Can I Start A Paper With A Question?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can I start a paper with a question? You can start an with anything you want to;

starting an essay with a question is actually one of the more popular methods of starting an essay

. This is due to the question captivating the reader's attention and wanting them to read on to see what is said.

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Can you begin an introduction with a question?

Question.

Start your introduction by asking a question you will answer in your paper

. Example: The media always talks about stem cell research and human cloning, but how much do these two issues really have to do with each other?

Can I start a paragraph with a question?


Asking a question in the first line of a paragraph grabs readers' attention and sets up your point

. Using an immediate, direct answer to make your point demonstrates a firm stance, emphasized by the confidence of a fragment.

Can you ask a question in the introduction of an essay?


You can ask a question in an essay provided the question leads to an idea

. The idea in this case should be the answer to the question you just asked. Don't ask a question to which you don't intend to give an answer. Instead of a direct rhetorical question in an essay, use a rhetorical statement.

What is a good way to start a paper?

  1. Share a shocking or amusing fact.
  2. Ask a question.
  3. Dramatize a scene.
  4. Kick it off with a quote.
  5. State your thesis directly.
  6. Pick the right tone for your essay.
  7. When you're stuck, work backwards.

Is it bad to start an essay with a question?


Questions are nice essay introductions because they ask the reader to think about your topic

. Engaging your reader is the goal of your opening essay paragraph: if they are not engaged right out of the gate, the rest of your essay, no matter how well-written will feel boring.

Is it bad to start a college essay with a question?

It is imperative, then, that the introduction to the college essay capture the reader's attention and make the reader want to read more. There are different ways to grab the reader.

Try starting with a question.

Can you start a topic sentence with a question?

Can a topic sentence be a question? Unlike the thesis statement,

this sentence can be written in the form of a question

. In such a case, the rest of the paragraph will be written as a response or answer.

Is it good to start a topic sentence with a question?

When you're writing an academic essay,

neither the thesis statement nor the topic sentences can be questions

. Instead, they need to be declarative statements that establish and advance your claim.

What should you not do in an essay?

  • Being too general/vague structure. …
  • Trying too hard to sound academic. …
  • Using doubtful sources. …
  • Copying and paste – a big NO! …
  • Forgetting to quote/reference. …
  • Forgetting to proofread. …
  • Using “slang wording' …
  • Not following task specifications.

How do you start an article with a question?

Writer Olga Khazan asks a question that's on everyone's mind, causing the reader to be instantly interested. We want to know the answer to that question, so we keep reading. That's why

a question is a great opening line. You can even use the question as the article title.

Why should one avoid asking questions in academic writing?

Often writers use rhetorical questions as a device to lead to an explanation. This is a bad idea in because

the implication is that you will answer the questions that you ask with the research, even if they are rhetorical

.

Which is not include in the introduction?

Introduction. Things NOT to do in an introductory paragraph: Apologize.

Never suggest that you don't know what you're talking about or that you're not enough of an expert in this matter that your opinion would matter.

How do I start my introduction?

  1. Start with a quotation.
  2. Open with a relevant stat or fun fact.
  3. Start with a fascinating story.
  4. Ask your readers an intriguing question.
  5. Set the scene.

What is the best word to start an essay with?

  • Words to use in your introduction. …
  • Firstly, secondly, thirdly. …
  • In view of; in light of; considering. …
  • According to X; X stated that; referring to the views of X. …
  • Adding information and flow.

What is a good paragraph starter?

Below is a list of possible sentence starters, transitional and other words that may be useful.

This essay discusses

… … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated … … is included …

What should you not start a college essay with?

  • Never rehash your academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
  • Never write about a “topic”
  • Never start with a preamble.
  • Never end with a “happily ever after” conclusion.
  • Never pontificate.
  • Never retreat into your thoughts.

What topics should you avoid in college essays?

  • Summary of your academic and personal achievements. …
  • A sports-related obstacle or success. …
  • An immigration story. …
  • Tragedies you've experienced. …
  • Overcoming a challenging course. …
  • Someone you look up to. …
  • A volunteer experience. …
  • Moving to a new home.

Can I start my essay with a definition?

A definition

Opening with a definition, like “Persistence is defined as…,”

will probably not be a strong start

. Your reader doesn't need you to define words, they need you to tell a story that will help them learn all about you. If your essay is about persistence, explain how you personified that trait.

Can a thesis start with a question?

It is an opening your writing that forms the subject or theme for the rest of the paper. A thesis statement actually answers the question “What is this about?” or “Why should I care?” for the reader. Therefore,

it can't present a question for the reader to answer

.

Can a question be a thesis?


A thesis statement is not a question

. A statement has to be debatable and prove itself using reasoning and evidence. A question, on the other hand, cannot state anything. It is a great lead into a thesis, but it is not a thesis statement.

Can my thesis topic be a question?

The search for a good thesis statement begins with a good research question. Your thesis is the answer to that question. As the thesis is a relatively long research paper,

a good research question should be sufficiently broad

. In general, this will mean avoiding “yes/no” questions or reframing such questions.

How do you write a strong opening sentence?

  1. Revealing Personal Information. …
  2. Mirroring the Reader's Pain. …
  3. Asking the Reader a Question. …
  4. Shock the Reader. …
  5. Intrigue the Reader.

What are forbidden writing words?

  • 1) Contractions. …
  • 2) Idioms. …
  • 3-5) “So on,” “etc,” “and so forth“ …
  • 6) Clichés. …
  • 7-11) “Thing,” “stuff,” “good,” “bad,” “big“ …
  • 12) Slang, jargon, teen speak. …
  • 13) Rhetorical questions.

How do you start an essay example?

  1. My first sentence is engaging and relevant.
  2. I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.
  3. I have defined any important terms.
  4. My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.
  5. Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

Why is it so hard for me to write essays?

The biggest reason writing an essay is so hard is because

we mostly focus on those external rewards like getting a passing grade, winning our teacher's approval, or just avoiding accusations of plagiarism

.

How do you introduce an article?

  1. List the title and the author.
  2. Summarize the article.
  3. Provide any necessary background.
  4. Explain the purpose of the source in your essay.
  5. Frame the source in the context of your own essay.
  6. Add a signal phrase to distinguish ideas from the source.

How do you introduce a question?

A single question contained in a sentence can also be

preceded by a colon as long as the word before the question is not a verb

. The question should start with a capital letter: The answer left us with another question: When can a question be preceded by a colon?

How do I start my introduction?

What is a good introduction question?

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? When you die, what do you want to be remembered for? What is your favorite item you've bought this year? What would be the most surprising scientific discovery imaginable?

Where do you put a question in an introduction?


The first one or two sentences of an introduction should directly address the question with a statement outlining your position regarding the topic

. Using the terminology of the question helps to keep the statement focussed and ensures that you have not misinterpreted or misrepresented it.

How do I start my introduction?

What is a good introduction question?

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? When you die, what do you want to be remembered for? What is your favorite item you've bought this year? What would be the most surprising scientific discovery imaginable?

Where do you put a question in an introduction?


The first one or two sentences of an introduction should directly address the question with a statement outlining your position regarding the topic

. Using the terminology of the question helps to keep the statement focussed and ensures that you have not misinterpreted or misrepresented it.

How do you start an essay introduction?

  1. Step 1: Hook your reader. Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook. …
  2. Step 2: Give background information. …
  3. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. …
  4. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. …
  5. Step 5: Check and revise.
Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.