An example of a first paragraph in an essay is as follows:


The idea here is that using more than one design for your paragraphs usually makes the essay more engaging. Remember that monotony can make a reader quickly lose interest, so feel free to change it up.


The first paragraph of an essay shows the reader what the subject of your essay will be, some background information on the subject, and your main argument about that subject.

The first paragraph is the introductory paragraph of an essay. It appears at the very beginning of the essay. It introduces the topic, provides background information, and provides a roadmap to the essay.

What does the first paragraph show in an essay?

Though a body paragraph should always begin with a topic sentence and end with proof of your objective — sometimes with a direct connection to the essay’s thesis — you don’t need to include the transition in that paragraph; instead, you may insert it right before the topic sentence of the next paragraph.

To transition from the introductory paragraph to the first body paragraph, write a topic sentence that states the point of that body paragraph. You can use sentence starters like First, Before, Currently, Importantly, and Clearly for a smoother transition.

As well as harmony between parent and child, music represents the lasting bond between romantic couples. Shakespeare illustrates this tunefulness in the relationship between Viola and Orsino. Viola’s name evokes a musical instrument that fits between violin and cello when it comes to the depth of tone. Orsino always wants to hear sad songs until he meets Viola, whose wit forces him to be less gloomy. The viola’s supporting role in an orchestra, and Orsino’s need for Viola to break out of his depression, foreshadow the benefits of the forthcoming marriage between the two. The viola is necessary in both lamenting and celebratory music. Shakespeare uses the language of orchestral string music to illustrate how the bonds of good marriages often depend on mediating between things.

Here is an example of a well-structured body paragraph, and the beginning of another body paragraph, from an essay on William Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night.” See whether you can identify the topic sentence and its development, the evidence, the writer’s analysis and proof of the objective, and the transition to the next paragraph.


How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples - Scribbr

Second, every three or four paragraphs, or where it seems most fitting, tie your proven claim back to the paper’s thesis statement on page 1. Doing so makes a concrete link between your discussion and the essay’s main claim.

How to begin a new paragraph. Useful linking words and phrases.

This next step consists of two parts. First, tie up your body paragraph by restating the topic sentence. Be sure to use different language so that your writing is not repetitive. Whereas the first step states what your paragraph will prove, this step states what your paragraph has proven.

r/GetStudying on Reddit: How to write an introduction to your essay

Each part of the first paragraph is a different color. Pay attention to these different parts. How do they work together to grab the reader's attention and introduce the subject?

How to Write an Essay: Introduction Paragraph (with Worksheet)

Now, it’s time to develop the claims in your paragraph’s topic sentence by explaining or expanding all the individual parts. In other words, you’ll parse out the discussion points your paragraph will address to support its topic sentence.

Learn how to write an essay starting with the introduction paragraph

Make it clear what your topic is about exactly. For example, you might explain the positions of the authors you are comparing. You might describe the problem you are solving. Or you might summarize the text you are analyzing. Keep your introduction direct and simple.

The first paragraph is the introductory paragraph of an essay

Consider the first sentence in a body paragraph a mini-thesis statement for that paragraph. The topic sentence should establish the main point of the paragraph and bear some relationship to the essay’s overarching thesis statement.