
Negative effects of technology on children
Causes and outcomes of organizational conflicts in sports
Different types of friends
Same-sex marriages in the United States
Are early marriages harmful or beneficial?
How do nutrition and hydration improve athletes’ performance?
Is polygamy morally acceptable?
Different features of sports business
What characterizes friendship in the age of media?
Positive and negative effects of tourism on environment in the Caribbean
How does society treat single parents?
How does the uninvolved parenting style affect child’s future well-being?
The role of family relationships in Odyssey
Financial concepts in sport finance
Main features of a strong marriage
The importance of media coverage for sport teams
Reasons why students choose to get internship
The role of stadiums in the sports industry
The multiracial family: the Carters case analysis
Characteristics of children’s sports
Crucial factors affecting health fitness
How is technology used in hotel management?
Structure and operational context of Four Seasons
What are the main qualities of a true friend?
Different websites that promote rental properties
The imperative aspects of tourism
Importance of hotel training
What factors determine adolescents’ adjustment after they experience parental divorce?
How does tobacco use affect the human body?
The importance of language and world view for communication
What makes a combination of reinforcement and punishment in parenting efficient?
The scientific approach of sports economics
How does divorce affect children?
Living on-campus vs. living off-campus when attending university: a comparison
How does the New Moves program promote a healthy lifestyle?
How to be an effective counselor
Various types of restaurants in Ireland
Carolina Dog’s characteristics
Comparison of Monzameon’s The Love Suicides at Amijima and Tartuffe by Moliere
Comparing homosexual and heterosexual families
How is family presented in Everyday Use by Alice Walker ?
In what ways can Anaerobic Threshold be assessed?
Is bad parenting a healthcare problem?
Why student-athletes should benefit from sports
Mind-body awareness and its health benefits
Can punishment boost academic performance?
Techniques to teach students swimming
Issues faced by the sports licensing field

Thanks for reading through this guide! We hope that you found it helpful and now have a better idea of how to write an excellent formal essay. Don’t hesitate to share our article with a friend who may need it. Good luck!

Can You Ask Questions in an Essay?

Many students wonder, “Can you ask questions in an essay?” when they are setting out to write one. As a teacher of IB writing for many years, I know how strong inquiries can be for keeping readers interested, forming an argument, and drawing attention to important ideas.

Using questions in an essay, on the other hand, needs careful planning and placement . Based on my experience, the way you ask one can either support your point of view or take away from it. So, let’s look at some good ways to use questions.

Why Use Questions in Essays?

I believe asking questions in an essay is an excellent way for the reader to stop and think. If you ask a good question at the right time, it makes people think about what you’re talking about instead of quietly taking it in. This method works well because it gives your writing a casual tone that makes it feel like you’re talking directly to the reader.

It’s almost like you’re sitting next to them and directing their thoughts while you talk about your subject. In my experience, this strategy can keep your readers interested from start to finish, especially in IB essays.

So, can you ask a question in an essay? Yes, and when used correctly, it can do amazing things. For example, asking something that makes people curious or pushes their point of view can get them more involved with your case.

Using questions in an Extended Essay can also help readers understand difficult points. From what I’ve seen, especially in IB writing, some subjects can be hard because they have many different parts and shades. Using questions to break up these ideas is a smart way to help the reader follow your thinking. This method works well for academic essays, where clarity is crucial for good communication.

Learn the essentials of crafting a strong claim in an essay and improve the quality of your writing with our expert guidance.

Types of Questions You Can Ask in an Essay

I’ll talk about some of the most powerful types of questions you can ask in an essay and give you examples of how they can make your writing better below.

Rhetorical Questions

Using rhetorical questions, you can make a strong point without expecting an answer. The good thing about these questions is that they gently lead readers to a specific opinion without making them answer.

For example, if you want to stop cutting down trees, you could ask, “Can we afford to lose our forests?” This question emphasizes how serious the problem is and makes people think about the effects of cutting down trees without expecting a straight answer.

Rhetorical questions work well in persuasive essays. They can make your audience think, stress results, or make people feel something.

Hypothetical Questions

Hypothetical questions, often called “what if,” get people to think about different possible futures or scenarios. From what I’ve seen, such queries work best in critical and persuasive essays because they make people think about more than just the particular case.

For example, the question, “What if governments invested more in renewable energy?” makes readers think critically about the subject.

Think about these situations where hypothetical questions could help your writing:

In policy discussions . “What if everyone, regardless of income, could get health care?”
To think about what might be possible in science . “What if we found a way to stop climate change?”
When discussing ethical dilemmas . “What if technology allowed us to change our memories?”

Hypothetical questions are an excellent way to start your essay or guess what might happen.

Open-Ended Questions

Unlike a rhetorical and hypothetical question, an open-ended one doesn’t have a clear answer. Instead, it leaves it up to the reader to decide what they think, making it perfect for essays about big societal problems or philosophy.

If you’re thinking about using an open-ended question, here are some excellent ways to do it:

To end a strong case or part of writing . Open-ended questions allow readers to think about the topic more deeply.
To get the person to think about themselves . “What part do we each play in fighting social inequality?”
For discussing complex societal issues . “How can we balance technological progress with environmental responsibility?”

When you want to leave an impression on people, I think open-ended questions work well in IB essays. They can be used as triggers for reflection, getting people to think about what your point means even after they’re done reading it.

Struggling with formal writing? Our article on words to avoid in an essay provides a complete list of problematic phrases and better alternatives.

Should You Start an Essay With a Question?

Posing a question can be an exciting way to introduce your subject in an essay. Starting with an inquiry gets people’s attention and makes the tone more casual.

But can you start an essay with a question every time? Not all the time. From what I’ve seen, this method works best when directly related to a complex subject . But if you use this method too often, it might make your opening feel like a formula.

A good starting question can interest people, which makes them want to keep reading. If your essay is about climate change, for example, starting with “Is our planet in danger?” can get people to think deeply about the subject.

On the other hand, a question that is too general could make your opening less strong. So, if you’re considering starting an essay with a question, choose one that adds value.

How to Introduce a Question in an Essay?

I’ve compiled a list of the best ways to introduce a question in an essay. Each can help you get your point across without getting in the way of the flow of your writing.

1. Make Transitions

You can make your essay move smoothly by using questions to connect different parts or points. Say you’ve given one point of view and now want to make a counterargument .

A question like, “But what if there’s another side to this issue?” can help the change feel natural. This method makes it easy for readers to move from one point to the next, which keeps your case flowing.

2. Place an Emphasis

Questions meant to make you think, like rhetorical or reflective questions, don’t need an answer. This method works exceptionally well in critical and persuasive writings where you want people to stop and think about your point of view.

For instance, “Is economic growth worth giving up environmental protection?” People who read this question should consider economic strategies’ moral and social aspects without expecting a solution.

3. Research Different Scenarios

Hypothetical questions, also known as “what if” questions, get people to think about what might happen or what could happen in the future. This method works great for subjects whose results are unclear or could be different.

When talking about artificial intelligence, for instance, you could start with a question like, “What if AI surpasses human intelligence?” This question makes people think about what might happen in the future, which gives your research more meaning.

4. Encourage Reflection

You might want to end a part with an open-ended question sometimes, especially if the topic of your essay is psychological or moral. These prompts get people to think more deeply about what they’ve read or come to their conclusions.

For example, in an essay about global inequality, ending a section with “How should we, as a global community, deal with these differences?” makes the reader consider the bigger picture.

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How to Ask a Question in an Essay?

An appropriately used question can present a new idea, stress a point, or direct the reader’s thoughts in a certain way. But how do you ask a good question in an essay? From what I’ve seen, there are a few things you can do to make sure your query adds to your case instead of taking away from it.

First, ensure your question is related to the subject and helps your main point. An excellent query can help you organize your thoughts and direct the reader’s attention to the most critical parts of your essay.

Some ways to ask questions in an essay are listed below:

To make a strong point, use rhetorical questions. Like, “Can we ignore the effects of climate change?”
Ask “what if” questions, like “What if everyone cut down on their carbon footprint?” to look into different possible outcomes.
Ask people open-ended questions like, “What role will we play in solving this issue?” to get them to think.

Last, make sure your question is short and clear. Don’t ask questions that are too hard to understand or unclear. In my view, a well-placed question keeps your essay interesting and shows that you can carefully guide the reader through your case. Using this method correctly can give your writing more meaning and keep people interested in what you have to say.

Final Thoughts

So, can you ask questions in an essay? Of course! When used carefully, questions can give your writing more meaning, clarity, and mystery. They’re great for adding new ideas, making cases more potent, and breaking down complex concepts into simpler ones that are easier to understand. However, they work best when used in balance and with a clear goal, just like any other good writing tool.

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If you are writing in a new discipline, you should always make sure to ask about conventions and expectations for introductions, just as you would for any other aspect of the essay. For example, while it may be acceptable to write a two-paragraph (or longer) introduction for your papers in some courses, instructors in other disciplines, such as those in some Government courses, may expect a shorter introduction that includes a preview of the argument that will follow.
In some disciplines (Government, Economics, and others), it’s common to offer an overview in the introduction of what points you will make in your essay. In other disciplines, you will not be expected to provide this overview in your introduction.
Avoid writing a very general opening sentence. While it may be true that “Since the dawn of time, people have been telling love stories,” it won’t help you explain what’s interesting about your topic.
Avoid writing a “funnel” introduction in which you begin with a very broad statement about a topic and move to a narrow statement about that topic. Broad generalizations about a topic will not add to your readers’ understanding of your specific essay topic.
Avoid beginning with a dictionary definition of a term or concept you will be writing about. If the concept is complicated or unfamiliar to your readers, you will need to define it in detail later in your essay. If it’s not complicated, you can assume your readers already know the definition.
Avoid offering too much detail in your introduction that a reader could better understand later in the paper.
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Can You Ask Questions in an Essay? (What You Should Know)

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by Antony W

February 27, 2023

can you ask questions in an essay explained

Essays are argumentative in nature. You must take a stance on an issue and use evidence and reason to convince an audience that your point of view if ultimately the most convincing. But can you ask questions in an essay?

You can ask questions in an essay provided they lead to an idea or concrete answers. If you don’t intend to give an answer to a question, don’t ask. Also, instead of asking a direct rhetorical question, consider using a rhetorical statement.

We tend to shy away from asking questions in essay because it’s hardly the intention. We emphasize more on answering questions and investigating issues, as these are what readers want.

However, there may be instances when it makes sense to ask questions. So we’ll look at two things in this guide:

Why you should not ask questions in an essay
When it makes sense to ask questions in an essay

What is the Goal of Essay Writing?

An essay is a type of an assignment intended to draw people to engage to your argument and consider your position, even if what you stand for conflicts with their beliefs.

If you can get your audience to read your essay, you’ll have communicated and met your goal.

Essay writing is a process that starts with in-depth research, identification of relevant sources, and development of an outline to organize thoughts and ideas. Moving further, you have to grab readers’ attention with a strong and arguable hook and develop a strong statement of declaration that gives them the spark to read on.

Because essay writing is about drawing readers in on a significant issue, asking questions may add little value to the context. Still, it helps to learn when to ask a question and when not to do so at all.

Can You Ask Questions in an Essay?

Sometimes the temptation to ask questions in an essay feels almost irresistible. However, including questions in formal writing is a bad idea and it’s therefore something you want to avoid.

From an academics standpoint, here’s why it’s a bad idea to ask questions in an essay:

1. Don’t Ask Questions You Don’t Intend to Answer

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when writing an essay is to ask questions you don’t have the intention to answer.

It leaves a reader with a why or so what question, which is annoying.

Readers need answers to the research question that you proposed to explore. Therefore, every idea you introduce, every word you write, and every answer you give must contribute toward answering the question.

2. Questions Make Readers Lose Focus

If you ask questions in an essay and not answer them, you leave every reader hanging on a cliff with no clear direction.

So if you raise a question in your assignment, ensure you tell your reader why your essay cannot resolve or give a convincing response to the question.

Don’t just give a general answer simply because you don’t want to provoke the reader. Instead, focus on giving useful insights to the arguments you’re trying to build.

When to Ask Questions in an Essay

While we maintain a strong stand that you should avoid asking questions in an essay, there are instances when it makes sense to do so.

In the Introduction

An introduction is the most important part of an essay. It’s also the hardest part of the assignment.

If you think about it, the human attention span dropped from 12 to 8 seconds , which means you have a small window of opportunity to convince your audience that your essay is worth reading.

The best and the most effective way to grab their attention fast for the first 8 seconds is to start your essay with a hook. Asking a question can come in quite handy here since it can easily hook them in. Then, you can give a clear answer to the question in the body part of your essay.

If Followed by an Answer

Don’t be the student who asks questions in an essay and then leave it to the readers to figure out the answer. That can be so provocative that it forces your instructor to a point of losing the interest to read the essay. If you have to ask a question, make sure you follow it with an answer.

Remember, questions without answers are just but filler words in an essay. Not to mention that sometimes they can act as a trap that transfers the responsibility of answering the question from a writer to a reader, which is very unacceptable.

One last thing to keep in mind is that you should ask questions only if it’s necessary. Often, less is more, and given that your audience needs answers more than they expect to see questions in your essay.

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About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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How to Start An Essay? Essential Guide To Start Essay

Have you been given an essay writing assignment at school? Do you find yourself gazing at a blank screen, unsure where to begin?

Essay writing can be difficult, and knowing how to start an essay successfully is crucial. Why?

"The first impression is the final impression," as you've probably heard.

Similarly, the first impression you make on the reader with any piece of writing sets the tone for the rest of the content. This allows them to decide whether or not they want to continue reading it. As a result, the opening is a very important section of any paper or essay. Some people prefer to ask questions, while others enjoy telling fascinating stories. Whatever you use ways to start an essay, keep in mind that it must remain relevant to the issue at hand.

So if you're stuck at this point and don't know where to start, you've come to the perfect place.

This guide can assist you in writing the first sentence of a class essay faster and with a level of professionalism that generally requires years of practice.

Bookmark this post so you may come back to it whenever you need to know how to start off an essay to acquire ideas for your introduction!

Best Way to Start an Essay Introduction-

The first few paragraphs of any piece of writing are the most crucial. They help in capturing the reader's attention and deciding whether or not to devote their time. Similarly, in an essay, the opening serves as a road map and establishes the tone for the remainder of the text.

As we previously stated, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing an essay. But one thing to keep in mind is that your introduction should be both interesting and instructive.

You must employ a hook sentence to make your work intriguing and to catch the reader's attention with the first line.

1. Hook and Hold the Attention of the Readers

For starting an essay, an essay hook is the first line that grabs the reader's interest and motivates them to continue reading.

A hook sentence, on the other hand, does not serve as a replacement for the introduction. Instead, it provides an intriguing start to your article. You can use several different types of hooks. You might start your essay with a quote or some rhetorical questions, for example.

You can utilize any of the following hooks, depending on the nature and topic of your essay:

Personal Story
Common Misconceptions

For example, if you're writing an argumentative essay about the advantages of foreign disinvestment, you may begin by asking, "Is it correct to assert that foreign disinvestment is beneficial to a country's growth?" And then answer it in your essay.

2. Give Some Background Context

After you've grabbed the reader's interest, it's time to introduce the topic. To make it easy for them to understand what is being discussed in the essay, tell them of the key point and provide background information.

Make certain not to confuse the reader with additional information at this point. You don't want them to become overwhelmed by too much information and give up reading. Your background information may include the following, depending on your essay topic:

An outline addressing the topic you're debating
Definitions of important terms
A synopsis of your study subject or hypothesis
Any historical, social, or geographic setting is acceptable.

Simply provide enough information to acquaint them with the overall concept in order to make it easier to understand. Only use reputable and authentic sources when looking for information about your topic.

Before you begin writing, you must conduct extensive research. This is an unavoidable step of the essay writing process.

3. Include a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the final component of an essay introduction. The thesis statement summarises the entire thought and expresses the essay's principal goal.

The thesis statement's function is to establish a claim about the issue and to captivate the reader, making them want to read all the way through.

A thesis statement should be debatable rather than relying on facts that the reader already accepts. Your teacher is looking for something intriguing and engaging to read, and the only way to do so is to present them with new and debatable material.

A good thesis statement is one that is debatable, defendable, and enlightening. After you've completed your essay introduction, you'll move on to the body portion.

4. Define the Structure of your Essay

Ending the introduction with a summary of what will be addressed in each section might help your reader understand where they are going. It's best to keep it short and sweet, with no superfluous details that detract from the main point.

5. Proofread and Revise your Essay

Waiting till the end of the writing process to compose your introduction paragraph is a fantastic idea.

As you study, you'll learn more, which may alter how you want to create an argument for your essay. So it's best not to start with the first thing that comes to mind because it may turn out to be incorrect later.

Return to your introduction after finishing the essay body and conclusion. Examine the order in which your data is presented. Check to see if the thesis statement in the introduction corresponds to the reasons in the body and conclusion paragraphs.

After that, check over your work again to look for grammatical errors and sentence structure. These may appear to be little errors, but they can have a significant impact on the final grade of an essay.

Various Ways to Start an Essay-

You now have a better understanding of the factors deciding when and how to start an essay. The following are some of the numerous ways you might begin your academic essay.

How to Start an Essay-

With a question:.

One of the simplest and most effective strategies to catch the interest of your readers is to start an essay with an intriguing question. As a result, the reader will reflect on the essay topic and be curious to see how the author responded to the query. However, think about the type and character of the question you wish to ask in your essay. Here are a few examples of question types:

Specific question: To capture the attention of the reader, ask them something specific relating to the issue. This inquiry should either be followed by your response or use human curiosity to persuade the reader to try to give their own answer and continue reading.

Rhetorical question: pose a philosophical inquiry that does not require a solution but encourages the reader to consider their own viewpoint. However, other academics argue that rhetorical questions should not be used in academic essays because an essay should not provide responses in the form of further questions. As a result, it's best suited to more casual or creative writing, such as persuasive or argumentative papers.

Riddle or joke: Start with a funny joke or a riddle with an unexpected answer. This isn't the most straightforward method to begin an essay, but if done effectively, it can have a significant impact. When creating less formal forms of essays, it's best to experiment with this one.

With a Quote:

If you wish to start an essay with a quotation, you should avoid using a famous statement or one of those inspirational quotes because they may not perform well in academic writing and are often overused. Choose someone who is closely relevant to the topic of your essay, such as an author or researcher whose work you cited in your thesis.

With an Anecdote:

Anecdotes are short stories that describe a real-life occurrence, such as a single incident or a series of events. It should support the major point you're making throughout your essay. It doesn't have to be a lesson in and of itself; instead, it should act as an illustration of your major argument.

Anecdotes are a great method to start an essay because they usually have a "wow" effect and keep the reader interested. It's great for using in narrative writing and college admission essays.

With an Interesting or Fun Fact:

Another approach to start an essay is to use a shocking figure or fact that relates to your main theme. Choose something that is either unfamiliar or surprising or both. Everyone enjoys reading interesting and entertaining facts since they provide useful background knowledge on the subject. If you're writing a serious essay, you can start with some stunning data to get your reader's attention right away.

Starting an Essay: Some Tips & Suggestions-

Writing the first hook line at the end is something that is often told by teachers to students while giving away tips for writing an essay. It's also logical. It is something that merely serves to help you draw the reader's attention to your essay and effectively introduce your key idea. It should be straightforward to choose a hook for your piece once you've finished it.

Here are a few DON'Ts to keep in mind:

Using Dictionary style: Avoid dull definitions by using dictionary style. For example, in your introduction, leave out the "environment" explanation from a biology textbook.
Being repetitive: Don't make the introduction sound like a broken record by repeating it over and over. It's preferable to keep it brief but unambiguous.
Dry facts: Absolutely, your essay must have a strong thesis point. It shouldn't, however, be something like, "Protecting nature is really necessary."
Not detailed enough: Your introduction should not be too general. Your introduction should get right to the point and be related to your major topic.

The Final Takeaway-

If you want to produce an engaging essay, take the time to plan an intriguing start. Our professional specialists have offered the best tips to start an essay. Confidence is essential; let the audience know right away how amazing your paper is.

If you're still having trouble with how to start an essay, expert online homework help services like TutorChamps can assist you. We are regularly changing our paper writing service in light of this critical analysis so that consumers are delighted with our writing essays. The following are some of the important sorts of writing that we offer as part of our paper writing service:

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Our firm, TutorChamps, gives the best essay writing service since it delivers authentic writing papers service in the shortest time feasible. Our organization checks all the boxes for being a dependable and effective writing essay service for students.

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🌷 Hook sentences for essays examples. 7 Types of Hook with a Hook Example of Each for Your Help
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Can You Start an Essay with a Question? Exploring Effective ...
In summary, while traditional advice may discourage starting an essay with a question, it can be an effective strategy when employed thoughtfully. By considering the context, relevance, and structure of your essay, you can harness the power of questions to create a compelling introduction that captivates your audience.
How to Start an Essay: 13 Engaging Strategies - ThoughtCo
Aug 9, 2024 · Pose a Question Related to Your Subject . A thought-provoking way to start an essay is by asking a relevant question that needs to be unpacked. Follow up the question with an answer, or an invitation for your readers to answer the question.
How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples) | Paperpal
Mar 21, 2024 · 4. What are some strategies for starting an essay introduction? The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question,
How to Start an Essay: 7 Tips for an Essay Introduction ...
Apr 14, 2023 · The fact you present can be one that supports the position you argue in the essay or it can be part of the body of data your expository essay explains. Ask a question. By asking a question in your essay opening, you’re directly inviting the reader to interact with your work. They don’t get to be a passive consumer; they’re now part of the ...
How to Ask a Question in an Essay | Effective Strategies
Jan 19, 2024 · A question at the beginning of an essay can provide a clear focus and direction for the rest of the piece. It sets the tone and lays out the central theme of the essay. This approach effectively answers the query, “Can you ask a question in an essay?” Starting with a question prompts critical thinking in the reader.
How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example
Nov 25, 2024 · If you want to know how to write a formal essay, keep reading this comprehensive article by our custom-writing team. We will start by explaining what a formal essay is and then guide you through the writing process step by step. Next, we will examine formal essay’s format and provide you with a model sample paper.
Can You Ask Questions in an Essay? Effective Writing Tips
Nov 18, 2024 · Types of Questions You Can Ask in an Essay. I’ll talk about some of the most powerful types of questions you can ask in an essay and give you examples of how they can make your writing better below. Rhetorical Questions. Using rhetorical questions, you can make a strong point without expecting an answer.
Introductions | Harvard College Writing Center
An explanation of what’s at stake in your essay, or why anyone would need to read an essay that argues this thesis You will know why your essay is worth writing if you are trying to answer a question that doesn’t have an obvious answer; to propose a solution to a problem without one obvious solution; or to point out something that others ...
Can You Ask Questions in an Essay? (What You Should Know)
Feb 27, 2023 · From an academics standpoint, here’s why it’s a bad idea to ask questions in an essay: 1. Don’t Ask Questions You Don’t Intend to Answer. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when writing an essay is to ask questions you don’t have the intention to answer. It leaves a reader with a why or so what question, which is annoying.
How to Start An Essay? Essential Guide To Start Essay
Jul 21, 2023 · You now have a better understanding of the factors deciding when and how to start an essay. The following are some of the numerous ways you might begin your academic essay. How to Start an Essay-With a Question: One of the simplest and most effective strategies to catch the interest of your readers is to start an essay with an intriguing question.

Can You Start an Essay with a Question? Understanding the Basics

Examples of Essays That Start with a Question: Inspiration for Your Writing

How to Start an Essay: 13 Engaging Strategies

State Your Thesis Briefly and Directly

Pose a Question Related to Your Subject

State an Interesting Fact About Your Subject

Present Your Thesis as a Recent Discovery or Revelation

Briefly Describe the Primary Setting of Your Essay

Recount an Incident That Dramatizes Your Subject

Use the Narrative Strategy of Delay

Use the Historical Present Tense

Briefly Describe a Process That Leads Into Your Subject

Reveal a Secret or Make a Candid Observation

Open with a Riddle, Joke, or Humorous Quotation

Offer a Contrast Between Past and Present

Offer a Contrast Between Image and Reality

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Examples of essay introduction

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Expository Essay Introduction Example

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How to Start an Essay: 7 Tips for a Knockout Essay Introduction

Intriguing ways to start an essay

Share a shocking or amusing fact

Ask a question

Dramatize a scene

Kick it off with a quote

State your thesis directly

How to write an essay introduction

When you’re stuck, work backwards

Polish your essays until they shine

Can You Ask Questions in an Essay?

Table of Contents

The Impact of Questions in Essays

Different Questions for Different Essays

How to Introduce a Question in an Essay?

1. Lead-In with Context

2. Use a Hook

3. Transition from a Statement

4. Quote to Question

5. Challenge Common Beliefs

6. Illustrate a Scenario

7. Connect with Current Events or Trends

Pros and Cons of Starting an Essay with a Question

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How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

👔 Formal Essay Definition

🔍 References

What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?

✅ How to Write a Formal Essay

Formal Essay Introduction

Formal Essay Body

How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion

✍️ Formal Writing Rules

Contractions in Formal Writing

What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay

Can You Use Parentheses in a Formal Essay?

Can You Start a Sentence with “Because” in Formal Writing?

🖥️ Formal Essay Format

📑 Formal Essay Example

Formal Essay Topics

Can You Ask Questions in an Essay?

Why Use Questions in Essays?

Types of Questions You Can Ask in an Essay

Rhetorical Questions

Hypothetical Questions

Open-Ended Questions

Should You Start an Essay With a Question?

How to Introduce a Question in an Essay?

1. Make Transitions

2. Place an Emphasis

3. Research Different Scenarios

4. Encourage Reflection

Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)  