How to Start Your First Body Paragraph: 8 Useful Strategies

Introduction

Writing the introduction of an essay is often the hardest part, but following it up with the first body paragraph can also be a challenge. It’s important to start your body paragraph with a strong statement or opinion that will capture the reader’s attention. In this article, we’ll explore eight useful strategies for starting your first body paragraph.

Begin with a Strong Statement or Opinion

Beginning with a strong statement or opinion is a great way to grab the reader’s attention and set the tone of your paper. When crafting your statement or opinion, make sure to use active language and clearly express your point of view. For example, rather than writing “Global warming is a serious problem,” you could write “The effects of global warming are already being felt around the world, and urgent action must be taken to address this issue.”

Introduce an Interesting Fact or Statistic

Opening your body paragraph with an interesting fact or statistic can be an effective way to engage the reader. To find relevant facts and figures, consult reliable sources such as government databases, research studies, and surveys. For instance, you might start your body paragraph with the statement “According to a survey conducted by the World Wildlife Fund, over one million species of plants and animals are currently facing extinction due to human activity.”

Ask a Thought-Provoking Question

Asking a thought-provoking question at the beginning of your body paragraph can help draw the reader in and encourage them to think critically about the topic. You can ask rhetorical questions, open-ended questions, or questions that require specific answers. For example, you could start your body paragraph with the question “What can we do to reduce our carbon footprint?”

Make an Analogy or Reference to a Common Saying

Using an analogy or referencing a common saying can be a creative way to start your body paragraph. When making an analogy, try to relate the topic to something familiar that the reader can easily understand. For instance, you might begin your body paragraph with the statement “It’s time to take climate change seriously – the future of our planet is like a game of Jenga, and each piece we remove puts us one step closer to collapse.”

Use a Quote or Anecdote from an Expert

Beginning your body paragraph with a quote or anecdote from an expert can be a powerful way to add credibility to your argument. When selecting a quote or anecdote, make sure it is relevant to your topic and provides additional insight. For example, you might start your body paragraph with the statement “As former President Barack Obama said, ‘We must come together to confront the existential threat of climate change.'”

Start with a Vivid Description of the Topic

Starting your body paragraph with a vivid description can be a great way to engage the reader and draw them into the discussion. When writing a description, focus on sensory details such as sights, smells, sounds, and textures. For example, you might begin your body paragraph with the statement “The air is thick with smoke, and the sky is painted an eerie shade of orange – these are just some of the devastating effects of forest fires.”

Conclusion

Starting your body paragraph with a strong statement or opinion, interesting fact or statistic, thought-provoking question, analogy or reference, expert quote or anecdote, and vivid description are just some of the strategies you can use to kick off your paper. Remember to always back up your points with evidence and be sure to include additional resources if needed. With practice and dedication, you’ll be able to craft compelling body paragraphs in no time.