1. Start with a compelling hook: This could be a surprising statistic, a provocative question, a vivid anecdote, a relevant quote, or a brief, intriguing story. The goal is to immediately pique the reader's curiosity and make them want to learn more. For example, instead of "This essay will discuss the impact of social media," you might start with "The average teenager spends over seven hours a day on social media—more time than they spend sleeping."
2. Establish a relatable connection: Show the reader why this topic matters to *them*. Connect the topic to their experiences, concerns, or aspirations. This creates a sense of shared understanding and makes the reader feel personally invested in what you're saying. For example, instead of beginning with a general statement about climate change, you could start with "Remember that scorching summer? The one where the air conditioning struggled to keep up and wildfires filled the sky with smoke?"
3. Create a sense of mystery or suspense: Tease the main point without revealing it completely. This leaves the reader wanting to know more and keeps them engaged as they read further. For example, instead of directly stating your argument, you might start with a sentence like, "What if I told you that the seemingly harmless act of [action] is actually contributing to [problem]?" and then gradually reveal the answer.