How to start an essay: essential tips and knowledge.

Essay writing is one of the most important parts of the ENEM exam and university entrance exams in general, being evaluated based on criteria such as structure, cohesion, coherence, and mastery of standard written Portuguese. 

However, one of the biggest challenges for many students is precisely the beginning of the text. After all, how do you introduce the topic in a clear and engaging way, ensuring a good first impression?

If you also have this question, don't worry! In this post, we've gathered practical tips to help you build an effective introduction and achieve an even better grade on your essay, guaranteeing your acceptance into a competitive exam. undergraduate course. Let's go!

How do I write the introduction to an essay?

The introduction is one of the most important elements of an essay, as it is through it that you must capture the reader's attention and present your thesis clearly and objectively. This part of the text acts as an invitation to read, showing the path that will be followed throughout the argument.

The thesis, which should be stated in the introduction, is the central idea of your essay and should indicate your point of view regarding the proposed topic. It is crucial that it be well-defined, as it will serve as the basis for the entire development of the text. Furthermore, the introduction should be engaging and demonstrate that the author has knowledge of the subject, ensuring an impactful and persuasive beginning.

In developing the text, it will be necessary to defend this thesis through consistent arguments, based on data, historical facts, cultural references, or other forms of proof. The better structured the introduction, the more fluid and coherent the progression of ideas will be throughout the essay.

To ensure your introduction is effective, it's important to avoid lengthy explanations right at the beginning. Ideally, introduce the topic objectively, offering a brief context without delving into details that belong in the development section.

The thesis statement is the main idea of the essay, which should indicate your point of view regarding the... proposed theme. Later in the text, you should defend your thesis with well-constructed arguments.

Before transferring the text to the official sheet, it is highly recommended to create a draft. This step allows you to experiment with different introduction styles, better organize your ideas, and avoid making mistakes that could compromise your grade. 

Furthermore, Revising your draft helps ensure that your writing has cohesion, coherence, and a more fluid development.. Therefore, take a few minutes to plan your writing and test different approaches before drafting the final version.

First words: how to start your essay with confidence

When starting a text, many students face the dilemma of which words to use to kick things off. There are some expressions that frequently appear in essays and can be good alternatives for introducing the topic clearly and coherently. Check out some examples:

• “"Considering the current situation..."”
• “"Considering that..."”
• “"It is common knowledge that..."”
• “"At the moment…"”
• “"It is of fundamental importance..."”
• “"Contrary to what people think..."”

However, it is essential to use these expressions consciously, avoiding using them merely for memorization. Ideally, the introduction should always be aligned with the proposed theme and contribute to the construction of a cohesive and well-structured text.

Using quotations 

Another tip that can make your introduction more appealing is to use quotations, always citing the source or author. To do this, you will need to know key quotations, which can be used in a variety of topics. 

A good example of this are the articles of the Federal Constitution and the quotes of great thinkers. Here are some examples:

• Article 6 of the Federal Constitution: Social rights include education, health, food, work, housing, transportation, leisure, security, social security, protection of motherhood and childhood, and assistance to the destitute, as provided for in this Constitution.
• Article 205: Education, a right of all and a duty of the State and the family, shall be promoted and encouraged with the collaboration of society, aiming at the full development of the person, their preparation for the exercise of citizenship and their qualification for work. 
• “"Try to move the world – the first step will be to move yourself." - Plato. 
• “"The weak resort to violence, and the strong, to ideas." - Augusto Cury. 

To make a historical quote

Did you know that studying History can optimize your essayStarting the text by referencing the past enriches your argument and introduces the topic with more credibility.

At this point, you can begin the paragraph with "In the decade of..." or "In the old days...". Don't forget to present the historical fact clearly and connect it to the central theme of the essay.

Did you enjoy learning these tips on how to start an essay? Then, take the opportunity to download our [resource/guide/etc.]. e-book: 10 tips for writing well in college entrance exams and the ENEM (Brazilian National High School Exam).

Secure your place at university with a strong essay.

ESEG, part of the Etapa Group, is a higher education college recognized for its educational excellence in Brazil. 

Founded in 2006, we offer vocational courses e undergraduate courses in fields such as Administration, Law, Economics, Computer Engineering and Production Engineering, as well as MBA programs and short courses. 

The institution stands out for its modern infrastructure and personalized support for students, preparing them for the challenges of the professional market.

Are you interested in doing a business school or a degree in economicsCome to Eseg, the best. higher education college from São Paulo.