First Paragraph

Importance of a First Paragraph

The first paragraph is important because it grabs the reader's attention, provides necessary background information on your topic, and prepares the reader for what is coming later in the essay. Without the first paragraph, you risk dropping the reader into your argument without any introduction. This makes things more difficult to understand. The first paragraph is prime real estate for getting your reader into the mindset.

Functions of the First Paragraph

The first paragraph of a synthesis essay serves several key functions:

1. Introduction of the Topic: It provides background information on the topic to set the context.

2. Presentation of Diverse Views: It may briefly present different perspectives on the topic, which will later be synthesized in the essay.

3. Thesis Statement: Most importantly, the first paragraph should include the thesis statement – a concise summary of the main argument or point of view that the essay will defend.

4. Engagement: The opening paragraph should also be crafted to engage the reader's interest and provide a clear roadmap for what to expect in the following sections.

Benefits of the First Paragraph

• It grabs the reader's attention
• It introduces the reader to your topic
• It gives necessary background information
• It prepares the reader for what is coming
• It provides a roadmap for the essay

First Paragraph Sentence Starters

The first paragraph should include a hook, an introduction to the topic, a statement or question of your purpose, and a thesis statement. Together, these elements grab your reader's attention and prepare them for the rest of the essay.

To begin, you need a sentence starter. Really, this means you need a hook.

Attention-Grabbing Hook

Imagine you are fishing. You carefully dig through your tackle box, looking for the perfect lure. The lure you choose is meant to catch the eye of big fish. It will bring the fish to your hook so you can capture it!

In writing, an attention-grabbing opening is called an essay hook. It captures the attention of your reader. It draws them to your argument. It makes them want to read more.

Once you've gotten your reader, you need to craft the rest of your first paragraph. Here's how.

Writing the First Paragraph

To write the first paragraph, start with a broad overview, narrow it down by explaining your topic, and then get specific with your purpose and thesis statement. Think of writing the first paragraph as working from a broad subject to a specific argument. Each sentence should make your topic more specific.

Take a look at the graphic below to get an idea of how you should approach the first paragraph. Then, follow the steps listed below to try and write your own.

Fig. 1 - Follow the Steps for writing your first paragraph,

1. Start Broad

Imagine someone asked you what you are writing about. You would start out with a broad overview of the subject, right? For example, you might say "I'm writing about climate change." Then, you might give some interesting facts about climate change to show this person why your subject matters.

Approach the first paragraph in the same way. Take 5 minutes to write down the basics of your subject. What is your subject in general? Don't think about the specifics or the argument just yet. Focus on the big picture.

Add a hook to the beginning of the paragraph. This should be broad too. For example, you might state a surprising fact about climate change.

2. Narrow It Down

Now that you've got the reader's interest, it's time to be clear about the specific topic of your paper. Take another five minutes to write down the following:

• Who are you writing about?
• What are you writing about?
• When are you writing about?
• Where are you writing about?

Summarize your answers in 1-3 sentences. This is the introduction part of the first 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.

3. Get Specific

Now it's time to get to the point. Exactly what will you say in this essay?

Write 1-2 sentences summarizing the purpose of your essay. Are you comparing texts? Analyzing the character usage in a novel? Offering a solution to a problem? Make it clear what you intend to do in this essay.

Now, state your main point in a one-sentence thesis statement. What is the one idea you want your reader to get from this essay? This sentence can be a little longer than the others. It should be very clear what your main point is. The rest of the essay will all connect to it.

4. Put It All Together

Take the sentences you created for Steps 1-3, and put them together into one paragraph. You might need to tweak some things, but that's okay! You can always revise the first paragraph to make it flow smoothly. The important thing is that you have the important stuff written out. Take a moment to celebrate!

Examples of First Paragraphs

No two examples of a first paragraph look the same. As you review the example, think about which type of first paragraph you need.

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?

Use this color key to identify the different parts of each example:

Expository First Paragraph Example

Have you ever concentrated on something so hard that you lose track of time and don't even notice? You are not alone! The psychological concept of flow is a state of mind in which one is fully immersed in an activity or experience. When in a state of flow, things might seem more interesting, energizing, or engaging than expected. What causes flow, and what are its effects? According to scientists, flow is only achieved by the correct balance of skill, enjoyment, and challenge; it influences how people choose to spend their time, and it is a key factor in whether a person pursues a challenge or not.

Argumentative First Paragraph Example

Despite common belief, healthcare workers do not always love their jobs. Although there are personal rewards that come from helping people, many healthcare workers suffer from burnout early in their careers. Mismanagement, limited funds, overcrowded hospitals, and long hours are just a few of the hardships they face every day. One might argue that the best solution to this problem is to simply pay healthcare workers more money. However, people in healthcare professions need more than just money; they need healthier work environments that include more support, increased communication, and extra funding for supplies and assistance.

Analytical First Paragraph Example

"Your only shame is to have shame." These are the words Amy Tan's mother says to her in her essay, "Fish Cheeks." In "Fish Cheeks," Tan tells the story of an embarrassing Christmas Eve dinner when she was fourteen years old. The author's use of imagery and a sentimental tone illustrate her complicated relationship with her family's culture. To convey the lessons her mother taught her about loving herself with her culture rather than despite her culture, Tan uses the imagery of "strange" foods that embarrassed her, even though she later admits they are her favorites.

Comparative First Paragraph Example

Climate change currently causes over 150,000 deaths per year. Clearly, climate change is not a problem of the future. It is a problem right now. In his article on the need for climate-focused business practice, Author A argues climate change can be slowed down by sustainable business practices. In her article on the future of climate change, Author B suggests businesses alone cannot impact the future of climate change. In comparing the arguments of Author A and Author B, it becomes clear that this issue is much more complicated than one might think. Both authors agree that sustainable practices are important for addressing climate change, but while Author A believes businesses should be the biggest contributors to that change, Author B believes it is too late to expect them to do so; she argues that everybody will have to work toward sustainability together.

Transitioning from the First Paragraph

To transition from the first paragraph, consider what point you want to make first. The second paragraph (the first body paragraph) should focus on one subpoint.

To transition from the first paragraph, write a topic sentence that states the point of your second paragraph. What is the one idea you want the reader to understand from the second paragraph?

Now, look at the topic sentence of your second paragraph. Does it clearly connect to the thesis statement in the first paragraph? If not, think of ways to tweak either the topic sentence or the thesis statement. It should always be clear how they relate to each other.

Once you understand the relationship, use a transition to bind the ideas together!