Beginnings, Middles and Endings


Beginnings

 

Seven possible ways to Begin your essay:

 

1. The Statement: This is the most commonly used opening, and it does not serve as an attention-getter, but it does state your topic very clearly. 

 

2. The Generalization: Another common introduction that simply introduces your topic with a broad statement. 

 

3. The Scare-Headline Tactic:  This should be used judiciously as it causes a strong reaction in your reader.  Only use it when you want to make a strong impression.

 

4. The Question:  Begin by asking one or two questions related to your topic.  Lead in to your thesis statement from this point.

 

5. The Quotation:  If it is relevant it can give authority to your topic by including from a famous person.

 

6. The Summary:  It tells your reader several possible approaches in dealing with your chosen topic.  The introduction then mentions the specific approach that will be used for the paper.

 

7. The Analogy:  A comparison that will be sustained figuratively throughout the paragraph.

 

Middles

 

Your essay should have a purpose and a sense of direction.  The middle of your piece of writing should have examples to help support your thesis statement.  Your paragraphs should be organized by order of importance or which argument is stronger or more persuasive.

 

Endings

 

Ending a piece of writing can be a difficult task.  Your conclusion should summarize your writing in a new and interesting way.  The best ending of a piece of writing is one that satisfies the expectations that your beginning and middle have built up in your reader.  No matter how well written your piece is, a poor conclusion will ruin its effect for a reader.