1. Essay BEGINNINGS Six Ideas about Starting a Paper

2. Strategy #1 Quote from Individual “I have learned over the years that when one‘s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” Then continue with… “And so we meet Rosa Parks”… or “Let me introduce you to Rosa Parks.”

3. Strategy #2 Powerful. Punchy. Direct. “Single-minded. Committed. Self- sacrificing. So we find Nelson Mandela strategically planning for the future of a free South Africa.” You choose the three of the same kind of words… nouns, adjectives, or adverbs -- the three words are all the same type.

4. Strategy #3 Compare and Contrast Contrast two opposites. An idyllic image of childhood compared to the reality of Anne Frank and thousands of others like her.

5. Example of Contrast Many young people today think of school and friends, but Anne and her family hid for two years in a secret compartment trying to outlive the reign of terror of the Nazis.

6. Strategy #4 Definition of Key Word “ Equality” - a dictionary might say that equality is a state of being equal in status, rights, and opportunities and shows no discrimination.

7. An Anti-Discrimination Policy reads, “(Name of provider) does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. No person shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of any service, or be subjected to discrimination because of race, color, nationality, religion, sex, age, disability.” Example of Key Word

8. Strategy #5 Power of Conviction Your opening sentence carries the weight of your conviction! Imagine being inspired, being convinced that what you had to say mattered greatly. How are you going to convince people of the importance of your research?

9. Strategy #6 Include a Prologue Explain why you the researcher were drawn or interested in this topic. Comes before the actual informational text.

10. How to Start a Paper Strategy #1Quote Strategy #2Three Powerful, Punchy, Direct Words Strategy #3Compare & Contrast Strategy #4Key Word Definition Strategy #5Powerful Sentence Strategy #6Include a Prologue