5 Writing Tips to Improve Your First Paragraph

BY DEVON DENOTO, APOLLON EDITOR, FALL 2020

1. STRONG HOOK

If you want the reader to make it to page two, your first two lines must pull them in. Consider beginning with a direct statement. Hovering around your argument using words such as “could have” or “might” only weakens your paper. Make sure your first two sentences are concise and to the point. That doesn’t mean that they must be short, but the wordier they are the less clear they will be. You want to ease the reader into the paper with clarity while being direct.

2. CLEAR THESIS

Sometimes the thesis isn’t declared in the first paragraph depending on the type of paper being written, but oftentimes editors look for the thesis in the last sentence of your first or second paragraph. Make sure your thesis is a statement. It must present a clear argument that can be refuted. If the answer to your thesis is “easy” to determine, then what’s the point of arguing for it? The best papers pose difficult arguments, which the author then supports with solid evidence.

3. PROPER GRAMMAR

Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in your first paragraph give a very bad first impression. Be sure to look out for run-on sentences, the capitalization of proper nouns, and proper punctuation.

4. BACKGROUND INFO

If your paper discusses people, places or things that are not considered to be common knowledge then it’s a good idea to provide a short description or intro to your subjects. When introducing key figures it’s also important to include their dates the first time they are mentioned. (Ex: Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)) Also, briefly introduce the major points you are going to make later in the paper. This will help establish a clear foundation for your paper.

5. WRITE YOUR (OFFICIAL) INTRO LAST

Sometimes introductions are daunting and we find ourselves not knowing where to start. Beginning with a rough outline can help get the ball rolling. Make some bullet points of your main ideas and construct a working thesis that you can go back and revise later. Sometimes you’ll find loads to write about on a point that strays from your original idea. That’s okay! If that happens just be sure to go back and revise your intro/thesis to make sure the paper flows coherently.