6 tips for conquering the essay opener

Staring at the blank page can be daunting, and also one of the most discouraging parts of writing. Now, it  has never been easier for kids to outsource that messy and difficult "ideas phase" to AI just to get the first line down. But bypassing that initial friction does not just save time. It shortchanges their brain.

So here are six quick and simple starter tips to help them overcome the first line obstacle. Keep in mind that some of these tips can overlap. For instance, a question can contain a stat, and an anecdote can include a date. These tips aren't rules - they're triggers to help the brainstorming process.

1. The poignant quote

Start with a quote to instantly show your insight on the topic. But, ensure the quote is relevant to the essay theme - and that the author is respected:

> Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

2. The astonishing stat

Find a stand-out stat that will make a reader go whaaat? It's important to verify the stat with a credible source and provide the sourcing to the reader.

> More than 62% of college students admit they cheat on tests.

(You can follow-up with the source - for example, the next sentence can start with: According to a recent poll by...)

3. The intriguing question

Begin with a question that provokes thought and introduces the wider essay topic. Depending on the question, you can either answer it or not:

> What would you do if you could go back in time and change history?
> Should skateboarding become a permanent Olympic sport? Absolutely.

4. The fascinating fact

Choose a compelling fact that you think your reader wouldn't already know and that would inspire them to read on. You will need to verify that your fact is accurate and provide evidence for it, either in your essay or in your references/bibliography/footnotes.

> Did you know that octopuses can build their own underwater armour?

5. The notable timeline

Start with a date or a timeline. It can be either historical, futuristic or rooted in present times. The trick is making sure it will pique a reader's curiosity.

> Within the next 20 years, the first human may set foot on Mars.
> In 1912, the Titanic was declared unsinkable.

6. The anecdote

Engage readers by telling a story in your introduction. It could be a historical story or a personal story if it's a personal story in a first-person essay. They story can be funny, inspiring, even sad - just make sure it reflects where you want to take your essay.

> When I was eight years old, I came face to face with a grizzly.

> After her car broke down during a business trip, a woman went to the 7 p.m. showing of The Dark Mirror at the Roseland Theatre in Nova Scotia - and ended up spending the night in jail.

(The story of Viola Desmond, a Canadian woman who became a civil rights pioneer, would then follow this opener.)

And here's the number 1 tip:

Don't be afraid to take a risk! It's how we figure out what works and what doesn't.